North Dakota LLC Cost (2026): $135 Through FirstStop and a $50 Report Due November 15
By Frédéric Deltour, Entrepreneur and Business Consultant, 22+ years forming and operating companies.
Published: September 12, 2026 · Last updated: October 10, 2026
North Dakota is unusual in that its LLC annual report is due in the fall, on November 15, instead of in spring or on your formation anniversary. Formation costs $135, which is above the national middle, while the $50 yearly report keeps long-term costs modest. All filings go through FirstStop, the Secretary of State's online portal.
Filing the $135 Articles Through FirstStop
A North Dakota LLC is formed by filing Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. The fee is $135, and the filing is made online through FirstStop, which requires a free account. The $135 includes the state's charge for designating your registered agent on the articles.
The articles list the LLC's name, principal office, registered agent, and the name and address of at least one organizer. Once approved, you can download the filed document and certificate from your FirstStop account.
North Dakota's business records show your registered agent address publicly. $39 formation + $135 state fee, free registered agent for year one, then $125/yr.
$39 formation fee · Free registered agent for 12 months · Your address stays off public records · No data selling · No hidden fees
Form Your LLC with Northwest ($39) →Lowest 3-year cost we found: Northwest $289 vs Bizee $298 vs ZenBusiness $497 (service fees; state fees extra). Northwest also puts its address on your public filings instead of yours where the state allows.The November 15 Annual Report
Every North Dakota LLC files an annual report by November 15, starting the year after the LLC is formed. An LLC formed in March 2026 files its first report by November 15, 2027. The fee is $50, and the report confirms the LLC's managers or members, principal office, and registered agent. It is filed in FirstStop.
Late Fees, Termination, and Reinstatement
A report filed after November 15 adds a $50 late fee, doubling the cost to $100. If the report is still missing six months after the deadline, the Secretary of State can terminate the LLC's existence. Reinstating a terminated LLC costs $135, the same as forming a new one, plus every missed report and late fee. A lapse of one year therefore costs roughly five times the original $50.
Budgeting Around the Fall Deadline
Because the deadline is in November, an LLC formed early in the year goes almost two years before its first report. That makes year one look cheap and can make the first report easy to forget. Put November 15 on your calendar now, and note that it lands in the same season many owners are already doing year-end planning, which makes it a natural time to review the LLC's records.
North Dakota 3-Year Cost
| Scenario | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | 3-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Registered Agent | $174 ($135 + $39, RA free) | $175 ($50 report + $125 RA) | $175 (same) | $524 |
| ZenBusiness (Starter) | $234 ($135 + $0 + $99 RA) | $249 ($50 + $199 RA) | $249 (same) | $732 |
| DIY, self as registered agent | $135 (Articles of Organization) | $50 (annual report) | $50 (annual report) | $235 |
A DIY North Dakota LLC costs $235 in state fees over three years. The $289 extra with Northwest Registered Agent is registered agent service after year one, with reminders ahead of the November deadline.
Form your North Dakota LLC for $39 + $135 state fee.
Northwest Registered Agent: $39 formation, free Year 1 registered agent, compliance reminders, and your home address kept off public records.
Prefer a $0 upfront starter plan? Compare ZenBusiness (registered agent $199/yr).
When a North Dakota LLC may not be worth it yet: the $135 upfront fee is the main hurdle. If you are still testing an idea with minimal liability, start as a sole proprietor and form the LLC once you sign contracts, hire, or take on risk you do not want to carry personally.
Why I Choose Northwest Registered Agent
After forming 3 LLCs myself and helping clients through the process, I keep coming back to Northwest Registered Agent. Here is why:
- Remarkable Customer Support: Quick, human responses every time.
- Caring & Privacy-Focused: Genuine service with full respect for your privacy.
- Lightning-Fast Formation: Often faster than promised.
- Incredible Value: $39 includes a free business address, mail scanning, and more.
- Clear & Transparent: No hidden fees or surprises.
Ready to form your business? Choose Northwest today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in North Dakota?
$135 for the Articles of Organization, filed through FirstStop. With Northwest Registered Agent the first-year total is $174, including a free first year of registered agent service.
When is the North Dakota LLC annual report due?
November 15 each year, starting the year after formation. The fee is $50.
What is the late fee for a North Dakota annual report?
$50. If the report is still unfiled six months after the deadline, the LLC can be terminated.
How much does it cost to reinstate a North Dakota LLC?
$135 plus all missed annual reports and late fees.
Related Guides
- North Dakota LLC Formation: Complete Guide
- Best LLC Service in North Dakota
- LLC Formation Cost: What You'll Actually Pay
- Cheapest States to Form an LLC
In his 22 years of entrepreneurship, Frédéric Deltour has founded, grown and managed seven NGO's and international companies across diverse industries, including 3 LLCs formed using Northwest Registered Agent. He is a recognized therapist trainer, a published author, and has been featured in Le Parisien, IMDb, Goodreads, and international encyclopedias.
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