How To Start An LLC In North Dakota In 2025
Everything you need to know about forming an LLC in North Dakota, plus our expert-tested recommendations for the best formation services in the Peace Garden State.
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North Dakota offers a straightforward LLC formation process with reasonable costs. With a $135 state filing fee, energy and agriculture-driven economy, and processing times of about 5 business days, North Dakota provides a solid foundation for starting your LLC. Whether you're in Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, or anywhere else in the Peace Garden State, you can establish your North Dakota LLC efficiently.
Our top pick for North Dakota LLC formation is ZenBusiness. They streamline the North Dakota filing process through the FirstStop portal, include a year of free Worry-Free Compliance, and their $0 formation package means you only pay the $135 North Dakota state fee. With their expertise in North Dakota business law and excellent customer support, they handle all the details while you focus on your business.
Featured Partners
- Best filing & protections
- Fastest processing
- Free compliance for 1 yr
- Award-winning support
On ZenBusiness's Website
- Best for standard filing
- Fast processing options
- Free yr registered agent
- Lifetime company alerts
On Bizee's Website
- Best legal services
- Fast processing options
- AI legal forms
- Trusted since 1999
On LegalZoom's Website
- Best branding services
- Fast processing options
- Logo & website builder
- Establish your brand
On Tailor Brands's Website
Compare the Best North Dakota LLC Services of 2025
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and capabilities
| Feature | ZenBusiness Best Overall Value | Bizee Fastest Formation |  Inc Authority Free Formation | Tailor Brands Best for Branding | LegalZoom Best for Legal Support |  Rocket Lawyer Legal Documents |  BetterLegal Speed & Simplicity |  Active Filings Traditional Service |  Filenow Budget Option |  Northwest Basic Formation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $99.99 + state fees | $299 all-inclusive | $199 + state fees | $99 + state fees | $39 + state fees |
| Our Rating | 4.9 /5 | 4.6 /5 | 4.4 /5 | 4.3 /5 | 4.2 /5 | 4.0 /5 | 3.9 /5 | 3.8 /5 | 3.6 /5 | 3.4 /5 |
| Standard Processing | 7-10 days | 3 weeks | 7-10 days | 3 weeks | 5-14 days | 5-7 days | 2 days | 5-10 days | 7-10 days | 7-10 days |
| Rush Processing | 1 day +$79 | 1 day +$49 | 2 days +$99 | 1 day +$99 | Standard speed | 2 days +$100 | 3 days +$50 | |||
| Compliance Tools | Worry-Free Compliance Free 1st year | Alerts only Basic monitoring | Basic tools Included | Basic alerts Included | Premium only Extra cost | Document library With membership | Limited Basic support | Basic tools Limited | None Not available | None Not included |
| Registered Agent | $199/yr Not included | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr | Free Year 1 Then $199/yr | $119/yr Not included | $249/yr Not included | $149/yr Not included | Included In base price | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr | +$125/yr Not included | $125/yr Available |
| Operating Agreement | +$99 | +$99 | +$50 | Included | +$99 | Included | Included | +$99 | +$40 | +$39 |
| EIN Service | +$99 | +$70 | +$70 | Included | +$159 | +$99 | Included | +$70 | +$50 | +$70 |
| Customer Support | Phone, Chat, Email | Limited | Phone, Chat | Phone, Email | Phone, Chat | Phone, Chat | Phone, Email | Phone, Email | Email only | Email only |
| Mobile App | ||||||||||
| Attorney Access | ||||||||||
| Get Started | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → |
Note: State filing fees are additional for all services except where noted. Features and pricing may vary by state.
Our Top Picks for North Dakota LLC Services
Best Overall for North Dakota ZenBusiness excels at North Dakota LLC formation with their streamlined process through the state's FirstStop portal. They include their Worry-Free Compliance for the first year (saving you $199+), handle your Secretary of State registration, and provide ongoing compliance support. Their team understands North Dakota's November 15th annual report deadline and helps ensure you stay compliant with all state regulations.
Best For:
North Dakota entrepreneurs who want comprehensive support and reliable filing
Pros
- Streamlined North Dakota FirstStop portal filing
- Free Worry-Free Compliance for 1 year
- Includes North Dakota annual report reminder service
- Expert support familiar with North Dakota requirements
- 100% accuracy guarantee on North Dakota filings
- Free EIN and operating agreement with Pro plan
Cons
- Premium features require upgraded plans
- Registered agent is $199/year
Fast North Dakota Formation Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers efficient North Dakota LLC formation through the FirstStop portal. They provide a free North Dakota registered agent for the first year and their dashboard specifically tracks North Dakota's November 15th annual report deadline. Perfect for entrepreneurs who need their North Dakota LLC formed reliably and efficiently.
Best For:
North Dakota businesses needing efficient formation
Pros
- Fast North Dakota processing through FirstStop
- Free North Dakota registered agent for first year
- Lifetime company alerts for North Dakota compliance
- Dashboard tracks North Dakota annual reports
- Free business tools and templates
- No hidden fees on basic package
Cons
- Operating agreement costs extra
- Limited phone support hours
Best Legal Support in ND LegalZoom brings decades of experience with North Dakota business formation. Their attorney network includes North Dakota-licensed lawyers who can provide state-specific legal advice. While their add-ons are pricier, they're ideal for North Dakota businesses with complex legal needs or those who want the security of professional legal backing.
Best For:
North Dakota businesses needing ongoing legal support and guidance
Pros
- Attorney consultations for North Dakota law
- Expedited filing available for North Dakota
- Comprehensive North Dakota legal forms library
- Phone support with North Dakota expertise
- 30+ years serving North Dakota businesses
- Peace of mind guarantee
Cons
- North Dakota registered agent costs $249/year
- Operating agreement extra (+$99)
Best North Dakota Branding Package Tailor Brands combines North Dakota LLC formation with comprehensive branding tools. Perfect for North Dakota's agriculture and energy industries, they help establish your brand identity while handling the legal formation. Their packages include everything needed to launch a professional North Dakota business presence online and offline.
Best For:
North Dakota agricultural and energy businesses needing branding
Pros
- Logo design and branding included
- Website builder with North Dakota business info
- Business cards with North Dakota address
- Standard North Dakota processing
- EIN and operating agreement included
- Social media kit for North Dakota business
Cons
- Monthly subscription required
- No rush processing for North Dakota
Free North Dakota Formation Inc Authority offers genuinely free North Dakota LLC formation where you only pay the $135 state fee. They include a free North Dakota registered agent for the first year and handle all FirstStop portal filings. While processing is slower than competitors, they're perfect for North Dakota entrepreneurs prioritizing cost savings over speed.
Best For:
Budget-conscious North Dakota entrepreneurs
Pros
- Truly free North Dakota LLC formation
- Free North Dakota registered agent for first year
- Free tax consultation for North Dakota businesses
- Handles FirstStop portal filing
- No hidden fees on basic package
- North Dakota business forms included
Cons
- Processing takes 7-10 business days
- North Dakota registered agent renews at $119/year
- Aggressive upselling reported
Privacy Focused Northwest Registered Agent takes a minimalist approach to North Dakota LLC formation, focusing on privacy and straightforward service without the bells and whistles. They handle your North Dakota Secretary of State registration efficiently and provide registered agent services at competitive rates, making them ideal for business owners who prefer a simple, direct approach to LLC formation.
Best For:
North Dakota entrepreneurs who prioritize privacy and simple, no-frills service
Pros
- Strong privacy protection for North Dakota businesses
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Handles North Dakota FirstStop filing
- No aggressive marketing or upselling
- Straightforward North Dakota LLC process
- Low-cost registered agent service
Cons
- Email-only customer support
- No rush processing for North Dakota filings
- Limited business tools and resources
- Basic operating agreement template
All-Inclusive & Fast BetterLegal offers a streamlined approach to North Dakota LLC formation with their comprehensive $299 service package plus North Dakota's $135 state filing fee. With guaranteed fast turnaround and transparent pricing, they're perfect for entrepreneurs who want speed and simplicity without hidden costs in their North Dakota LLC formation process.
Best For:
North Dakota businesses needing everything done quickly with transparent pricing
Pros
- Guaranteed fast North Dakota formation
- Everything included: formation, EIN, operating agreement, registered agent
- Transparent flat-rate pricing structure
- North Dakota-specific compliance guidance
- No hidden fees or surprise costs
- Streamlined single-package approach
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than budget options
- State filing fees are additional cost
- Limited ongoing support after formation
- Fewer customization options
Legal Platform Rocket Lawyer goes beyond simple North Dakota LLC formation to provide a comprehensive legal platform. With access to North Dakota-licensed attorneys and an extensive library of legal documents, they're ideal for businesses that need ongoing legal support. While formation takes longer than specialized services, the added legal resources make it worthwhile for complex North Dakota business needs.
Best For:
North Dakota businesses anticipating ongoing legal needs and document creation
Pros
- Access to North Dakota-licensed attorneys
- Comprehensive legal document library
- Ongoing legal support beyond formation
- Rush North Dakota processing available (additional fee)
- North Dakota business law resources
- Attorney consultations included with membership
Cons
- Monthly membership required for best value
- North Dakota formation takes 5-7 business days
- Higher costs compared to formation-only services
- Complex pricing structure
Traditional Service Active Filings provides reliable North Dakota LLC formation with a focus on personal service and phone support. While their pricing is higher than newer competitors, they offer a traditional approach that many North Dakota business owners appreciate, with knowledgeable representatives who understand North Dakota's specific LLC requirements and annual reporting deadlines.
Best For:
North Dakota entrepreneurs who prefer phone support and traditional business services
Pros
- Phone support with North Dakota expertise
- First year registered agent included
- Rush processing available for North Dakota
- Traditional, reliable service approach
- North Dakota annual report reminders
- Basic compliance tools included
Cons
- Higher starting price than competitors
- Limited online tools and resources
- Standard processing takes 5-7 days
- Fewer modern business features
Compliance Specialists Harbor Compliance specializes in the ongoing administrative and compliance aspects of North Dakota business ownership. While their basic LLC formation is straightforward, their real strength lies in helping established North Dakota businesses navigate complex regulatory requirements, making them ideal for companies planning significant growth or those with specialized compliance needs.
Best For:
North Dakota businesses with complex compliance needs or planning to expand
Pros
- Specialized in ongoing North Dakota compliance
- Corporate services and advanced structures
- North Dakota annual report filing services
- Business licensing assistance
- Registered agent services statewide
- Focus on regulatory requirements
Cons
- Higher fees for premium services
- Complex pricing for basic formation
- Longer processing times (7-10 days)
- Limited customer support hours
North Dakota LLC Requirements & Steps
What You Need to Form a North Dakota LLC
- ✓ Unique LLC Name: Must include "Limited Liability Company," "L.L.C.," or "LLC" and be distinguishable from other North Dakota businesses
- ✓ North Dakota Registered Agent: Required by law - must have a North Dakota street address (no P.O. boxes)
- ✓ Articles of Organization: Filed with North Dakota Secretary of State through FirstStop portal
- ✓ EIN (Federal Tax ID): Required to open a business bank account and hire employees
- ✓ Operating Agreement: Not required by North Dakota but highly recommended
- ✓ Annual Report: Due by November 15th each year after formation
North Dakota LLC Costs
- • State Filing Fee: $135 (reasonable compared to national average)
- • Registered Agent: $100-$300/year (or free first year with most services)
- • EIN: Free from IRS, $50-$150 through formation services
- • Annual Report: $50 per year (due by November 15th)
- • Business License: Varies by city/county ($50-$400)
North Dakota LLC Timeline
- • Name Approval: Instant online check via FirstStop portal
- • Processing Time: 5 business days standard
- • EIN Application: Instant online or 4 weeks by mail
- • Total Time to Launch: 5-10 business days with standard service
Why Form Your LLC in North Dakota?
Business Tax Advantages
- • Primary sector business income tax exemptions available
- • Personal property tax exemptions
- • Low annual report fee ($50)
- • Sales tax exemptions for manufacturing equipment
Strong Economy
- • Energy industry leadership
- • Robust agriculture sector
- • Growing technology presence
- • Low unemployment rates
Legal Protections
- • Asset protection for LLC members
- • Charging order protection
- • Privacy for member information
- • Flexible management structure
Easy Administration
- • Reasonable state filing fee ($135)
- • User-friendly FirstStop portal
- • Minimal ongoing requirements
North Dakota LLC Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in North Dakota?
The North Dakota state filing fee is $135. Additional costs include a registered agent ($100-$300/year, though many services offer the first year free), EIN application (free from IRS or $50-$150 through a service), and the annual report fee of $50. Most North Dakota entrepreneurs spend between $135-$500 total to form their LLC, depending on which services they choose.
Do I need a registered agent for my North Dakota LLC?
Yes, North Dakota law requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a North Dakota street address (P.O. boxes are not acceptable). The registered agent receives legal documents and official state correspondence on behalf of your LLC. You can serve as your own registered agent if you have a North Dakota address, but most business owners use a professional service for privacy and reliability. Some services include the first year free.
How long does it take to form an LLC in North Dakota?
North Dakota processes LLC formations within 5 business days when filed through the FirstStop portal online. With formation services like ZenBusiness or Bizee, the entire process is streamlined and your North Dakota LLC can be approved within the standard processing timeframe. Online filing through FirstStop is faster than mail filing.
What is North Dakota's annual report requirement?
North Dakota LLCs must file an annual report by November 15th each year, starting the year after formation. The report costs $50 and can be filed online through the FirstStop portal. It updates your business information including address, registered agent, and member/manager details. Failure to file can result in involuntary termination. Most formation services provide reminders and some will file it for you.
Can I form a North Dakota LLC if I don't live in North Dakota?
Yes, you don't need to be a North Dakota resident to form a North Dakota LLC. However, you must have a registered agent with a North Dakota street address. This is where professional registered agent services become essential for out-of-state business owners. Keep in mind you may also need to register as a foreign LLC in your home state if you're conducting business there.
What name requirements exist for North Dakota LLCs?
Your North Dakota LLC name must be unique and distinguishable from other businesses registered in the state. It must include "Limited Liability Company," "L.L.C.," or "LLC" at the end. You can check name availability instantly through the FirstStop portal. Certain words like "bank," "insurance," or "trust" may require additional approval. You can also reserve a name for a $10 fee if you're not ready to form your LLC yet.
Popular North Dakota Cities for LLCs
- • Fargo
- • Grand Forks
- • West Fargo
- • Valley City
- • Bismarck
- • Mandan
- • Devils Lake
- • Jamestown
- • Minot
- • Williston
- • Dickinson
- • Watford City
- • Wahpeton
- • Grafton
- • Beulah
- • Rugby
Ready to Start Your North Dakota LLC?
Join thousands of entrepreneurs who've successfully formed their North Dakota LLCs. Get started today with our top-rated formation services.