LLC Formation Cost in North Dakota (2026): Full Fee Breakdown
LLC Formation in North Dakota typically costs $310, with real-world totals ranging from $135 to $1,880 once 3 mandatory fees are included.
Updated September 4, 2026 · Typical turnaround 5 days · Estimates in USD
Price range
Low
$135
File yourself directly with the state; act as your own registered agent.
Average · typical
$310
Most people pay close to this once mandatory add-ons are included.
High
$1,880
Attorney-prepared filing, fastest expedite, commercial agent, drafted operating agreement, first-year recurring fees.
Estimate your out-of-pocket total
Pick your option and toggle the add-ons that apply to you.
Why the llc formation price varies so much
The headline "North Dakota LLC filing fee" is only the first line of the real cost. Between the state fee, registered-agent service, expedite tiers, and the recurring fees that come due in year one, a North Dakota LLC realistically costs between $135 and $1,880 to launch. The tables below itemize each fee, flag which ones are mandatory, and let you total up your own formation budget.
What drives the number in North Dakota
North Dakota's annual report is due November 15; the late penalty equals the fee itself. Official fee schedule: sos.nd.gov.
LLC Formation price by option
Base price for each tier before the add-on fees listed below.
| Option / tier | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| DIY filing (state fee only) | $135 |
| Budget formation service | $185 |
| Full-service formation (EIN + operating agreement) | $335 |
| Attorney-prepared formation | $1,040 |
Hidden fees and surcharges
Mandatory line items add about $185 on top of the base price. Optional items only apply if you use them.
| Line item | Status | Typical cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| State filing fee (Articles of Organization) | Mandatory | $135 | |
| Annual report (first year) | Mandatory | $50 | |
| EIN from the IRS | Mandatory | $0 | |
| Registered agent service (annual) | Optional | $125 | |
| Operating agreement (template or attorney) | Optional | $99 | |
| Late penalty (missed annual report) | Optional | $50 | |
| Mandatory add-ons total | $185 | ||
How to use this estimate
- Budget the mandatory column first: it is the amount you cannot avoid in year one. Everything in the optional column is a choice — you can be your own registered agent and draft your own operating agreement.
- Only pay for expedited processing if a bank account or contract deadline depends on it; standard online filings are usually processed within days.
- Put the recurring deadline on your calendar the day you file. Late penalties and loss of good standing cost more than the recurring fee itself.
LLC Formation in North Dakota: questions people ask
How much does it cost to form an LLC in North Dakota?
The North Dakota state filing fee is $135. A realistic first-year total including a registered agent and the first recurring filing is about $310; using an attorney and the fastest expedite pushes it toward $1,880.
What are the annual fees for a North Dakota LLC?
Each year a North Dakota LLC pays $50 for the annual report — $50 in total before any registered agent fee. North Dakota's annual report is due November 15; the late penalty equals the fee itself.
Can I expedite LLC formation in North Dakota?
North Dakota does not sell a formal expedite tier; online filings are typically processed within a few business days at the standard $135 fee.
Do I need a registered agent for a North Dakota LLC?
Yes, every North Dakota LLC must list a registered agent with a physical in-state address. You can act as your own agent at no cost, or hire a commercial service for $49–$299 per year (about $125 is typical).
What happens if I miss the North Dakota annual report deadline?
North Dakota charges a $50 late penalty, and continued non-filing leads to loss of good standing and eventually administrative dissolution, which costs more to reverse than the original fee.
Is North Dakota an expensive state to form an LLC in?
North Dakota's $135 filing fee compares with a national low of $35 (Montana) and highs of $500 (Massachusetts). Counting recurring costs, North Dakota owes $50 per year to the state, versus $800+ in California and $0 in states like Missouri and New Mexico.