The explanation · North Dakota
3 Best LLC Services in North Dakota (2026), Explained
The essentials
- Fee to file
- $135, at filing only
- Following years
- $50 yearly
- Registered agent
- Yes, required
- Services we suggest
- ND Registered Agents.org, Mainstay Filing then North Dakota Registered Agent.co
The North Dakota shortlist
Order and weights are explained on how we pick.1. ND Registered Agents.org: best for budget-minded owners
$199 up front, $99 annually after that
ND Registered Agents.org comes out on top: forming costs $199, and the agent renews each year at $99.
A lower three-year total than Mainstay Filing gives it the lead for a company that stays put.
Its price leaves out the annual report.
Includes
- State filing done for you
- Agent included for the first year
Points in its favor
- $99 each year from year two
- The agent is free for the first year
- Forms the LLC for $199
Where it falls short
- Annual report is your responsibility
- Charges $99 to apply for the EIN
2. Mainstay Filing: best for a single price for the whole upkeep
Annual price $199, renewal price $199, state fee extra
Mainstay Filing takes the second slot: $199 a year covers the formation, the registered agent and every annual report.
It costs $200 more than ND Registered Agents.org across three years, and cost weighs the most in our ranking.
The annual report is filed for you, and the $50 the state charges is passed through at cost.
Includes
- Articles prepared and submitted
- Registered agent all year long
- Annual report handled when due
- The EIN application
- Official fees at cost
Points in its favor
- $199 annually for everything listed
- Renewal is $199
- No extra fee for the EIN application
Where it falls short
- Renews $100 higher than ND Registered Agents.org
3. North Dakota Registered Agent.co: best for a low agent renewal
$199 up front, $99 annually after that
Our third recommendation, North Dakota Registered Agent.co, earns it since forming costs $199, and the agent renews each year at $99.
Its price leaves out the annual report.
It charges exactly what ND Registered Agents.org charges; either would serve you well.
Includes
- State filing done for you
- Agent included for the first year
Points in its favor
- $99 each year from year two
- Forms the LLC for $199
- The agent is free for the first year
Where it falls short
- Annual report is your responsibility
- Charges $99 to apply for the EIN
Comparison table
| # | Company | Year one | Renewal price | Total, 3 years | What you get | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ND Registered Agents.org | $199 | $99/yr | $397 | state filing done for you; agent included for the first year | See ND Registered Agents.orgPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
| 2 | Mainstay Filing | $199 | $199/yr | $597 | articles prepared and submitted; registered agent all year long; annual report handled when due | See Mainstay FilingPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
| 3 | North Dakota Registered Agent.co | $199 | $99/yr | $397 | state filing done for you; agent included for the first year | See North Dakota Registered Agent.coPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
What owners want to know
How much money should I set aside?
The state charges $135. A service adds $199 in the first year.
Across three years the state's fees add up to $235, filing fee included. see sos.nd.gov, October 2026
Who receives the filing?
The North Dakota Secretary of State receives the Articles of Organization, and that is what creates the LLC.
Legal basis: N.D. Cent. Code § 10-32.1-20. see sos.nd.gov, October 2026
Does the LLC need a registered agent?
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.
A commercial registered agent listed with the Secretary of State, or a noncommercial agent: a North Dakota resident, or an entity registered with the Secretary of State that has a North Dakota business office. A business cannot serve as its own agent.
see ndlegis.gov, October 2026
What does upkeep involve?
What recurs is the annual report: annual, $50. In the state's words it falls due November 15, so keep an eye on it.
Late reports cost $50 more.
see sos.nd.gov, August 2026
Can I do the filing without help?
Yes, and the cost is then the state's $235 over three years.
Services charge $397 to $597 over three years for that work.
Why is the order what it is?
ND Registered Agents.org leads on what three years cost, a criterion that carries 34% of the weight.
What three years cost carries 34% and how much work the price handles carries 28%. Three smaller criteria decide close calls.
ND Registered Agents.org comes to $397 across three years, $200 less than Mainstay Filing.
Official North Dakota requirements
| What it covers | Fee or rule | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of filing | $135 | see sos.nd.gov, October 2026 |
| Registered agent | Yes, required | see ndlegis.gov, October 2026 |
| Annual report | $50 every year | see sos.nd.gov, August 2026 |
| Paid to the state in three years | $235 | Computed from the lines above |
Other things people ask
Is the EIN covered?
With Mainstay Filing it is free. ND Registered Agents.org: $99 extra. North Dakota Registered Agent.co: $99 extra.
How much is a late filing?
A penalty of $50 applies.
How much is each one after three years?
ND Registered Agents.org at $397, Mainstay Filing at $597, North Dakota Registered Agent.co at $397, and state fees come extra.
What are your sources?
North Dakota's official documents supply the state fees, and the companies' price pages supply the service fees.
Do I have to hire a service?
It is optional, and the state charges the same either way.
Which one should I choose in North Dakota?
ND Registered Agents.org ranks first on what three years cost, ahead of Mainstay Filing and North Dakota Registered Agent.co.
Where the facts come from
- August 2026 confirmation of North Dakota Secretary of State at sos.nd.gov
- August 2026 confirmation of North Dakota Secretary of State at sos.nd.gov
- August 2026 confirmation of North Dakota report due date at ndlegis.gov
- October 2026 confirmation of North Dakota formation fee: Filing at sos.nd.gov
- October 2026 confirmation of North Dakota registered agent statute at ndlegis.gov
- ND Registered Agents.org pricing page, read November 13, 2026
- Mainstay Filing North Dakota service page, read November 13, 2026
- North Dakota Registered Agent.co pricing page, read November 13, 2026