Georgia LLC Foreign Qualification

Georgia LLC Foreign Qualification

Steps to Georgia LLC Foreign Qualification:

  1. Determine the name you will use for your LLC in Georgia. The name must adhere to Georgia state law and must be distinguishable from all other entities already registered in the state. If your name is already in use by another company, you will need to select a different name to register.
  2. To begin a foreign LLC qualification in Georgia, you submit an Application for Certificate of Authority with the Georgia Corporations Division. This can be filed online, in person, or by mail. There is a non-refundable $225 filing fee. When you file the Application, you must appoint a Georgia registered agent to accept service of process in the state.
  3. Await processing. Typical processing time in Georgia is seven business days, although online filings are generally processed more quickly.
  4. After you register a foreign LLC, you will be required to file an Annual Registration every year. The filing period is between January 1 and April 1. The filing fee is $50. Annual Registrations can be filed online.

Georgia Foreign LLC Qualification Quick Facts

Filing Document: Application for Certificate of Authority

Filing Fee: $225

Filing Agency: Georgia Corporations Division

Online Filing: Yes

Processing Time: Seven Business Days

Annual Registration Due Date: April 1

Annual Registration Fee: $50

Can I Begin Business in Georgia Before Getting a Certificate of Authority?

Yes. But if you begin business, you will need to submit your Application within 30 days. Applications submitted after 30 days are subject to a statutory $500 penalty which cannot be waived for any reason.

If My Name is Already in Use, Do I Have to Choose a Completely Different Name for My LLC?

No. Georgia state code OCGA §14-11-705 allows for a foreign LLC to make its name distinguishable from other companies already registered by adding, in parenthesis, a word, abbreviation, or other distinguishing element (such as the name of your original jurisdiction/home state). Thus, John Smith LLC can be made distinguishable by submitting the name John Smith LLC (Kansas).

Georgia Annual Registration

Once a foreign LLC qualification is complete, you must submit an Annual Registration each year to the Georgia Corporations Division. There is a $50 filing fee. The Annual Registration can be filed online.