Iowa LLC Foreign Qualification

Iowa LLC Foreign Qualification

Steps to Iowa LLC Foreign Qualification:

  • Pick a name for your LLC to use in Iowa. The name cannot already be in use by another entity in Iowa.
  • To register a foreign LLC, you must file an Application for Certificate of Authority. You file this document with the Secretary of State. There is a $100 filing fee. When filling out the Application, you must appoint a registered agent in Iowa to accept service of process on behalf of your LLC.
  • Include with your Application for Certificate of Authority a Certificate of Existence from your home state.
  • Await processing. Filings generally take one to three days to be processed.
  • Once your foreign LLC qualification is complete, you will be required to file a Biennial Report every two years with the Secretary of State. This must be filed between January 1 and April 1. There is a $45 filing fee ($30 online).

Foreign LLC Registration Quick Facts

Iowa Registered Agent

An Iowa registered agent is required by law to provide a physical street address within the state, known as a registered office. The registered office must be kept open during regular business hours.

At the registered office, an agent must:

  • Accept and sign for service of process and important business mail
  • Contact clients when documents are accepted
  • Forward documents to clients in a timely manner

Your registered agent will also act as the main point of contact between your LLC and the Secretary of State.

How Do I Get a Certificate of Existence?

A Certificate of Existence (also called a Certificate of Good Standing) is issued by your home jurisdiction’s Secretary of State office. You must contact that office and request the document. The Certificate certifies the existence of your LLC and that your company is currently in good standing in its home state (has paid all of its taxes).

Biennial Report

After a foreign LLC qualification is complete, you must file a Biennial Report every two years. The first report must be filed in the first odd-numbered year the year after you registered (a foreign LLC that registered in 2014 would file first in 2015). The report is due between January 1 and April 1.

There is a $45 filing fee, but the fee is reduced to $30 if filed online.