How to Register a Foreign Corporation in Montana

Steps to Foreign Corporation Qualification in Montana:

To qualify a foreign corporation in Montana, you must file an Application for Certificate of Authority with the Montana Secretary of State and pay the $70 filing fee. Since you must list the name your company will use in Montana, the first step in the process of foreign qualification is to check for name availability.

A business entity name search on the Secretary of State website will help you determine whether or not your corporation’s name is already registered to another entity. If your company’s name is already registered to another entity, you will need to select a different name to register.

An Application for Certificate of Authority also requires the designation of a Montana registered agent. Your registered agent must have a physical street address within the state of Montana.

Included with the Application, you must submit a current Certificate of Existence from your home state.

Applications can be mailed, faxed or hand delivered. Processing time is generally within 10 business days, although expedited options are available. After a foreign corporation registration is complete, the corporation must file an Annual Report each year by April 15. The filing fee is $15 and can be filed online.

Montana Foreign Corporation Registration Quick Facts:

Registration Document: Application for Certificate of Authority
Filing Fee: $70
Registering Agency: Montana Secretary of State
Online Filing: No
24 Hour Expedite: $20
1 Hour Expedite: $100
Annual Report Due: April 15
Annual Report Fee: $20

Is the Information on My Application Public?

Yes. All information provided on business documents is made part of the public record in Montana, including the names and addresses listed on the Application.

What is a Noncommerical Registered Agent?

A noncommercial Montana registered agent is an individual or business that provides registered agent service but does not do so as its main business. Usually, these are ma and pa type services. Noncommercial agents have not registered with the Secretary of State.

Corproate Filing Solutions is a commercial Montana registered agent. This is our main service. We have registered with the Secretary of State and paid the appropriate fee. We serve clients in Montana and all over the nation.

What Happens If My Annual Report is Late?

A late fee of $20 will be assessed. Continued failure, however, to file an Annual Report will result in the revocation of your Certificate of Authority.