New Jersey Foreign LLC

How to Register a Foreign LLC in NJ

You’ll need to take several steps to successfully register your business as a Foreign LLC in New Jersey. Below, we’ll break down everything you need to know.

1. Obtain a Certificate of Good Standing

Before your LLC can conduct business in New Jersey, you’ll need to demonstrate that your LLC is up-to-date on payments and taxes in your home state. You can get a Certificate of Good Standing (or your state’s equivalent) from the state department where you filed your original formation documents. The cost of ordering a certificate will vary between states. For example, New York charges $25, and Pennsylvania assesses $40.

2. Appoint a New Jersey Registered Agent

All foreign LLCs in New Jersey are required to have a registered agent. Your registered agent must be a resident of New Jersey or a company authorized to provide registered agent service. In addition, your registered agent must be available during regular business hours to accept service of process. When you hire us to register your foreign LLC, we’ll provide a year of local registered agent service.

3. Make sure your business name is available

Unfortunately, your LLC’s name may not be available in New Jersey. Because the name of your New Jersey foreign LLC must be distinguishable from other local companies, you’ll want to conduct a business name search to see if your exact business name is available. If your business name is available, consider reserving it by filing a Business Name Reservation before registering your foreign LLC. The filing fee is $50.

If your business name is unavailable, you must establish a DBA (doing business as) name before filing your Certificate of Authority. Once you’ve chosen a DBA, you’ll need to list your DBA name, along with the legal name of your LLC.

4. File a Certificate of Authority

Once you’ve confirmed your business name is available and appointed your New Jersey registered agent, you can file your Certificate of Authority. Here’s a quick breakdown of everything you need to include:

• Legal name of your LLC and DBA (if applicable).
• State where you initially formed your LLC.
• Date you initially formed your LLC.
• Business purpose (optional).
• Principal business address—this does not have to be in New Jersey.
• Name and address of your New Jersey registered agent.
• Name and signature of the person filing your Certificate of Authority.

The filing fee for the Certificate of Authority is $125 plus $3.50 for credit card payments. You may file online, by mail, fax, or in person.

Online:
New Jersey Online Business Formation

Mail/Fax:
New Jersey Department of the Treasury
Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services
PO Box 308
Trenton, NJ 08646

In-person:
33 West State Street, 5th Floor
Trenton, NJ 08608

When you hire us to register your foreign LLC in New Jersey, we’ll handle the paperwork and provide local, professional registered agent service for just $149 plus state fees. We guarantee you won’t find a better deal. Register your Foreign LLC in New Jersey today.

New Jersey Foreign LLC FAQs

What is a foreign LLC in New Jersey?

A foreign LLC is a limited liability company that was formed in one state but operates in another. For example, let’s say you own an LLC in New York but plan to open a branch of your company just across the Hudson, in New Jersey. In order to legally operate your business here in the Garden State, you’ll need to register as a foreign LLC. This requires filing a Certificate of Authority with the New Jersey Department of the Treasury, Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.

Can I just form a new LLC in New Jersey?

If you own a limited liability in another state and want to do business in New Jersey, you can absolutely form a new New Jersey LLC. However, it’s generally easier and less expensive to register as a foreign LLC.

How long does it take to process my Certificate of Authority?

The state will typically process online filings in 1-2 business days. If you need expedited service, you must file in person and pay an additional $25 for same-day processing, $500 for two hours, and $1000 for 1-hour. Mail and fax submissions can take up to a month.

Do New Jersey Foreign LLCs need to file an annual report?

All foreign New Jersey LLCs are required to file an annual report each year. The due date is the last day of the month you initially registered your business in New Jersey. So, if you filed your Certificate of Authority on April 25th, 2022, your annual report would be due by April 30th each year your business is active in the state. The filing fee is $75.

How are foreign LLCs taxed in New Jersey?

Foreign LLCs who maintain their default tax status are taxed as pass-through entities. So, any profits the LLC earns will pass through to each member, who will claim their shares on their personal income taxes—both at the state and federal level.