LLC Registration Requirements in the USA

The requirements to register an LLC in the USA are short. A state wants a name, an address in the state, a registered agent, a filing and a fee. It does not ask for a visa, a Social Security Number or a trip to the US. This guide lists what you need before you start, what a non-resident needs in addition, and what happens after the LLC exists. When you are ready, register your LLC online with us.

What every LLC needs

• A name that is available. It must be different from the names already registered in the state and must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company".
• A registered agent. A person or company with a street address in the state, available during business hours to receive legal papers.
• One or more owners, called members. There is no minimum number, so one person can own an LLC. Some states ask for the members or managers to be listed on the filing, and others do not.
• The formation document. Usually called the Articles of Organization. It is filed with the state, normally online.
• The state filing fee. It goes to the state and varies widely. See the LLC filing fees by state page.
• A business purpose. Most states accept a general purpose such as "any lawful business". A few ask for more detail.

What is not required

• US citizenship, residency or a visa.
• A Social Security Number to form the LLC. It is needed only for some tax forms, and an owner without one can apply for an EIN another way.
• An office in the US. The registered agent's address is the address the state needs.
• A minimum amount of money in the company.
• A lawyer.

Extra points for a non-resident owner

• You need an EIN, which is the company's tax number from the IRS. It is applied for without an SSN. See our EIN service and the IRS Employer ID Numbers page.
• A foreign-owned single-member LLC files an information return with the IRS every year, even when it owes no tax. Missing it carries a penalty. See US LLC tax filing.
• Your own country may tax what the company earns. Ask an accountant who knows both countries.
• A US bank may take longer to open an account for a non-resident. See US business bank account.

The whole process is explained for non-residents on our LLC formation for non-residents page.

Documents and details to have ready

1. The company name you want, and one or two backups.
2. The state you will form it in.
3. The owners' full names and addresses.
4. A passport or other photo ID for each owner.
5. A short description of what the business will do.

What you need after the LLC exists

• An operating agreement, which records who owns what and how the company is run.
• An EIN.
• A business bank account, so the company's money stays separate from yours.
• The yearly state report or tax if your state has one, and the registered agent's renewal.

Frequently asked questions

Can one person register an LLC?

Yes. A single-member LLC is allowed in every state.

Can I use my home address?

You can use it as the business address in many states. The registered agent address must be in the state, so an owner who lives elsewhere usually hires an agent.

Do the requirements change by state?

Yes, in the details: the fee, the form name, whether members are listed and the yearly report. The core list above is the same.

This is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Check the state's own website for its current rules and fees.