How to Start an LLC in Minnesota
Get your Minnesota LLC formed and running in just five steps. You’ll name your company, designate a registered agent, and file Articles of Organization. After that, there are just a few more steps to do business in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. We’ll walk you through it.
Create an MN LLC in 5 Steps:
Step 1: Name Your Minnesota LLC
Your business name is often a customer’s first impression of your brand, so you want to pick one that’s memorable—the Mall of America is a household name for a reason! Here are a few considerations for naming your LLC in Minnesota:
What are Minnesota’s business name requirements?
Minnesota Statutes 322C.0108 specify the requirements for naming your LLC in Minnesota. The name must be written in the English alphabet, and it must contain the words “limited liability company” or “LLC.” Your business name must be distinguishable from any other business name, including reserved names, in the North Star State. Check the business name search to see if the name you’d like is already in use.
There are some restrictions. You can’t use words that indicate your company is a corporation, so don’t use “incorporated,” “inc.,” or “corporation.” You also can’t use language indicating your Minnesota LLC is organized for a purpose that isn’t permitted. For example, you can’t imply that you’re conducting illegal activity.
Is the name being used already online?
Consistency is key to a successful online business presence. After you choose a name that meets Minnesota’s requirements, search online for domain name availability. Check social media handles, too.
When you hire Registered Agents Inc to form your LLC in Minnesota, we can register your domain name, set up your business website, and more in minutes.
Is the trademark reserved?
Trademark availability should be an early consideration if you might want to trademark your business name in the future. You may face impediments to trademark registration if the name has already been federally trademarked and connected to goods or services like yours.
We offer federal trademark registration service that you can add on when you hire us to form your LLC. Our attorneys will conduct a clearance search and offer recommendations if they anticipate barriers to registration.
Can I reserve a business name in Minnesota before registering my LLC?
Yes. You can reserve your business name for up to one year by filing an application with the Secretary of State. Since names need to be distinguishable to form your Minnesota LLC, it’s a good plan if you have a business idea but aren’t quite ready to file paperwork.
Are there exceptions to using distinguishable names?
Yes, there are a few ways you can use a non-unique name for your LLC in Minnesota. You’ll need to file the written consent of the business whose name you want to use unless there are extenuating circumstances, like a court order or a complex affidavit. Check Minnesota Statute 322C.0108 for more information.
Step 2: Choose a Minnesota Registered Agent
A registered office and registered agent are the next two pieces of information you’ll need to complete your Articles of Organization. We’ll cover those in more detail in Step 3.
Your registered office is an address you designate for your business. It must be a street address, not a P.O. Box.
Your registered agent can be an individual who resides in Minnesota, or another Minnesota business—your company can’t act as its own registered agent, but you can.
Limited liability companies formed in Minnesota are not required by law to maintain a registered agent to receive service of process. The Secretary of State acts as your agent for service of process if you don’t choose a registered agent, or if your agent cannot be served with due diligence.
We’ll include a year of Registered Agent service for free when you hire us to form your Minnesota LLC, and you can use our office address for your registered office address.
Is an agent for service of process the same as a registered agent?
Yes. These two terms both indicate a person who is responsible for receiving service of process on behalf of the business they serve.
Step 3: File Minnesota Articles of Organization
Register your Minnesota LLC with the state by filing your company’s Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. You can file online or in person for $155, which counts as expedited service, or by mail for $135.
To file online, create an account with the Minnesota Secretary of State following the prompts. Once you’re logged in, you’ll go to the Business Filings Online page and select the business structure “Limited Liability Company (Domestic).” From there:
1
LLC status
Answer questions about non-profit status and professional status.
2
LLC name
Enter your Minnesota LLC’s name, and use the drop-down menu to choose how you’d like the suffix displayed.
3
Registered agent information
Enter your registered office address, which must be a street address and not a P.O. box, and the name of your registered agent at that address.
4
Organizer information
Enter the name and street address of the organizer—the person preparing and authorized to submit this LLC application—and type that name in the signature box to digitally sign the document.
5
Review and pay
Once you review the filing, submit it with your credit card payment.
If you’d prefer to file in person, you can schedule an appointment at the First National Bank Building location. This is the same address to which you’ll send Articles of Organization if you’re filing by mail:
Minnesota Secretary of State – Business Services
First National Bank Building
332 Minnesota Street, Suite N201
Saint Paul, MN 55101
What if I’m filing as a professional firm?
Professional firms filing Articles of Organization are subject to additional requirements as outlined in Minnesota statutes 319B.01–319B.12. If you don’t know whether you qualify as a professional firm, you can view a list here.
Can my LLC be a nonprofit in Minnesota?
Yes! Minnesota LLCs can choose to be organized as nonprofit LLCs governed by the rules outlined in Minnesota Statute 322c.1101. If you’re planning to apply for tax-exempt status 501(c)(3), get more information about additional required language in your articles of organization from IRS publication 557.
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Step 4: Set Up Business Operations
Your Minnesota LLC is registered once the Secretary of State records the filing. There are just a few more steps to get you set up to succeed.
Write an operating agreement.
This contract documents the agreements made between LLC members about how to actually run the business, especially where those agreements differ from the default rules spelled out in Minn. Stat. Chapter 322C. Each operating agreement is specific to the LLC creating it. When you hire us, we’ll provide a free operating agreement template—written by our attorneys and specific to Minnesota—that you can customize for your LLC.
Apply for an EIN.
An Employer Identification Number, or EIN, serves as your company’s federal tax ID. You’ll need one to hire employees, establish bank accounts for your Minnesota LLC, apply for licenses, and file your tax returns.
Create business bank accounts.
Establishing a bank account for your business keeps those finances separate from your own. This helps maintain your LLC’s limited liability.
Obtain licenses and permits.
Depending on your local municipality and industry, there may be additional licenses or permits you need to acquire to legally operate your business. Check Minnesota’s e-licensing online for state-required licenses, then check your county’s website. Some cities, like St. Paul and Minneapolis, have their own licensing departments—check those too for any additional requirements.
Step 5: File BOI Report
The Corporate Transparency Act, effective January 1st 2024, requires most LLCs to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report. The report identifies the people who own at least 25% of the ownership interest or exercise substantial control over the company.
Qualifying Minnesota LLCs formed in 2024 must file this report to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network within 90 days of registration. If you form your LLC in Minnesota in 2025 or later, you’ll have just 30 days to file.
Hire us to form your LLC and you can add BOI Report filing services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an LLC in Minnesota?
The processing speed depends on your filing method. Mail filings take the longest since they’re first-in, first-out. Online filings are returned within three to five business days. If you file in person, your registration will be processed same-day while you wait.
How much does it cost to open an LLC in Minnesota?
It costs $155 to file online or in person, and $135 to file by mail.
Do you have to renew an LLC in Minnesota?
Yes. Minnesota LLCs must file an annual renewal every year before December 31st.
How do I contact the Minnesota Secretary of State?
If you have business filing questions for the Minnesota Secretary of State, here is the contact information:
Phone: 651-296-2803
Fax: 651-297-7067
Email: [email protected]
Physical & Mailing address:
332 Minnesota Street, Suite N201
St. Paul, MN 55101