Minnesota LLCs must have approval from the Secretary of State.
Any individual or group of people can form a limited liability company in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Secretary of State's office, a business is not officially an LLC until the secretary of state reviews, approves and files the company's articles of organization. According to Chapter 322B of Minnesota Statutes, an LLC in Minnesota that was established before August 1, 1999 has a limited duration of 30 years from the date that the articles of organization are filed, while LLCs filed on or after August 1, 1999 have perpetual duration.
Instructions
1. Search if your LLC's name is available by using the Secretary of State's website (see Resources) or by calling the Business Information Line at 877-551-6767. As of December 2010, the Business Information Line is open between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
2. Download a copy of the state's Articles of Organization (see Resources) and complete the form. In addition to your business's name, the application must include a registered Minnesota office address and not a P.O. box. If you have a registered agent, provide the agent's full name and registered office address.
3. Include in your application information on the desired duration (in years) of your LLC, unless you intend for perpetual existence. Also indicate whether the company owns, leases or has a financial interest in agricultural land. Include the name, address and signature of each organizer or authorized agent in your LLC. Provide the daytime phone, email address for your LLC's contact person.
4. Pay the filing fee. As of December 2010, the filing fee is $160. File your application online, in person at the Minnesota Secretary of State office or by mail. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is a $10 expedition fee for filing online.
5. Renew your LLC online once each year. There is no filing fee to renew unless your LLC has been revoked or administratively terminated. The reinstatement fee for an LLC is $25.
