Forming an LLC in Minnesota costs as little as $135. That’s the state filing fee for the Articles of Organization if you file by mail, or $155 online or in person, according to the Minnesota Secretary of State, Business Services. This guide shows you how to start an LLC in Minnesota step by step, and you can do every step yourself.
The annual renewal is $0 for an active LLC in good standing. An EIN is free from the IRS. A paid formation service is optional.
This guide walks through the Minnesota process in order, shows what each step costs, and explains where a paid service might be worth it. Fees and rules below were checked against Minnesota’s official sites on October 13, 2026.
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Last updated: October 13, 2026
Key Takeaways
- The state filing fee is $135 by mail or $155 online or in person (Minnesota Secretary of State, Business Services, as of October 13, 2026).
- The annual renewal costs $0 and is due December 31 each year.
- An EIN is free at irs.gov. Never pay a third party for one.
- A formation service adds convenience, not legal validity. Its fee is on top of the state fee.
Minnesota LLC Costs at a Glance
| Item | Cost | When |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (by mail) | $135 | Once, at formation |
| Articles of Organization (online or in person) | $155 | Once, at formation |
| Annual renewal | $0 | Every year, due December 31 |
| EIN from the IRS | $0 | Once, when you need it |
Sources: the Minnesota Secretary of State’s fee schedule and renewals page, and the IRS EIN page. Figures current as of October 13, 2026.
“Free” here means no middleman fee. The state filing fee goes to Minnesota and can’t be avoided.
What you can skip is paying a third party to file the same form for you.
How to Start an LLC in Minnesota in 7 Steps
An LLC (limited liability company) is a business structure registered with the state. It’s meant to keep your business and personal finances legally separate. For the big-picture overview, see our 7-step start-here guide.
1. Choose and Check Your Business Name
Your LLC name has to be available in Minnesota. Use the business name search on the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website to see whether a name is already taken or too close to an existing one. Check the same site for naming rules, such as required words like “LLC.”
Also check that the matching web domain and social handles are free. They aren’t legal requirements. They do save headaches later.
2. Appoint a Registered Agent
A registered agent is the person or company designated to receive official legal and state mail for your LLC. You generally have three choices:
- Yourself, if you meet the state’s address and availability requirements.
- Someone you trust, such as a business partner or family member who meets those same requirements.
- A commercial registered agent service, which is paid and handy if you want privacy or don’t have a stable address.
Check the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website for the exact registered office and agent requirements before you file. Choosing yourself is the free option.
3. File the Articles of Organization
The Articles of Organization is the document that officially creates your LLC. You file it with the Minnesota Secretary of State, Business Services. Here are the fees from the state’s fee schedule:
- By mail: $135
- Online: $155
- In person: $155
Say you’re forming a one-person LLC for a freelance design business. Filing by mail costs you $135. Filing online, so you don’t wait on postal delivery, costs $155. Both routes create the same LLC.
Check the Secretary of State’s website for current processing times. Keep a copy of the filed document, because your bank will likely ask for it.
4. Create an Operating Agreement
An operating agreement is an internal document that sets out how your LLC is run: who owns it, how profits are divided, and how decisions get made. LLC owners are called members. Some LLCs are run by the members themselves (member-managed), while others appoint managers.
Even a one-person LLC benefits from a written agreement. It documents that the business is separate from you, and banks sometimes ask for it. You don’t file it with the state, so you can write it yourself. Check the Secretary of State’s site and Minnesota statutes for what the law requires or provides by default. If you have co-owners, consider having an attorney review it.
5. Get a Free EIN from the IRS
An EIN (employer identification number) is your business’s federal tax ID. The IRS says you can get one directly from the IRS in minutes, for free, and that you never have to pay a fee for an EIN. Apply only on IRS.gov. Sites that charge for EINs are third parties.
You’ll typically need your EIN to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file certain tax returns. How your LLC is taxed is a separate choice. Our guide on LLC vs. S corp differences explains the options.
6. Open a Business Bank Account
With your filed Articles of Organization, EIN, and operating agreement in hand, you can open a business bank account. Keeping business money in its own account is one of the simplest ways to keep your finances and your LLC’s apart.
Online business banking is popular with small LLCs. Novo is one online business checking option. Compare fees, requirements, and features against your local bank or credit union first. Our guide to business bank accounts for new LLCs shows what to compare.
7. File the Annual Renewal on Time
Minnesota LLCs must file an annual renewal once every calendar year, according to the Secretary of State’s renewals page. It costs nothing if the entity is active and in good standing. The deadline is December 31, but you can renew any time during the year.
Put a reminder on your calendar now. The part people always miss is that a free filing is easy to forget.
How to Start an LLC in Minnesota Yourself vs. With a Formation Service
Here’s the first-year cost of each route, using only the fees we can verify.
Doing It Yourself
- State filing fee: $135 (mail) or $155 (online or in person)
- EIN: $0
- Annual renewal: $0
- Total: $135 to $155
Using a Formation Service
- State filing fee: $135 or $155, passed along or paid on your behalf
- Plus the service’s own fee, which varies by company and package
- Total: the state fee plus the service fee
A service adds convenience, not legal validity. Typical extras include preparing and submitting the paperwork, document templates, a first-year registered agent, and deadline reminders. Bizee is one formation service people consider.
We compare real prices and package contents in our guide to the best LLC formation services, so you can see what you’d actually pay before deciding.
A service can be worth it if you’d rather save time, want a registered agent without using your own address, or are forming several entities. If you’re comfortable filling out one form, the DIY route costs only the state fee.
What You Can Skip
- Paying a company to file the Articles of Organization when you can file them with the state yourself
- Paying for an EIN, since the IRS issues it free
- Paying for annual renewal “filing,” since Minnesota’s own renewal is $0 for an LLC in good standing
Keeping Your Minnesota LLC in Good Standing
After formation, the main ongoing task the Secretary of State lists for LLCs is the annual renewal:
- Frequency: once every calendar year
- Fee: $0 if the entity is active and in good standing
- Deadline: December 31 each year
- Flexibility: you can renew any time during the year
Because you can renew early, one easy habit is to file as soon as you’re able and be done for the year. For what happens if you miss the deadline, including any late fees or loss of good standing, check the Minnesota Secretary of State, Business Services website. Also keep your registered agent and business address current with the state.
Your LLC may also have tax filings and local licenses depending on what you do. Operating in other states? Fees differ, so see our LLC filing fees by state reference.
FAQ
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Minnesota?
The state filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $135 by mail or $155 online or in person, according to the Minnesota Secretary of State, Business Services. An EIN is free from the IRS, and the annual renewal is $0 for an active LLC in good standing. Any formation service or registered agent service is extra.
Do I have to use a formation service?
No. You can file the Articles of Organization yourself with the Minnesota Secretary of State, Business Services. A service is a convenience, and its fee is added on top of the state filing fee.
How much does the Minnesota annual renewal cost, and when is it due?
It costs $0 if the LLC is active and in good standing, according to the Secretary of State. LLCs must file once every calendar year. The deadline is December 31, but you can renew any time during the year.
Do I have to pay for an EIN?
No. The IRS says you can get an EIN directly from the IRS for free and that you never have to pay a fee for one. Use the application on IRS.gov.
Where can I find current processing times?
Check the Minnesota Secretary of State, Business Services website. Processing times can change, so the state’s site is the most reliable place to confirm them before you file.
Your Next Step
Ready to file? Start with our 7-step start-here guide to line up your name, agent, and paperwork. Then compare prices in our formation services comparison if you want help.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Business formation rules, fees, and deadlines vary by state and change often. Always consult a qualified attorney, CPA, or tax professional before making decisions about your business.
