Georgia Foreign LLC Registration 2026: $225 Certificate of Authority (CD 241)
Quick Answer
To register a foreign LLC in Georgia, file the Application for Certificate of Authority (Form CD 241) with the Georgia Secretary of State, pay the $225 filing fee online ($235 by paper), and designate a Georgia registered agent. You must attach a Certificate of Existence from your home state dated within the last 90 days. Foreign LLCs then file a $50 annual registration between January 1 and April 1 each year.
Key Takeaways
- Foreign LLC registration fee is $225 online ($235 by paper)
- File the Application for Certificate of Authority, Form CD 241
- Certificate of Existence required from home state, dated within 90 days
- Must appoint a Georgia registered agent with a physical Georgia address
- $50 annual registration, filed between January 1 and April 1
- No Georgia franchise tax for LLCs
| Item | Cost/Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign LLC Registration (Form CD 241) | $225 online | $235 if filed by paper (+$10 service charge) |
| Certificate of Existence (from home state) | $10-$50 | Home-state cost; must be dated within 90 days |
| Georgia Registered Agent | $50-$200/year | Optional, if using a professional service |
| Annual Registration | $50 online | $60 by paper; filed January 1 - April 1 |
| Late Fee | $25 | If annual registration filed after April 1 |
When Registration Is Required
If your LLC was formed in another state but you want to conduct business in Georgia, you likely need to register as a foreign LLC. "Foreign" means out-of-state, not international. For a full picture of Georgia LLC costs and rules, see our Georgia LLC compliance hub.
Activities That Require Registration
- Having a physical office, store, or warehouse in Georgia
- Employing workers in Georgia
- Regularly meeting with clients in Georgia
- Owning or leasing real property in Georgia
- Maintaining inventory in Georgia
- Providing services in Georgia on a regular basis
Activities That Generally Don't Require Registration
- Making occasional sales to Georgia customers
- Selling products online to Georgia buyers
- Holding meetings in Georgia
- Maintaining bank accounts in Georgia
- Conducting isolated transactions
Registration Requirements
Required Documents
- Application for Certificate of Authority (Form CD 241): The official Georgia registration form for foreign LLCs
- Certificate of Existence: An original certificate from your home state proving good standing, dated no more than 90 days before filing
Required Information
- LLC's legal name (must be available in Georgia)
- State and date of formation
- Principal office address
- Georgia registered agent name and address
- Names of managers or managing members
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Step 1: Verify Name Availability
Search the Georgia Secretary of State database to confirm your LLC name is available.
Step 2: Obtain a Certificate of Existence
Request a Certificate of Existence (or good standing) from your home state's Secretary of State. Georgia requires it to be dated within 90 days of filing, so order it shortly before you submit.
Step 3: Appoint a Georgia Registered Agent
Designate a registered agent with a physical Georgia street address (no P.O. boxes). See our Georgia registered agent requirements for the rules, or whether you can serve as your own agent.
Step 4: File Form CD 241
File the Application for Certificate of Authority (Form CD 241) through the Secretary of State's eCorp portal and pay the $225 fee. Filing by paper costs $235 because of a $10 service charge.
Step 5: Receive Your Certificate of Authority
Online filings are typically processed within about 7 business days. Once approved, you'll receive your Certificate of Authority and can legally transact business in Georgia.
Fees and Costs
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee (online, Form CD 241) | $225 |
| Paper filing (adds $10 service charge) | $235 |
| Expedited - two business days | +$120 |
| Expedited - same business day (before noon) | +$275 |
| Expedited - one hour | +$1,200 |
Fees reflect the Georgia Corporations Division schedule effective September 6, 2025. Expedite fees are in addition to the regular filing fee.
Ongoing Compliance Requirements
Annual Registration
Once registered, a foreign LLC files the same annual registration as a domestic Georgia LLC. The deadline and amount details are in our Georgia LLC taxes and fees guide, and the consequences of missing it are covered in our Georgia LLC late filing penalties article.
- Filing window: January 1 - April 1 each year
- Fee: $50 online ($60 by paper)
- Late Fee: $25 if filed after April 1
- Risk of non-filing: revocation of the Certificate of Authority
Georgia Tax Obligations
- No franchise tax for LLCs
- Income tax: 4.99% flat rate for 2026 on Georgia-source income (pass-through to members)
- Sales tax: 4% state + local rates that vary by county
Good News: Georgia has no franchise tax and low annual fees ($50), making it one of the more affordable states for maintaining a foreign LLC registration long-term.
Penalties for Non-Registration
Consequences
- Cannot sue in Georgia courts: Cannot bring legal action to enforce contracts
- Can still be sued: Others can sue you in Georgia
- Potential penalties: When you eventually register
- Personal liability risk: Members may lose liability protection
Recommendation: If you're conducting regular business in Georgia, register your LLC properly. The $225 fee and $50 annual registration are reasonable costs for legal protection and the ability to enforce contracts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggers the requirement to register as a foreign LLC in Georgia?
How long does foreign LLC registration take in Georgia?
Do foreign LLCs pay Georgia state taxes?
What happens if I do business in Georgia without registering?
Is Georgia's $225 foreign LLC fee high?
Can I use the same name in Georgia as my home state?
Official Source
For the most up-to-date information, always verify requirements with the official Georgia Secretary of State website:
https://sos.ga.gov/corporations-divisionImportant Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. LLC requirements, fees, and deadlines change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your state's Secretary of State office before making business decisions.
Related Georgia LLC Articles
Georgia LLC Taxes & Fees 2026
Complete breakdown of GA LLC costs.
Georgia Registered Agent Requirements 2026
Requirements for registered agents in Georgia.
Can I Be My Own Registered Agent in Georgia?
Pros and cons of serving as your own GA agent.
Georgia LLC Late Filing Penalties
Understanding penalties and dissolution risk.
Complete Georgia LLC Compliance Guide
View all Georgia LLC requirements, fees, and deadlines in one place.
View GA State GuideOr compare Georgia to every state on the annual report deadlines hub.