Pennsylvania Foreign LLC Registration 2026: $250 Foreign Registration Statement
Quick Answer
To register a foreign LLC in Pennsylvania, file a Foreign Registration Statement (DSCB:15-412) with a docketing statement (DSCB:15-134A) with the PA Department of State and pay the $250 filing fee. Pennsylvania does not require a good-standing certificate from your home state. You must maintain a Pennsylvania registered office, then file a $7 annual report each year.
Key Takeaways
- $250 Foreign Registration Statement (DSCB:15-412) — vs. $125 to form a domestic PA LLC
- File the Foreign Registration Statement plus a docketing statement (DSCB:15-134A)
- No home-state certificate of good standing or subsistence is required to register in PA
- Must maintain a Pennsylvania registered office with a physical street address
- Subject to the $7 annual report (Act 122), due January 1–September 30 each year
- Unregistered foreign LLCs cannot bring a lawsuit in Pennsylvania courts (15 Pa.C.S. § 411)
| Item | Cost/Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Registration Statement (DSCB:15-412) | $250 | One-time, nonrefundable |
| Docketing statement (DSCB:15-134A) | $0 | Required attachment, no separate fee |
| PA Registered Office (commercial) | $50–$300/year | Optional, if you use a service |
| Annual Report (ongoing) | $7/year | Same as domestic LLC (Act 122) |
When Is Pennsylvania Foreign LLC Registration Required?
A foreign LLC is simply an LLC formed in another state that does business in Pennsylvania. You must register with the Pennsylvania Department of State when your out-of-state LLC does any of the following in the Commonwealth:
- Maintains an office, store, or place of business in Pennsylvania
- Employs workers in Pennsylvania
- Regularly solicits business in Pennsylvania
- Owns or leases real property in Pennsylvania
- Derives substantial revenue from Pennsylvania activities
For the full picture of state filing duties, see our Pennsylvania LLC compliance hub, which covers formation, taxes, and annual reporting for both domestic and foreign LLCs.
How to Register a Foreign LLC in Pennsylvania
- Check name availability in Pennsylvania
Search the business name database at the Department of State. If your LLC's exact name is already in use, you must adopt an alternate (fictitious) name to register in Pennsylvania. - Designate a Pennsylvania registered office
Provide a physical Pennsylvania street address (your own PA office or a commercial registered office provider). A P.O. box alone is not sufficient. See our Pennsylvania registered agent requirements for details. - Complete the Foreign Registration Statement (DSCB:15-412)
Pennsylvania does not require a certificate of good standing or subsistence from your home state. You file the Foreign Registration Statement accompanied by a docketing statement (DSCB:15-134A). - File and pay the $250 fee
File online through Pennsylvania's Business Filing Services or by mail to the Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations. The $250 filing fee is nonrefundable. - Maintain your registration
Once the filing is processed, your LLC is registered to do business in Pennsylvania. There is no separate "certificate of authority" in Pennsylvania, registration is established by the approved Foreign Registration Statement itself.
Fees Summary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Foreign Registration Statement (DSCB:15-412) | $250 |
| Docketing statement (DSCB:15-134A) | $0 (required attachment) |
| Registered office (commercial service, optional) | $50–$300/year |
| Annual Report (every year) | $7 |
At $250, registering a foreign LLC costs twice the $125 fee to form a domestic Pennsylvania LLC. For the ongoing tax picture, see our Pennsylvania LLC taxes and fees guide.
Ongoing Compliance for Foreign LLCs in Pennsylvania
- Annual Report: $7 every year, filed between January 1 and September 30 under Act 122 (the same report domestic LLCs file)
- Registered office: Must maintain a physical Pennsylvania street address at all times
- Home-state standing: Keep your LLC active and in good standing in its formation state
- PA tax compliance: File PA-20S/PA-65 and pay applicable Pennsylvania taxes on PA-sourced income
- Name maintenance: File a Foreign Registration Amendment (DSCB:15-413) if your LLC name or registered office changes
For a year-round checklist covering both formation and foreign entities, see our Pennsylvania LLC compliance guide.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current fees and forms with the Pennsylvania Department of State before filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pennsylvania require a certificate of good standing to register a foreign LLC?
Do foreign LLCs in Pennsylvania need to file annual reports?
What happens if a foreign LLC does business in Pennsylvania without registering?
Official Source
For the most up-to-date information, always verify requirements with the official Pennsylvania Secretary of State website:
https://www.dos.pa.govImportant 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.
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Complete Pennsylvania LLC Compliance Guide
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