Register a Foreign Corporation in Maryland

Free Guide to Registering a Foreign Corporation in Maryland

What does it cost to register a foreign corporation in Maryland?

$100 for normal processing.
$50 additional for expedited online filings, plus a 3% service/convenience fee for online payments.

How long does it take for the state to process the Maryland Certificate of Authority?

Maryland accepts applications online, in person, or by mail. Processing times depend on your method of filing.

• Mail: Maryland takes about 4-6 weeks to process filings that arrive by mail. You’ll also need to budget extra time for postal times.
• Online: Maryland typically processes online application within about a week of being received.
• In Person: Receive same-day filing service between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm at the State Department of Assessments and Taxation.
• Expedited: Maryland will process expedited mailed filings within 7 business days after being received, though you’ll need to account for additional mail time.

How will I get verification of qualification back from Maryland?

You will receive an acknowledgement of filing by mail.

What forms do I file with Maryland to qualify my out of state corporation?

The Foreign Corporation Qualification form, a Certificate of Good Standing and filing fee is required.

What do I need from my home state?

A Certificate of Good Standing.

Will I need an Maryland registered agent for my corporation?

Yes, when you hire Northwest as your registered agent, it’s a flat rate yearly price of $125 a year, you’ll have an online account that tracks your report due dates, which states your registered in, when your yearly service with us is up, and any documents we receive locally for you are uploaded into your account immediately for complete viewing. If or when you get served with a lawsuit, we can email up to 4 people and your attorney at the same time for real time complete viewing of a lawsuit. You’ll receive annual report reminders. It’s the same price every year, and there are no weird fees or cancellation fees.

You’ll also see all the pre-populated forms and specific filing instructions on the thank you page, in your online account, and they are emailed to you immediately upon signing up for 1 year of registered agent service.

Does the Maryland registered agent need to sign the filing?

Yes.

How can I file the Maryland Certificate of Authority?

By mail, online or in person.

What is the state agency that accepts the out of state registration?

Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation
Corporate Charter Division
301 W. Preston St. Room 801
Baltimore, MD 21201
Telephone: 410-767-1340

Do the signatures on the Maryland corporation application need to be original?

No.

Who has to sign the foreign corporation filing?

The President or Vice President of the corporation and the Registered Agent must sign the form.

Are there any weird things about registering in Maryland?

There is an additional $5 filing fee to return a copy of your documents to you. If the $5 fee is not paid, they will assume you did not want the original documents returned. Images of all documents are available at no charge for viewing and printing within 7 business days on their website.

County filing or publication is not necessary for foreign corporations, unless specifically required by the county in which your registered agent resides.

Are there ongoing Maryland annual report and/or initial reporting requirements?

Maryland annual report is due April 15th.

What are your fees?

You’ll need to have an Maryland registered agent. We charge $125 a year to act as your registered agent service.

We charge a $100 one-time filing service fee if you would like us to obtain the certificates needed from your home state, and register your company in any state you choose. We have offices in every state and can act as your registered agent and make your filings for you in any state. If you would like to register with multiple states at once, we can usually drop our filing service fee down.