Register a New Jersey Foreign LLC

Before you can complete your business registration as an out-of-state LLC in New Jersey, you need to order a Certificate of Good Standing (or your state’s equivalent) from your formation state. Your Certificate of Good Standing shows that your LLC is up-to-date on payment and taxes in its home state.

Whether you appoint someone you know personally or hire a professional service, appointing a New Jersey Registered Agent is a legal necessity. Your registered agent must have a physical address in New Jersey and be readily available to deliver legal notifications to you. There could be legal consequences if you don’t respond to legal notices in a timely manner.

One thing to keep in mind is that your current business name might not be available in New Jersey. Since your business name must be distinguishable from all other NJ business names, you’ll want to do a business name search prior to filing your Application for Certificate of Authority. At this point, if your name is available, you might consider reserving your business name so that it will still be available when you are ready to file. However, New Jersey charges a $50 fee to reserve your business name.

If your business name is already being used, you must use a DBA—or a Doing Business As—name for your New Jersey business purposes. To obtain a DBA, you’ll need to file a Registration of Alternate Name (Form C-150G) with the New Jersey Department of the Treasury. The filing fee for this form is $50, which is separate from your foreign qualification filing fee. Also note that if you are using a DBA, you cannot file your Application for Certificate of Authority online—you’ll have to file with a paper form.

Learn How to Get a DBA (Doing Business As) Name For Your Business.

Now that you have your Certificate of Good Standing, business name, and you’ve appointed your registered agent, you’re ready to start your foreign qualification application. Once you’re approved, you’ll have your Certificate of Authority and will be allowed to lawfully conduct business in New Jersey!

According to NJ Rev Stat § 42:2c-58, your Application for Certificate of Authority must include:

• the name of your company (or its DBA)
• the state the business was originally formed
• the mailing address of your company’s principal officers
• the registered agent’s name and address

Foreign LLC qualification requires a $125 filing fee, due at the time of your application submission. If applying in person or via mail/fax, you will need to submit a cover letter. Additionally, a self-addressed return envelope will speed along the process!

Ready to grow your business in the Garden State? Register Your NJ Foreign LLC with Northwest.

Filing Tax/Employer Registration Form (Form NJ-Reg) is required to complete your business registration in New Jersey. Also called the Business Registration Application, form NJ-Reg (pages 17-19) must be filled out and submitted through the State of New Jersey’s Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services online portal or throught the mail. There is no filing fee for this form.

If you file online, your Certificate of Authority, once approved, will be available for download. Your documents will also be mailed to you.