How to Register a Foreign LLC in Louisiana (2026): 5 Steps and the 3 Best Services
Here is the 2026 answer for registering a foreign LLC in Louisiana: Mainstay Filing ($199), Louisiana Registered Agent.co ($199) and LA Registered Agent.org ($199), ranked in that order. Then 5 steps, from the first check to the yearly upkeep (state fee $185).
Company prices as published on November 12, 2026. State fee ($185) not included.
Step-by-step lesson
Step1
Step 1: See if your LLC must register in Louisiana
The rule: an LLC from another state registers before doing business in Louisiana. What happens if you skip it: An unregistered LLC cannot bring a suit there (La. R.S. 12:1354(A)). Its contracts still stand (La. R.S. 12:1354(B)). Back fees are owed on top.
Official source: Source: legis.la.gov, confirmed October 2026
Step2
Step 2: Get the home-state certificate
Include certificate of existence or good standing from the jurisdiction of organization, issued within 90 days.
TipOrder it once the rest of the filing is ready.
Step3
Step 3: Choose the Louisiana registered agent
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address. The address has to be a registered office in Louisiana, which the law treats as the company's domicile. P.O. boxes and virtual offices are not accepted.
Official source: Source: legis.la.gov, confirmed October 2026
Step4
Step 4: File Application for Authority to Transact Business in Louisiana, Foreign Limited Liability Company
The Louisiana Secretary of State, Commercial Division takes the Application for Authority to Transact Business in Louisiana, Foreign Limited Liability Company (Form 972) and the $185 fee.
Registered foreign LLCs file the annual report ($35), on or before the anniversary of your qualification.
The cost of this lesson
Step
Who you pay
Cost
Registering the LLC
The state
$185
Annual report
The state
$35
Help from a service
Service
$199 to start
State total over three years
The state
$255
The state rows are official figures; the service row uses each company's published price. The three-year total leaves service fees out.
Why Mainstay Filing comes first
Lesson note: first place in Louisiana came down to lesson steps handled, worth 35% of the grade.
Since the LLC operates in two states, coverage decided it.
Quick answers
What does it cost to register a foreign LLC in Louisiana?
$185 to the state. A service adds $199.
Which form do I file to register?
You submit the Application for Authority to Transact Business in Louisiana, Foreign Limited Liability Company (Form 972) to the Louisiana Secretary of State, Commercial Division.
Do I need a certificate from my home state?
Yes: certificate of existence or good standing from the jurisdiction of organization, issued within 90 days of filing.
What if the LLC does business there without registering?
An unregistered LLC cannot bring a suit there (La. R.S. 12:1354(A)). Its contracts still stand (La. R.S. 12:1354(B)). Back fees are owed on top.
What is due after registering?
Plan for the annual report, which costs $35.
Which service should handle the registration?
Mainstay Filing: $199 on top of the state fee, with the registered agent free for year one and $149 a year after. After it, Louisiana Registered Agent.co and LA Registered Agent.org.