If your business is growing or your life is taking you somewhere new, you may be wondering how to transfer an LLC to another state. Moving your LLC to a new state isn’t as simple as changing your address; it involves a few key legal and administrative steps to stay compliant and protect your business structure. If you’re unfamiliar with this business structure, you can learn more about what is an LLC.
Let’s explore everything you need to know to transfer your LLC to another state so that you can embark on your new beginning with confidence.
Options for moving an LLC to another state
When you’re ready to move your business, you’ve got a few paths you can take. Each option comes with its own pros, cons, and filing requirements, so understanding your choices upfront can help you avoid delays or costly mistakes. The most common ways to move your LLC to a new state are:
- Continue your existing LLC and register as a foreign LLC in the new state
- Domesticate your LLC
- Dissolve your existing LLC and form a new one in the new state
- Merge the old LLC with a newly formed LLC in the new state
Let’s examine each method in more detail below. If you’re starting from scratch, you can also check out our guide on starting an LLC.
Foreign LLC registration
If you want to keep your original LLC active while expanding or relocating, registering as a foreign LLC is often the most straightforward option. This option is popular among businesses that operate across state lines or want to maintain continuity in their home state.
What is a foreign LLC?
A foreign LLC is simply a business that was formed in one state and now operates in another. The word “foreign” doesn’t mean international — it’s a legal term used by states to refer to out-of-state entities. For example, if your LLC was formed in Nevada but you’re now conducting business in Oregon, Oregon will consider your LLC “foreign.”
How to register as a foreign LLC
To register your LLC as a foreign entity, you’ll typically need to:
- File a Certificate of Authority (or equivalent) with the new state’s business division
- Submit a Certificate of Good Standing from your original state
- Pay a registration fee (costs vary by state)
- Appoint a registered agent in the new state
You may also need to register for state taxes or obtain additional licenses depending on your industry. For a full breakdown, read our guide on how to register your business in any U.S. state.
Pros and cons of registering as a foreign LLC
Pros:
- You don’t have to shut down your existing LLC
- Maintains business continuity and brand recognition
- Helpful for companies expanding into multiple states
Cons:
- You’ll need to stay compliant in both the original and new state
- Can lead to higher administrative costs due to dual filings and tax obligations
LLC domestication
If your goal is to fully move your LLC to a new state rather than operate across multiple states, domestication might be your best option. It allows you to transfer your LLC’s legal home from one state to another, so you only operate in the new state moving forward.
What is LLC domestication?
LLC domestication (also called LLC conversion) is a legal process that changes the state in which your business is officially formed. Your LLC retains its original identity, including its EIN, bank accounts, and contracts, but becomes governed by the laws of the new state instead of the old one.
Not all states allow LLC domestication. The table below lists the U.S. states that currently allow you to transfer an LLC to a new state using this method, as well as their eligibility requirements.
| State | Eligibility requirements |
|---|---|
| Alaska | Both states must authorize domestication/conversion Formal plan of domestication Must be in good standing |
| Arizona | Member-approved domestication plan Must be in good standing |
| California | Conversion plan Articles of Conversion Certificate of Good Standing |
| Colorado | Conversion plan Both states must support conversion/domestication |
| Connecticut | Formal domestication plan Statement of Domestication |
| D.C. | Formal domestication plan Statement of Domestication Domestication/conversion must be supported by both states |
| Florida | Articles of Conversion Formal conversion plan Certificate of Good Standing |
| Idaho | Adheres to Uniform LLC Act (ULLCA) |
| Illinois | Formal domestication plan Domestication/conversion must be supported by both states |
| Indiana | Adheres to Uniform LLC Act (ULLCA) Formal conversion plan Must be in good standing |
| Iowa | Adheres to Uniform LLC Act (ULLCA) Formal conversion plan LLC must be current on all filings |
| Kansas | Filed domestication agreement Must maintain good standing |
| Louisiana | Certificate of Conversion Approved conversion plan |
| Maine | Formal conversion plan Certificate of Good Standing |
| Massachusetts | Formal domestication plan Articles of Domestication Must be in good standing |
| Michigan | Plan of conversion Compliance in both states |
| Minnesota | Adheres to Uniform LLC Act (ULLCA) Formal domestication plan Must be in good standing Domestication/conversion must be supported by both states |
| Mississippi | Formal domestication plan Adheres to Uniform LLC Act (ULLCA) Must be in good standing |
| Nebraska | Formal domestication plan Must be in good standing |
| Nevada | Articles of Conversion Member-approved conversion plan |
| New Hampshire | Formal domestication plan Domestication/conversion must be supported by both states |
| New Jersey | Articles of Domestication Must be in good standing |
| North Carolina | Articles of Conversion |
| North Dakota | Formal domestication plan Member approval Adheres to Uniform LLC Act (ULLCA) Must be in good standing |
| Ohio | Declaration of Conversion State compliance |
| Oregon | Articles of Conversion Certificate of Good Standing |
| Pennsylvania | Formal domestication plan Must be in good standing |
| South Carolina | Plan of conversion Articles of Conversion |
| South Dakota | Formal domestication plan Member approval Adheres to Uniform LLC Act (ULLCA) |
| Texas | Certificate of Conversion Plan of conversion State authorization |
| Utah | Formal domestication plan Adheres to Uniform LLC Act (ULLCA) |
| Vermont | Formal domestication plan Must be in good standing |
| Virginia | Formal domestication plan Adheres to Uniform LLC Act (ULLCA) Member approvalMust be in good standing |
| Washington | Articles of Conversion Plan of conversion |
| Wisconsin | Adheres to Uniform LLC Act (ULLCA) Articles of Domestication Must be in good standing |
| Wyoming | Adheres to Uniform LLC Act (ULLCA) Formal domestication plan Filing with both states required |
How to domesticate your LLC
LLC domestication can be tricky because, in many cases, both your new state and your current state must allow it. The steps you have to take will vary by state, but they usually include:
- Filing a Certificate of Domestication (or Articles of Conversion) with the new state
- Filing a plan of conversion or similar paperwork with your original state
- Paying state-specific fees
- Updating your operating agreement, tax registrations, and licenses as needed
Pros and cons of domesticating your LLC
Pros:
- Keeps your LLC’s history, EIN, contracts, and licenses intact
- Eliminates the need to maintain compliance in two states
- Cleanest legal transition for businesses that plan to operate in just one state
Cons:
- Not all states allow it
- Can involve more paperwork and legal support than forming a new LLC
LLC dissolution
In some cases, it makes more sense to close your existing LLC and start fresh in a new state. While this means ending your current business entity, it gives you a clean break and can simplify your obligations going forward. This option is often used when business owners are no longer operating in the original state at all.
What is LLC dissolution?
Dissolution is the formal closure of your LLC in the state where it was formed. It involves submitting the right paperwork, resolving debts, and wrapping up your business’s affairs. Once completed, your LLC is no longer recognized as a legal entity in that state.
How to dissolve an LLC
Every state has unique LLC dissolution processes, but most of them require you to:
- File Articles of Dissolution with the Secretary of State or similar office
- Pay any outstanding taxes, fees, or penalties
- Close tax accounts, cancel business licenses, and notify stakeholders
- Distribute any remaining assets among members
Before you dissolve, make sure your new business name is protected in the new state. Check out our guide on how to legally protect your business name for more information.
Pros and cons of dissolving your LLC to open a new one
Pros:
- You can start fresh with a new legal entity
- No need to manage compliance in two states
Cons:
- You lose your business’s legal continuity and history
- May involve canceling and reapplying for contracts, licenses, and tax IDs
LLC merging
Merging your LLC with a newly formed one in another state is another strategy for moving your business. This approach combines your existing business into a new LLC formed in your destination state. It’s a more complex process, but it can help preserve your business’s history and assets.
What is LLC merging?
An LLC merger involves creating a new LLC in a new state and then legally combining your current LLC with it. The result is a single surviving LLC in your new state while the old one is absorbed and then dissolved. LLC mergers are not allowed in every state, so it’s crucial to check the applicable laws and regulations before deciding how to move forward.
How to merge LLCs
The states that allow LLC mergers all have their own processes and guidelines. However, it typically involves:
- Forming a new LLC in your new state
- Creating a merger agreement that outlines how assets, liabilities, and members will be handled
- Filing the Articles of Merger in both states
- Updating contracts, tax registrations, and licenses to reflect the new LLC
Pros and cons of merging LLCs
Pros:
- May allow you to keep your business’s history and existing contracts
- Can streamline asset transfers into the new entity
Cons:
- Can be legally complex and time-consuming
- May require legal support to complete the merger properly
- May require you to choose a new LLC name
Considerations for transferring your LLC
Transferring your LLC to another state affects your legal standing, tax obligations, and day-to-day operations. Taking the time to understand what’s involved can help you avoid missteps and stay compliant during the transition.
Legal requirements
Every state has different laws for how to transfer an LLC, and some don’t allow certain methods like domestication at all. You’ll need to follow the rules of both your original and new state. If you’re expanding instead of moving, you may need to register as a foreign LLC.
If you’ve trademarked your LLC name or domain, make sure you know what rules apply to transfer - if you need more information, here are trademarks explained. Always double-check each state’s requirements before you begin to avoid delays or rejections.
