Can I operate in Georgia with an out-of-state LLC?

Yes, but you must register first. Out-of-state LLCs cannot legally conduct business in Georgia without obtaining a Certificate of Authority from the Georgia Secretary of State under O.C.G.A. § 14-11-703. Registration requires a $235 filing fee and a Georgia registered agent with a physical street address.

Registration Requirements

File an Application for Certificate of Authority with the Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division. The one-time registration fee is $235.00.

You must designate a registered agent—either a Georgia resident individual or a business entity authorized to do business in Georgia (O.C.G.A. §§ 14-11-209, 14-11-703). The registered agent's office must be a physical Georgia street address where service of process can be made in person. A member of your LLC may serve as the registered agent.

Filing Process

Submit your Application for Certificate of Authority online at https://ecorp.sos.ga.gov/Account or contact the Corporations Division at (404) 656-2817.

Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SE, Suite 313 West Tower
Atlanta, GA 30334

Ongoing Obligations

After registration, you must file an annual report each year with a $60.00 fee. This keeps your Certificate of Authority active and your business in good standing.

If you need to change your registered agent, file an Amended Annual Registration for a $30.00 fee.

Next Steps

Confirm your LLC is in good standing in its home state
Select a Georgia registered agent with a physical street address
File the Application for Certificate of Authority at https://ecorp.sos.ga.gov/Account
Pay the $235 registration fee
Set calendar reminders for annual report filings ($60 annually)

You can search existing business registrations at https://ecorp.sos.ga.gov/BusinessSearch to verify name availability.

This is general information, not legal advice.