Key Takeaways

  • LLCs must file annual or biennial renewals to maintain good standing.
  • Renewal names vary by state (e.g., Annual Report, Biennial Report).
  • Missing a renewal deadline can lead to late fees or administrative dissolution.
  • The renewal process varies slightly by state, including deadlines and submission methods.
  • States may require updates to business details during renewal (e.g., registered agent, address).
  • Reinstatement is possible for dissolved LLCs but may involve additional steps.
  • Multi-state LLCs must renew in each state they’re registered in.
  • Legal support is available to assist with complex or multi-state renewals.

LLC renewal must be completed by filing an annual report to keep a Limited Liability Company (LLC) inactive status with the Secretary of State within the state that the business operates. 

Annual Business Renewals

All of the following business structures are required to file annual renewals (annual reports) with their home state's Secretary of State (SOS):

  • Limited Liability Companies
  • Limited Partnerships
  • Limited Liability Partnerships
  • Limited Liability Limited Partnerships
  • Corporations
  • Non-profits
  • Cooperative (Co-Ops)
  • DBAs (companies with a "doing business as" or certificate of assumed name)

Any business that wishes to conduct business in a different state from their home state as a foreign LLC or other foreign entity types will need to file an annual business renewal with their home state and all other states in which they do official business. 

Annual renewals must be filed beginning with the first calendar year that follows when the business was first formed.

Failure to file an LLC renewal for your company will negate its good standing status with the state and could result in the dissolution of your company.

Companies that have been “statutorily dissolved” (or forced into dissolution by the state) are able to be reinstated if the owner pays a fee and files an annual business renewal for that current calendar year. 

When a company is dissolved, they could lose their business name, so they'll need to check name availability again before reinstatement.  

Common State Requirements for LLC Renewals

While the general purpose of renewing an LLC is consistent across states—to maintain good standing—specific requirements can vary significantly. Most states require you to update or confirm the following when filing your renewal:

  • The principal business address
  • Names and addresses of members or managers
  • Registered agent name and address
  • Nature of business or NAICS code
  • Number of authorized shares (if applicable for LLCs with corporate features)

Some states also require you to report changes made since the previous filing period. Failing to provide accurate or updated information can result in delays, fines, or rejection of your renewal.

How to File a Business Renewal Online

In order to file your annual business renewal online, follow these steps:

  • Head to the website for the Secretary of State of the state in which your business is formed
  • Find their page for business formation and filing (this will usually lead to a corporate division of the SOS)
  • Login or create an account (you'll need to create an account for your first filing)
  • Search for your business by entering the business name or EIN
  • Once you've found the correct business, select it and review the information
  • Make sure all information is updated and make any necessary changes
  • If no changes need to be made, simply submit with no changes
  • You'll need to pay the renewal fee when you submit the filing 

Keep in mind that if you are attempting to reinstate a dissolved business, you'll need to search under inactive entities in the database. 

Each state has different LLC requirements for maintaining good standing, so be sure to keep track of what you need to do to keep your business up and running. 

Important Deadlines and State Variations

Each state sets its own deadline for LLC renewals, and these can fall on:

  • The anniversary date of formation
  • The end of the calendar year
  • A specific month (e.g., Florida requires renewals by May 1)
  • A fixed date like April 15 or July 1

Missing a deadline may result in:

  • Late filing penalties
  • Loss of good standing status
  • Administrative dissolution of your LLC

To avoid these consequences, set reminders or use a compliance tracking tool. Note that some states, like California and New York, impose both an annual report and a separate franchise tax payment.

How to File Via Mail

When you file via mail, you'll need to fill out the LLC renewal form provided by the state, these are available on the SOS website to print, or can be acquired in person at the SOS office. 

Once the form is filled out, mail it to your Secretary of State's address (check to see if it should be mailed to a specific division). Attach a check or money order for the renewal fee to the form. 

Payments have to come from United States banks and in the form of United States currency. Any invalid checks will incur added fees and delayed or canceled renewals. 

Filing the LLC renewal online will take between two to three business days for completion while doing it via mail can take as long as five business days to be filed and sometimes longer if the office is in a peak period. 

Can You Renew an LLC After It’s Lapsed?

Yes, if your LLC missed its renewal deadline and has been administratively dissolved, many states allow for reinstatement. The reinstatement process typically involves:

  • Filing the most recent annual report or renewal form
  • Paying reinstatement and late fees
  • Verifying that your business name is still available (if not, a name change may be required)

Some states have time limits for reinstatement—ranging from one to five years—after which the business must refile as a new entity. It's crucial to act promptly if your LLC is dissolved.

LLC Renewal Fees

The names for the annual business renewals vary from state to state. Here are other titles for an LLC renewal:

  • Annual Report
  • Annual Certificate
  • Annual Registration Fee
  • Biennial Report (or Statement)
  • Franchise Tax Report
  • Periodic Report

Fees for annual business renewals also vary depending on the state. Some states require a renewal and payment every year, some every two years. The average amount of the renewal fee throughout the United States is $101. 

LLC startups will usually pay an initial filing fee to the state, which is a one-time payment upon the formation of the business. Renewal fees are different and continue to be required while the company is in business. 

All business owners will want to keep up with their annual filing requirements to ensure good standing for their company and liability protection for all company members. If this is more than you want to keep track of, there are several online services that will help take care of your business's filing needs for a fee. Keep in mind, the service will charge a fee in addition to the fees owed to the state. 

Tips to Avoid Missing Your LLC Renewal

Missing an LLC renewal can disrupt operations. To avoid common pitfalls:

  • Set calendar reminders for all state-specific deadlines.
  • Sign up for state notifications if available.
  • Use a registered agent service to ensure timely alerts and documentation handling.
  • Work with a legal or compliance service if your LLC operates in multiple states or has complex structures.
  • Double-check state requirements annually, as laws and deadlines can change.

Remember, keeping your LLC in good standing is not just about avoiding fees—it preserves your limited liability protection.

Multi-State LLC Renewal Requirements

If your LLC operates in more than one state, you’ll need to renew your registration in each jurisdiction. These are called “foreign qualifications,” and each state may have different:

  • Renewal forms
  • Fees
  • Due dates
  • Requirements for reporting business activity

Failure to maintain good standing in any state where your LLC is registered could lead to the suspension of your authority to do business there. Businesses with operations in multiple states often benefit from hiring legal or compliance professionals to track and manage filings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens if I forget to renew my LLC? Your LLC may lose its good standing and be administratively dissolved, leading to loss of legal protections and business name rights.

2. Can I renew an LLC if it was dissolved? Yes, most states allow reinstatement by filing back reports and paying applicable fees, provided it's within the state's reinstatement window.

3. Do I have to renew my LLC in every state where it operates? Yes, if your LLC is registered as a foreign entity in other states, each state requires separate renewal filings.

4. Is the LLC renewal process the same in every state? No. States differ in names of forms, due dates, filing methods, and fee amounts.

5. Can I file my LLC renewal early? Some states allow early filing within a specific window before the due date. Check with your state’s Secretary of State office for details.

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