How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Missouri?

Missouri LLC Online Filing Fee: $50

The main cost to start an LLC is the $50 fee to file your LLC's Articles of Organization online with the Missouri Secretary of State.

For a look at LLC costs in every state, read our other Cost to Start an LLC and How to Form an LLC guides.

Registered Agent Fee

In Missouri you can be your own registered agent, but using a registered agent service helps keep your company in compliance and reminds you of important filing deadlines and avoid late fees.

• If you need to form a new business and get a registered agent, the best package is by Northwest Registered Agent $29 + state fees

OR:

• If only a registered agent is required, Northwest Registered Agent provides an excellent service: $125

Read our guide to learn more about Missouri Registered Agents. You can also read our full guide on the best registered agent services.

Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in Missouri

If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into Missouri, you’ll need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in Missouri.

The cost for registering a Missouri foreign LLC is $105. You can register a foreign LLC in Missouri by filing an Application for Registration of a Foreign Limited Liability Company (Form LLC-4).

Business Permits and Licenses

Depending on your industry and geographical location, your business might need federal, state, and local permits/licenses to legally operate in Missouri. This is true whether you form an LLC or any other type of business structure.

Learn more about state and local licensing with our guide to getting a Missouri business license.

Other LLC Filing Costs

There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:

LLC Name Reservation:
Reserve your name for up to 12 months prior to LLC formation by filing the LLC Name Reservation Form (Form BE-1) and paying the $25 filing fee.

“Doing Business As” (DBA) Name:
File a Registration of Fictitious Name form and pay the $7 filing fee to create a name other than your legal LLC business name. This can also be done by mail.

Certified Document Copies:
Obtain certified copies of your Missouri business documents by ordering through the Secretary of State and paying $10 (plus $0.50 for each page if ordering paper copies).

Certificate of Good Standing:
You can obtain a Missouri certificate of good standing by ordering through the Secretary of State and paying the $10 fee. A certificate of good standing is often required by banks and lending institutions.

Five Basic Steps to Start an LLC in Missouri

Step 1: Name Your Missouri LLC
Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent
Step 3: File the Articles of Organization
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
Step 5: Get an EIN

Step 1: Name Your Missouri LLC

When you name your Missouri LLC, you’ll need to choose a name that:

1. Is available for use in the state of Missouri
2. Meets Missouri naming requirements
3. Is available as a web domain

Recommended: Visit our Start an LLC in Missouri guide for detailed naming rules and instructions for registering a business name in Missouri.

Not sure what to name your business? Check out our How to Name a Business guide and free LLC Name Generator.

We recommend that you check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don't plan to create a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent

All LLCs in Missouri must appoint a registered agent. A registered agent primarily acts as your LLC’s main point of contact with the state. But most importantly, they are responsible for accepting service of process in the event your business is sued.

Your Missouri registered agent must:

• Be at least 18 years or older
• Have a physical address in Missouri
• Be available during normal business hours to accept service of process

Step 3: File the Articles of Organization

The Missouri Form LLC-1 - Articles of Organization is a document that is filed with the Missouri Secretary of State to form an LLC. The fee for filing the Articles of Organization is $50 online or $105 by mail. This can also be filed by mail.

For detailed instructions for completing the Articles of Organization, visit our How to File the Missouri Articles of Organization guide.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

Missouri LLCs are required to create and maintain an operating agreement.

What is an operating agreement? An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

Why are operating agreements important? A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

For more information on operating agreements, read our Missouri LLC operating agreement guide.

Step 5: Get an EIN

What is an EIN? An EIN or Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue System (IRS) to identify a business for tax reporting purposes. An EIN is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for your company.

Why do I need an EIN? An EIN number is required for the following:

• Opening a business bank account
• Hiring employees