How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in New Mexico?

New Mexico 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 New Mexico 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 New Mexico 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 New Mexico Registered Agents. You can also read our full guide on the best registered agent services.

Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in New Mexico

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

The cost for registering a New Mexico foreign LLC is $100. You can register a foreign LLC in New Mexico by filing an Foreign Limited Liability Company Application for Registration.

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 New Mexico. 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 New Mexico business license.

Other LLC Filing Costs

There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:

LLC Name Reservation:
Reserve your name for up to 120 days prior to LLC formation by filing an Application for Reservation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company Name and paying the $20 filing fee.

Foreign LLC Name Reservation:
Foreign LLCs can reserve their names for up to 12 months prior to LLC formation by filing an Application for Reservation of a Foreign Limited Liability Company Name and paying the $40 filing fee.

Certified Document Copies:
Obtain certified copies of your New Mexico business documents by ordering through the Secretary of State and paying $25 plus.

Certificate of Good Standing:
You can obtain a New Mexico certificate of good standing by ordering through the Secretary of State and paying the $25 fee. A certificate of good standing is often required by banks and lending institutions.

Five Basic Steps to Start an LLC in New Mexico

Step 1: Name Your New Mexico 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 New Mexico LLC

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

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

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

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 New Mexico 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 New Mexico registered agent must:

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

In New Mexico, your registered agent must consent to appointment.

Step 3: File the Articles of Organization

The New Mexico Articles of Organization is a document that is filed with the New Mexico Secretary of State to form an LLC. The fee for filing the Articles of Organization is $50 online.

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

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

An operating agreement isn't required for New Mexico LLCs, but it's a good practice to have one.

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 New Mexico 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