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LLC PlainlyThe LLC stuff, in words you actually use.

Jargon buster

Foreign registration, in plain words

Getting a second state's permission for your existing LLC to operate there.
From the LLC Plainly editorial team

At a glance

Other names
Foreign qualification, or a certificate of authority
Connected terms
Foreign LLC paired with Certificate of good standing paired with Annual report

In real life

Doing business before you register can bring penalties and back fees.

What the states do

Michigan: $50. Texas: $750. Those are the extremes. Rules by state.

See it in action

We use it in these answers: Starting an LLC: every state, Do you need an agent? By state, Out-of-state LLC rules by state.

Sources, with dates

  1. LARA Corporations Division, michigan.gov (confirmed October 2026)
  2. LARA limited liability company forms, michigan.gov (confirmed October 2026)
  3. MCL 450.5002, certificate of authority, legislature.mi.gov (confirmed October 2026)
  4. MCL 450.5008, activities that are, legislature.mi.gov (confirmed October 2026)
  5. MCL 450.5007, consequences of transacting, legislature.mi.gov (confirmed October 2026)
  6. LARA annual reports and annual, michigan.gov (confirmed October 2026)
  7. Texas Secretary of State, foreign, sos.state.tx.us (confirmed October 2026)
  8. Form 304 instructions, sos.state.tx.us (confirmed October 2026)
  9. Fee schedule, Form 806, sos.texas.gov (confirmed October 2026)
  10. Business Organizations Code, Chapter 9, statutes.capitol.texas.gov (confirmed October 2026)
  11. Texas Comptroller, franchise tax, comptroller.texas.gov (confirmed October 2026)