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Biz Formation Academy

A plain textbook on LLC paperwork, one state per chapter.

Chapter 3 · Georgia

Foreign LLC Registration Chapter, Georgia (2026): 4 Sections and the 3 Best Services

The recommended reading for registering an LLC formed elsewhere in Georgia in 2026 is Mainstay Filing ($199), GA Registered Agent.org ($199) and Georgia Registered Agent.co ($199), in that order. Expect 4 sections and one fee of $235.
Written by the Biz Formation Academy editorial board

Read first

Registration fee $235 sos.ga.gov (edition of October 2026)
Maintenance filing $60 Annual registration
Three years of state fees $355 Service fees excluded
Section count 4 First to last

You will be able to explain

  • When the rule applies
  • The form and the fee
  • Remaining in good standing
  • How the recommended services compare

Recommended reading for Georgia

Cost over three years comes first, then paperwork completed, second-year price, Georgia fit and price clarity (grading page).

1. Mainstay Filing: best for companies adding a second state

Highest ranked
Service $199; renewal $149 a year

This chapter recommends Mainstay Filing above the others, because the first-year agent is included, so the Georgia registration costs $199 beyond the state fee.

GA Registered Agent.org costs $100 less over three years; this service still ranks higher because it does more of the work.

Once the included year is used up, expect $149 per year for agent service wherever the LLC registers.

Price covers

  • The registration is prepared and submitted
  • The registered agent carries no charge in year one
  • One fee wherever the LLC registers

Advantages

  • $199 to register
  • Any state at one fee
  • The agent is free for the first year

Limitations

  • GA Registered Agent.org charges $50 less for the agent
Visit Mainstay Filing Partner link. We may earn money if you buy.

2. GA Registered Agent.org: best for one more state

Local option
Service $199; renewal $99 a year

GA Registered Agent.org is ranked second: $199 beyond the state fee to register, then $99 each year.

Price covers

  • Registration paperwork completed
  • A year of agent service is built into the price

Advantages

  • Then $99 per year
  • First-year agent service at no added cost
  • A service charge of $199

Limitations

  • Works in Georgia only, leaving the home state without an agent
Visit GA Registered Agent.org Partner link. We may earn money if you buy.

3. Georgia Registered Agent.co: best for registering in Georgia only

Local option
Service $199; renewal $99 a year

Georgia Registered Agent.co is ranked third: $199 beyond the state fee to register, then $99 each year.

It charges exactly what GA Registered Agent.org charges.

Price covers

  • Registration paperwork completed
  • A year of agent service is built into the price

Advantages

  • First-year agent service at no added cost
  • Then $99 per year
  • A service charge of $199

Limitations

  • Works in Georgia only, leaving the home state without an agent
Visit Georgia Registered Agent.co Partner link. We may earn money if you buy.

3 services, side by side

#ServiceFirst yearFrom year twoThree-year total
1 Mainstay Filing $199$149/yr$497 Visit Mainstay Filing Partner link. We may earn money if you buy.
2 GA Registered Agent.org $199$99/yr$397 Visit GA Registered Agent.org Partner link. We may earn money if you buy.
3 Georgia Registered Agent.co $199$99/yr$397 Visit Georgia Registered Agent.co Partner link. We may earn money if you buy.

Prices come from each company's own site, consulted November 13, 2026. The $235 state fee is omitted from these figures.

How registration works in Georgia

  1. Section 1

    When Georgia requires registration

    Georgia requires an out-of-state LLC to register first if it will do business here. The consequences of failing to register include: an unregistered LLC may not act as plaintiff before Georgia's courts (O.C.G.A. 14-2-1502)

    Reference: sos.ga.gov (edition of October 2026)

  2. Section 2

    Appoint a registered agent for Georgia

    Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address. The address has to be a Georgia street address that is also the agent's business office, and the agent has to be located there. A P.O. box or mail drop cannot be used.

    Every recommended service provides the registered agent.

    Reference: sos.ga.gov (edition of October 2026)

  3. Section 3

    Section four is the Application for Certificate of Authority for Foreign Limited Liability Company

    Complete the Application for Certificate of Authority for Foreign Limited Liability Company (Form CD 241), enclose $235, and send both to the Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division.

    Reference: sos.ga.gov (edition of October 2026)

  4. Section 4

    Keep the registration in force

    Note the annual registration and its $60 fee (between January 1 and April 1).

The cost of this chapter

EntryWho is paidCost
Registration fee Paid to the state$235
Annual registration Paid to the state$60
Service, if hired The service company$199 in year one
State fees across years one to three Paid to the state$355

Anything paid to Georgia is an official fee that can be verified in the bibliography. The three-year row combines the filing, two later reports and a minimum tax where one exists; service prices are not part of it.

How the ranking came out

finished ahead of on chapters the price completes, which counts for 30%.

The LLC is active in two states, and reach settled the order.

Short answers

How much must an LLC formed elsewhere pay to register with Georgia?

$235 as the official fee. Add $199 for a service.

Which form do I file to register?

Look for the Application for Certificate of Authority for Foreign Limited Liability Company (Form CD 241); it is sent to the Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division.

What if the LLC does business there without registering?

an unregistered LLC may not act as plaintiff before Georgia's courts (O.C.G.A. 14-2-1502)

What is due after registering?

The annual registration keeps the registration in force, at $60.

Which services are in this lesson?

The recommendations, in rank order: Mainstay Filing, GA Registered Agent.org and Georgia Registered Agent.co.

Which service should handle the registration?

Mainstay Filing, because the service fee is $199 plus the state's own fee, the registered agent is free for year one, and the later price is $149 a year. After it come GA Registered Agent.org and Georgia Registered Agent.co.

See also

Bibliography and primary texts

  1. Bibliography entry for the Georgia Secretary of State fee schedule Rev. 8/2025 chapter: sos.ga.gov, consulted October 2026.
  2. Bibliography entry for the Georgia report due date chapter: law.justia.com, consulted August 2026.
  3. Bibliography entry for the Georgia Secretary of State Corporations Division fee schedule chapter: sos.ga.gov, consulted October 2026.
  4. Bibliography entry for the Georgia registered agent statute chapter: sos.ga.gov, consulted October 2026.
  5. Bibliography entry for the Georgia Secretary of State, how to register a chapter: sos.ga.gov, consulted October 2026.
  6. Bibliography entry for the Form CD 241, application for certificate of authority chapter: sos.ga.gov, consulted October 2026.
  7. Bibliography entry for the Form CD 555, application for withdrawal chapter: sos.ga.gov, consulted October 2026.
  8. Price reference: Mainstay Filing, Georgia service page, November 13, 2026
  9. Price reference: GA Registered Agent.org, pricing page, November 13, 2026
  10. Price reference: Georgia Registered Agent.co, pricing page, November 13, 2026