What happens when you move an LLC to another state
Moving an LLC to another state means filing paperwork with your new state's Secretary of State office and formally closing the LLC in your old state. The LLC itself does not disappear — you are changing which state governs it. Your business name, tax ID, and bank accounts stay the same, but your LLC will now operate under the laws and regulations of the new state.
The process has two main paths: domestication (where your LLC converts directly into a new state's LLC) or dissolution and re-formation (where you close the old LLC and create a new one in the new state). Domestication is simpler if your new state allows it, but not all states do. Most business owners end up dissolving in the old state and forming fresh in the new one, which takes four to eight weeks total.
You will need your current LLC's Articles of Organization, an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS if you have one, and a Certificate of Good Standing from your current state. Some states also require you to notify the IRS that your LLC's principal place of business has moved, though this does not always require a new EIN.
Key Takeaways
- Domestication lets you convert your LLC directly to the new state if both states allow it, which is faster than dissolving and re-forming.
- If domestication is not available, you dissolve the LLC in your old state and file Articles of Organization in your new state, keeping the same EIN and business name.
- You need a Certificate of Good Standing from your old state, which costs $5 to $25 and takes one to two weeks to receive.
- File dissolution paperwork in your old state only after your new LLC is officially formed, so there is no gap in your business structure.
- Update your business address with the IRS, your bank, and any state tax accounts within 30 days of moving.
Domestication: the faster route if your states allow it
Domestication is a single filing that converts your LLC from one state to another without dissolving it. You file a Certificate of Domestication (or similar document — the name varies by state) with your new state's Secretary of State, and your LLC becomes a creature of the new state's law. This route is faster because you skip the dissolution step entirely.
Not all states allow domestication. As of now, about 30 states have domestication statutes, but your old state and new state both must allow it for this to work. Check your old state's Secretary of State website for "domestication" or "conversion" language in the LLC statute, then do the same for your new state. If either one does not mention it, you will need to dissolve and re-form instead.
If domestication is available, you will file the Certificate of Domestication with your new state (filing fee typically $50 to $150), include a copy of your current Articles of Organization, and sometimes include a statement that the LLC is in good standing in the old state. Your new state will issue a new Certificate of Formation or similar document. Once that arrives, your LLC is officially governed by the new state's law. You then file Articles of Dissolution in your old state to formally close the LLC there.
Dissolution and re-formation: the standard path
If domestication is not available, you will dissolve your LLC in the old state and form a new LLC in the new state. This takes longer but is straightforward: you are essentially closing one business and opening an identical one in a different location.
Start by getting a Certificate of Good Standing from your old state's Secretary of State. This document confirms your LLC is in good standing and has no outstanding tax or filing issues. Request it online or by mail — most states charge $5 to $25 and deliver it in one to two weeks. You will need this for your new state's filing.
Next, file Articles of Organization with your new state's Secretary of State. Use the same business name, and include the same members and managers as your old LLC. Filing fees range from $40 to $500 depending on the state. Your new state will issue a Certificate of Formation or similar document within one to three weeks. Once you have that, your new LLC officially exists.
Only after your new LLC is formed should you file Articles of Dissolution in your old state. This formally closes the LLC there. Include the Certificate of Good Standing you obtained earlier if the state requests it. File the dissolution paperwork and pay any final fees (usually $0 to $100). Your old LLC will be dissolved within one to four weeks.
Updating your EIN and tax accounts
In most cases, your LLC keeps the same EIN when you move to another state. The EIN is tied to your business entity, not to a location. However, you must notify the IRS that your principal place of business has moved. You can do this by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 or by mailing Form 8822-B (Change of Address) to the IRS address listed in the form instructions.
If you dissolved your old LLC and formed a new one, the IRS will treat it as a new entity and may assign a new EIN. Contact the IRS to confirm whether your new LLC can use the old EIN or needs a new one. This usually depends on whether the old LLC was formally dissolved before the new one was formed.
Update your business address with your bank within 30 days of moving. Contact your business account manager or call the number on the back of your business debit card. You will need to provide your new address and may need to provide a copy of your new Certificate of Formation or domestication document.
If your LLC has state tax accounts (sales tax, payroll tax, income tax), contact your new state's tax authority and your old state's tax authority to report the move. Your old state may require a final tax return, and your new state may require you to register for state taxes. The timeline and requirements vary by state.
Handling your business licenses and permits
Any business licenses or permits you hold in your old state do not automatically transfer. You will need to explore for new licenses in your new state if your business type requires them. Common examples include professional licenses (contractor, real estate agent, accountant), health permits, and industry-specific licenses.
Contact your new state's licensing board or regulatory agency for your industry to learn what is required. Some states have reciprocity agreements that make it easier to transfer certain licenses, but most require a new process and fee. This process can take anywhere from two weeks to several months depending on the license type. Start this step early because it is often the longest part of the move.
Notify your old state's licensing board that you are closing your business there. Some states require you to formally surrender your license, while others straightforward let it lapse. Check your old state's requirements to avoid any compliance issues.
Notifying creditors, vendors, and clients
Update your business address with all creditors, vendors, and clients as soon as you have filed in your new state. Send a letter or email to each party with your new address, phone number, and any changes to how they should contact you. Include a copy of your new Certificate of Formation if they request proof of your new business structure.
If you have a business loan or line of credit, contact your lender to report the move. Some lenders require written notice and may ask for updated financial information. If your loan agreement includes a clause about relocation, review it to make sure you are complying with any requirements.
Update your business website, social media, and any online directories with your new address. This helps customers and vendors find you and prevents confusion about your location.
Timeline and costs for moving an LLC
| Step | Timeline | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Get Certificate of Good Standing from old state | 1–2 weeks | $5–$25 |
| File domestication or Articles of Organization in new state | 1–3 weeks | $50–$500 |
| File Articles of Dissolution in old state | 1–4 weeks | $0–$100 |
| Update address with IRS and state tax agencies | Same day to 2 weeks | $0 |
| explore for new business licenses (if required) | 2 weeks to several months | Varies by license type |
The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks from start to finish. Domestication is faster — usually two to four weeks — because you skip the dissolution step entirely. The total cost ranges from $100 to $700 for the basic filing fees, plus any costs for new licenses or permits your business requires.
Plan ahead if you need new licenses, since that step often takes the longest. Starting your license applications while you are waiting for your new state to process your Articles of Organization can save you several weeks overall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep the same business name in the new state?
Yes, you can keep the same name as long as it is not already taken in the new state and complies with that state's naming rules. Search the new state's Secretary of State database before you file to make sure the name is available. If it is taken, you will need to choose a different name or add a suffix like "LLC" or a number.
Do I need a new EIN when I move my LLC?
Usually no. Your EIN stays with your LLC when you move, even if you domesticate or dissolve and re-form. However, you must notify the IRS of your new address. If you dissolve the old LLC and form a new one, contact the IRS to confirm whether the new LLC can use the old EIN or needs a new one.
What if my old state requires me to file a final tax return?
Most states require a final tax return when you dissolve an LLC. Contact your old state's tax authority to find out what forms you need to file and when they are due. You may need to file a final income tax return, sales tax return, or both, depending on your business type. File these before or at the same time you file Articles of Dissolution.
Can I move my LLC while I have an outstanding tax debt?
Some states will not issue a Certificate of Good Standing if you have unpaid taxes or fees. Contact your old state's tax authority to learn about you have any outstanding balance. If you do, pay it before you request the Certificate of Good Standing. If you cannot pay it in full, ask about payment plans or settlement options.
Do I need a lawyer to move my LLC?
You do not need a lawyer for a straightforward domestication or dissolution and re-formation. The paperwork is standard and the Secretary of State websites provide instructions. However, if your LLC has complex ownership, outstanding debts, or pending lawsuits, consulting a business attorney in your new state can help you avoid problems.