How to Start an LLC in New Hampshire

Last Updated on February 4, 2022

Cost to Start a New Hampshire LLC

To form a New Hampshire Limited Liability Company, file the Certificate of Formation with the New Hampshire Secretary of State, Corporation Division.  The LLC filing fee is $125 when filing in person, $102 when filing online, and $100 when filing by mail.

Approval for the LLC typically takes less than 2 hours when filing in person, one week when filing online, and up to 3 weeks when filing by mail.

If you have questions, contact the New Hampshire Secretary of State.
603-271-3246

Steps to Form a New Hampshire LLC

The steps for filing in person, online, or by mail are largely the same.  The screenshots will show how to file online.

Step 1: Create an Account with the Secretary of State

  • Begin by creating a QuickStart account with the New Hampshire Secretary of State.
  •  After the account is created, log in to the site.

Step 2: Create the LLC

  • First, click on “Create a New Business.”

Instead of creating a new company, an out-of-state LLC wanting to do business in New Hampshire will have to register as a foreign LLC by filing an Application for Foreign Limited Liability Company Registration with the New Hampshire Secretary of State.

  • Then select “I am creating a new Domestic Business/Trade Name (D/B/A).  A new menu will appear where you will choose “Limited Liability Company.”

Step 3: Business Name

Enter the name you want for the LLC.  The LLC’s name also has to differ from other entity names registered with the Secretary of State.  Check on available New Hampshire LLC names before filing to be sure the one you want is available.

Additionally, the name of the LLC must include one of the following designators at the end of the business name:

  • Limited Liability Company
  • L.L.C.
  • LLC
  • or similar abbreviations

If you plan to use a different name from the one that you register (perhaps you want to run multiple businesses under the LLC), you can use a Trade Name (sometimes referred to as a DBA, Doing Business As name, fictitious business name, or assumed name).  To register a Trade Name, file the Application for Registration of Trade Name (Form TN-1), along with the $50 filing fee with the Secretary of State.

New Hampshire LLC Name Registration

Business Name Reservation – There is an option to enter a name that was previously registered with the Secretary of State.  There isn’t a requirement to have done so before filing and if that is the case, select “No” and continue.

Step 4: Principal Purpose

This section is asking for information regarding the activities of the business.  To do that, there is a number called NAICS (North American Industrial Classification System).  This code is a six-digit number that classifies and categorizes the different industries.   Find your NAICS number here or use the drop-down menu.  If your business doesn’t fit any of the selections, just select “Other” and continue.

Step 5: Registered Agent

A New Hampshire Registered Agent must be identified before forming the LLC.  The Registered Agent can either be a resident of New Hampshire (Select “Individual”), a Not-For-Profit (Select “Not-For-Profit”) or a Resident Agent service (Select “Business” to find the address that is registered with the Secretary of State).

If you are using a Registered Agent Service, enter their information in the “Search Agent Name” field and select the entry for that firm.  If it’s an individual or a company that isn’t listed, select “Create Agent” and enter their information.

The agent must have a physical address in the state (PO Boxes are not allowed) and act as a point of contact to receive legal documents, tax notices, summons, subpoenas, etc. on behalf of the LLC.

Step 6: Manager/Member Information

This section asks if the LLC is Member-Managed or Manager-Managed.

Member-Managed LLCs have an active involvement in the management of the LLC.
Manager-Managed LLCs are hired by the members to run the LLC, similar to a CEO of a corporation.

Most LLCs are member-managed.

Step 7: Duration

In this section, you can indicate how long it will remain in existence.  Most LLCs will choose a Perpetual duration; however, some businesses (usually investment-related) will have a specific closure date.

Step 8: Business Email Address

Enter an email address for someone in the LLC that will be responsible for saving the formation documents.

Step 9: General Upload

In this section, upload any required licensure certificates (required for a Professional LLC or PLLC), consent letters, or pertinent documents like rules for the LLC operation.  This is an optional section and not used by most LLCs.

Step 10: Principal Office Information

Business Address – In this section, enter the street address, city, state, and zip code of the initial principal office.  This address can be the LLC’s physical address, or it can be the address where the business records are stored.  This address does not have to be in New Hampshire, but you may not use a PO Box.

Mailing Address – If there is an address that is preferred for mail to be sent by the Secretary of State that is different from the Business Address, enter it here.  Otherwise, click the box for “Same as Business Address.”

Step 11: Certify

Click the box and certify that the information entered is correct.

There is also an opportunity to delay the start of the LLC. If you want the LLC to start on today’s date, check the LLC selection to be “effective on the date/time of electronic submission” or select a date less than 90 days in the future to start.

Step 12: Signature

Have a manager, member, or appointed LLC organizer sign the Certificate of Formation.  Enter this person’s title and name.

Step 13: Review

Review that all of the information is correct.  If there are no corrections, click the checkbox that says “I acknowledge that the information provided above is true and correct,” then click “Next Signature(s)”

Step 14: Pay and File

Pay and file the Certificate of Formation.

If filing online, the Certificate of Formation will be approved in less than one week.

If filing in person, take to the Secretary of State’s office at:
Corporation Division, NH Department of State
107 N Main St, Rm 204
Concord, NH 03301-498925