To Reinstate a Business:

Montana (domestic) corporations and LLCs are eligible for reinstatement within 5 years of their dissolution date.  Out-of-state (foreign) entity types are not eligible to reinstate and must requalify.  Most domestic business registrations require a Title 15 Certificate from the MT Department of Revenue to reinstate. Request the certificate through the Department of Revenue's Transaction Portal. (A certificate is not required for single-member LLCs not taxed as corporations.)

Once you have your Title 15 certificate, please follow the steps below.  Note that you must file all missing annual reports AND a reinstatement application to return the registration to an active status.

File your annual reports

1. Visit the online filing portal at https://biz.sosmt.gov/
2. Sign into the site with your username and password.  (If you don’t have an account, click the login button and you’ll see where you can create one.)
3. Once signed in, search for the business registration using the “Search” in the left-side menu.
4. Click on the business name in the results list, and find a panel on the right side of the screen.
5. Click the “File Annual Report” button, follow the steps, and make the payment ($35) to file each missing annual report.

Complete the reinstatement

6. When the annual reports are completed for all previous years, click on the “Filing Actions” button, and choose the “Reinstatement” form.
7. Complete the form, uploading the tax certificate on the documents page, if required.
8. Submit the filing for processing with its required fee. (Profit Corp - $30, LLC - $35, Nonprofit Corp - $10)
9. The Secretary of State's office will review the filing; once approved, the registration will be active again.  All filed documents and receipts can be obtained from the “Work Queue.”

Please contact Business Services with any questions – (406) 444-3665.

To Register a Business with the Secretary of State’s Office

1. Visit the online filing portal at https://biz.sosmt.gov/
2. Sign into the site with your username and password. (If you don't have an account, simply click the login button and you'll see where you can create one. This is your user profile for the site.)
3. Go to the Forms section in the left side menu.
4. Choose the applicable form.
   
   • Choose Domestic forms for a Montana business.
   • Choose Foreign forms for a business formed in another state/country that will be doing business in Montana.
5. Fill in the form with all required fields, as designated by red asterisks.  Scroll down each page of the form to ensure everything required is completed.  If pages are missing information, it will be highlighted in red with an “x” on that step; return to that page for edits by clicking on the page name.
6. Submit the form for processing with the fee (payable by credit/debit card or by e-check.)
7. The Secretary of State's office will review it, and once approved, will notify by email with instructions to access the approved documents from the portal.

Please contact Business Services with any questions – (406) 444-3665.

UPDATE FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT:

What is the Federal Government's Corporate Transparency Act?

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is a federal law enacted by U.S. Congress. The Federal Government will require businesses to file a report with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Information shared by the federal government on their new requirements can be found on their website here: https://www.fincen.gov/boi. A brochure from the federal government is also available by clicking here. The FinCEN Resource Center is available at 1-800-767-2825 or https://www.fincen.gov/contact.

Filing requirements from the Secretary of State's Office have not changed.

The CTA is a federal requirement, therefore the Montana Secretary of State's Office has no role in the administration of the law. All required documents must be filed with FinCEN – no BOI information is filed with the Secretary of State's Office.

Please contact Business Services with any questions – (406) 444-3665.

Amend an Existing Business:

1. Visit the online filing portal at https://biz.sosmt.gov/
2. Sign into the site with your username and password.  (If you don’t have an account, click the login button and you’ll see where you can create one.)
3. Once signed in, search for the business registration using the “Search” in the left-side menu.
4. Click on the business name in the results list, and find the panel on the right side of the screen.
5. Go to the Filing Actions button and choose the amendment form.
6. The form will open, and you will complete the application online.  Please read all the instructions and be sure to complete every form item that has a red *asterisk.  Click on the Question Mark icon to see more information about the fields on each page.
7. Once you have completed the application, click the “FILE ONLINE” button and make the payment with either a credit/debit card or an e-check.
8. When the application is approved, the system will send you an email.  That email will also give you instructions on how to login to your account and download your confirmation documents.

Please contact Business Services with any questions – (406) 444-3665.

To Cancel/Withdraw/Terminate a Business Registration

1. Visit the online filing portal at https://biz.sosmt.gov/
2. Sign into the site with your username and password.  (If you don’t have an account, click the login button and you’ll see where you can create one.)
3. Once you are signed in, search for the business registration using the “Search” in the left-side menu.
4. Click on the business name in the results list, and find the panel on the right side of the screen.
5. Go to the Filing Actions button and choose the applicable form. (Note that the terminology – dissolution/withdrawal/termination/cancellation – varies by business type.)       
6. The form will open, and you will complete the application online.  Please read all the instructions and be sure to complete every form item that has a red *asterisk.  Click on the Question Mark icon to see more information about the fields on each page.
7. Once you have completed the application, click the “FILE ONLINE” button to submit. (There is no fee for this filing.)
8. When the application is approved, the system will send you an email.  That email will also give you instructions on how to login to your account and download your confirmation documents.

Some filings will require a tax certificate from the Montana Department of Revenue.  To request a tax certificate, please visit the TransAction Portal.

Please contact Business Services with any questions – (406) 444-3665.

Currently have a registered Assumed Business Name (ABN/DBA) - Change to an LLC

To change business structures from an Assumed Business Name to a Limited Liability Company, file a conversion to an LLC if the applicant on the registration is a partnership or an association.

In order to keep the same name, if the ABN applicant is an individual, cancel the ABN, then re-register as an LLC.

To Cancel an ABN:

1. Visit the online filing portal at https://biz.sosmt.gov/
2. Sign into the site with your username and password.  (If you don’t have an account, click the login button and you’ll see where you can create one.)
3. Search for the business registration using the “Search” in the left-side menu.
4. Click on the business name in the results list, and find a panel on the right side of the screen.
5. Go to the Filing Actions button and choose to “Cancel an Assumed Business Name.”
6. The form will open; complete the application online.  Please read all the instructions and be sure to complete every form item that has a red *asterisk.  Click on the Question Mark icon to see more information about the fields on each page.
7. Once the application is completed, click the “FILE ONLINE” button to submit.
8. When the application is approved, the system will send an email.  The email will also provide instructions on how to login to your account and download your confirmation documents.

To Register a Limited Liability Company

1. Visit the online filing portal at https://biz.sosmt.gov/.
2. Sign into the site with your username and password.
3. Once signed in, go to the “Forms” in the left-side menu.
4. Click “Articles of Organization for Domestic Limited Liability Company.” Follow steps and complete payment for your submission to be sent for review.
5. When the application is approved, the system will send you an email.  The email will also give you instructions on how to login to your account and download your confirmation documents.

Please contact Business Services with any questions – (406) 444-3665.

Expired Assumed Business Name/LLP/Trademark

These types of registrations are valid for 5 years at a time.  When an assumed business name, limited liability partnership (LLP,) or trademark/service mark is expired, it can’t be renewed.  Instead, file a new application for the registration. 

• Visit the online filing portal at https://biz.sosmt.gov/.
• Sign into the site with your username and password.  If you don’t have an account, click “Login” and “Create an account.”
• Once signed in, go to the Forms section in the left side menu.  Choose the applicable form.  (The trademark application can be found by selecting the “Trademark” section, in gray at the top of the screen.)
• Complete the form, submit, and make payment. *If asked to use a ‘reserved name,’ mark ‘No.’  When expired, the name is not reserved.
• The filing will be reviewed, and an email notification will be sent when the filing is approved or if it needs revised.
• Log back into your account, then go to My Work Queue to obtain the approval documents or read the correction letter, if revisions are needed.

Please contact Business Services with any questions – (406) 444-3665.

File Online:

• Register a new business or maintain your existing business registration by signing into the online filing portal.
• Login with your username and password, or click the login button to create your user profile and sign in.
• Registering a new business? Start a new business application on the Forms page.
• Already registered? Search for your business record, then click on its name. Go to the Filing Actions button to find the form you need.

Please contact Business Services with any questions – (406) 444-3665.

How to Obtain Free Documents: 

Access copies of original articles organization/incorporation/registration, as well as other filings on record:

1. Please access the online filing portal at https://biz.sosmt.gov/
2. “Search” for your business.
3. Click on the business name in the results list.
4. On the right-side panel, at the bottom, click on View Filings.
5. Expand the selections, and you’ll see a download button for each filing. (Articles and original registration documents are labeled as “Initial Filing.”)

To Request Certified Copies of Business Documents:

1. Please access the online filing portal at https://biz.sosmt.gov/
2. Search for the business by name or folder ID.
3. In search results, click on the business name to open the record.
4. On the right, click “Request Information.” On the Request Details page, select “Certified Copies of Documents”
   • The fee is $10 for all document copies.
5. Pay with credit/debit card, or e-check.

A certified document is a copy of an original document verified by the Montana Secretary of States Office. Certified documents are often required when presenting the original document, such as for legal proceedings, government applications, or financial transactions.

Filing Portal Login

As of July 1, 2022, access to the online filing portal will no longer use ePass. You will need to create a new password to log in.

Instructions for creating an account:

• If you have accessed the online filing portal in the past, click the ‘Reset Password’ link, enter your current username and submit. A verification email will be sent with a link to set up your new password. Once you have created your new password, return to the login. Enter your username and new password.
• If you have never accessed the online filing portal, select ‘Create an Account’ and enter the required information.
• Click the Login button below to begin.

Instructions for LOGGING INTO an EXISTING account:

• Once you have verified your account email, you will be able to login into your portal account.
• Click the following link to access the login page.
• Enter your username and password to login.

Instructions for RESETTING YOUR ACCOUNT PASSWORD:

• Click the following link to access the login page.
• Click on the Reset Password link on the login page.
• Enter your username that you use to login to the online filing portal.
• An email will be sent to the email address under your account that will contain a link to send you to the reset password page.
• Enter your new password and confirm your password to reset it.

Instructions for RECOVERING YOUR USERNAME:

• Click the following link to access the login page.
• Click on the Forgot Username link on the login page.
• Enter your email address.
• An email will be sent to the email address that will contain your username(s) that you have registered.

Instructions for EDITING YOUR USER ACCOUNT INFORMATION:

• Once you are logged into the online filing portal, you will see your name and username in the upper right of the page.
• Click on your username / name and a dropdown will appear.
• Click the Edit My Account button to edit your account.
• You will be able to change your name, email, and contact details under this page.

Please contact Business Services with any questions – (406) 444-3665.

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, and is used to identify a business entity. Please visit the IRS website at https://www.irs.gov/ for more information.

Please contact Business Services with any questions – (406) 444-3665.

To Request Business Certificates:

1. Please access the online filing portal at https://biz.sosmt.gov/
2. Click “Login” and sign into the site with your username and password. (If you don’t have an account, click the “login” button, then “create an account.”)
3. Search for the business by name or folder ID.
4. In search results, click on the business name to open the record.
5. On the right, click “Request Information.” On the Request Details page, select “the business certificate you would like to request.”

• Certificate of Existence (Domestic) / Certificate of Authorization (Foreign) - $5.00 Document signed by Secretary of State with entity name, type, formation date and that the entity is in Good Standing. Available for corporation and LLC entity types only.
• Certificate of Fact - $15.00 Document signed by Secretary of State showing entity name, formation date, expiration date (if applicable), status, purpose, entity type, principal/applicant, and History details.

6. Pay with credit/debit card, or e-check.

Click 'File Online' to be taken to the payment page. After payment is made, the document(s) will be available for immediate download. Please note that nothing will be emailed to you.

To Change Registered Agent/Office Address:

1. Visit the online filing portal at https://biz.sosmt.gov/
2. Sign into the site with your username and password.  (If you don’t have an account, simply click the login button and you’ll see where you can create one.  This is your user profile for the site.)
3. Search for the business by name or folder ID.
4. In search results, click on the business name to open the record.
5. In the slide out bar on the right, click on Filing Actions.
6. Scroll down to select and complete the “Registered Agent/Office Change by Entity.”

Please contact Business Services with any questions – (406) 444-3665.

To Change Principal Office Address:

1. Visit the online filing portal at https://biz.sosmt.gov/
2. Sign into the site with your username and password.  (If you don’t have an account, simply click the login button and you’ll see where you can create one.  This is your user profile for the site.)
3. Search for the business by name or folder ID.
4. In search results, click on the business name to open the record.
5. In the slide out bar on the right, click on Filing Actions.
6. Scroll down to select and complete the “Principal Office Address Change” form.

Please contact Business Services with any questions – (406) 444-3665.

The Montana Secretary of State’s office refunds payments under certain circumstances including, but not limited to:

• Technological errors
• Administrative errors

If you believe you have been overcharged and have not received a refund, please click here to submit a refund request.

To Renew a Mark:

1. Visit the online filing portal at https://biz.sosmt.gov/
2. Sign into the site with your username and password.  (If you don’t have an account, click the login button and you’ll see where you can create one.)
3. Use the Trademark search to look up the existing trademark record, either by name or ID number.
   • Be sure the top menu on the search screen is highlighted as ‘Trademark’ (and not Business).
4. In search results, click on the mark name to open the record.
5. Click on Filing Actions on the right to find and file the mark renewal.
   • The renewal will require a specimen of the mark showing it in use as stated in the original filing (ex. advertisements, website, products.)
6. Pay with credit/debit card, or e-check when submitting the filing.
7. When the renewal is approved, the system will send you an email.  That email will also give you instructions on how to login to your account and download your confirmation documents.

Please contact Business Services with any questions – (406) 444-3665.

To Register a Mark

1. Visit the online filing portal at https://biz.sosmt.gov/
2. Sign into the site with your username and password.  (If you don’t have an account, click the login button and you’ll see where you can create one.)
3. Once you’re logged in, click “Register a Trademark” in the Trademark box, then select “Registration of Mark (Trademark or Service Mark)” and “File Online.”
4. The form will open, and you will complete the application online.  Please read all the instructions and be sure to complete every form item that has a red *asterisk.  Click on the Question Mark icon to see more information about the fields on each page.
   • The application will require 3 specimens of the mark showing it in use as stated in the filing (ex. advertisements, website, products.)
5. Once the application has been completed, click the “FILE ONLINE” button to submit.
6. When the application is approved, the system will send you an email.  That email will also give you instructions on how to login to your account and download your confirmation documents.

Please contact Business Services with any questions – (406) 444-3665.

Subscription Services

A subscription service provides access to information with automatic payment deduction from the payment account.

Trademark Copies:
A monthly download of trademark images on file with our office.

Active New Business Entity Report:
A monthly report of all new businesses registered from the previous month.

Homeowner & Condo Association Report:
A report of all homeowner and condo associations registered with our office.

Nonprofit Corporation Report:
A report of all domestic and foreign nonprofit corporations registered with our office.

UCC Bulk:
A data export of all UCC filings registered with our office with image extracts.  Include a full bulk download and daily exports.

Corporate Bulk:
A data export for various criteria for all of our business information registered with our office.

Please contact Business Services with any questions – (406) 444-3665.

Principal Extract Report

This will return all principals related to a specific business

1. Access the online portal here
2. Search for and select the business name
3. Click Request Information and follow the steps
4. Submit payment
5. Download the report
   • Principal Extract - $2.00 Enter name of a specific business registered with MT SOS and get a list of principals.

Business Entity Report

This will return Entity Information for a specific business

1. Access the online portal here
2. Search for and select the business name
3. Click Request Information and follow the steps
4. Submit payment
5. Download the report
   • Business Entity Report - $2.00 Entity name, formation date, status, type, term, purpose, agent, associated business names, trademarks, principals

Please contact Business Services with any questions – (406) 444-3665.