Secretary of State Registration Requirement
Last updated: 2025-05-20
Secretary of State Registration
Ensure your business meets Minnesota’s legal requirements to operate.
Background
In Minnesota, most businesses must register with the Secretary of State to legally operate. Even if exempt from registration, you may still need other licenses, permits, or registrations—and must comply with tax, zoning, and industry rules. Consult legal or business professionals for full compliance.
Procurement staff will verify your registration status before any contract is finalized. If you’re not registered, complete this step to proceed.
Process
Sole proprietors and general partnerships operating under the full legal names of the owners are exempt. E.g., “John Smith Painting” need not register, but “Smith Painting” must.
Out-of-state entities must obtain a Certificate of Authority under Minn. Stat. § 303.03. Complete the Certificate of Authority to Transact Business form for your entity type.
Your Registered Agent must:
- An individual Minnesota resident at a physical MN address
- Or a business authorized in MN with a physical office
They receive legal notices on behalf of your entity.
Secretary of State Resources
Phone
651-296-2803 (Metro)
1-877-551-6767 (Greater MN)
Office Hours
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
By appointment only
Resources
- Minnesota Secretary of State
- Minnesota Statute: Chpt 303 Foreign Corporations
- Policy 5.14 – Contracts & Procurements
- Procedure 5.14.2 – Consultant & Income Contracts
-
Corporations
Minnesota Statute: Chpt 302A Corporations
Minnesota Business Corporation -
Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
Minnesota Statute: Chpt 322C LLCs
Minnesota LLCs -
Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
Minnesota Statute: Chpt 323A LLPs
Minnesota LLPs