Foreign Registration in Maryland

If your company is registered outside of Maryland it is required to obtain a certificate of authority before transacting business in the state.

This process is called “Foreign Qualification”, and it involves filing Foreign Limited Liability Company Registration form (LLC) or Foreign Corporation Qualification form (Corporations) with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation.

To approve foreign qualification application Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation requires certificate of good standing or its equivalent from the home state. The certificate doesn’t have to be current. Keep in mind, foreign entity is required to appoint and maintain a registered agent in Maryland on file at all times in order to be in good standing.

The filing process with Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation could take about 8 business weeks, with expedited option of 7 business days (plus additional time for mailing) available for extra fee. Applicants should also allow additional time for obtaining the certificate of good standing from their home state.