Out-of-State Businesses Must Have a Montana Registered Agent—Even for Temporary Work

If your company is based in another state but plans to do business, contract, bid, or operate in Montana, Montana law requires you to appoint a Montana registered agent—even if your work here is short-term.

This applies among others to:

• Construction contractors working a seasonal project

• Oil, gas, and energy service providers on limited engagements

• Seasonal tourism, outfitting, or event-based vendors

• Businesses in neighboring states like North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming or Idaho who come into Montana to do work, such as for plumbers, electricians, or other contractors or builders.

Foreign Qualification Requires a Montana Registered Agent

To legally operate, out-of-state businesses must file as a foreign entity with the Montana Secretary of State. That filing cannot be completed without naming a Montana commercial registered agent with a physical address.

Legal Requirement: What Montana Law Says

• Under Montana Code Annotated (MCA) § 35-14-1503, a foreign corporation seeking to register to do business in Montana must include the name and street address of its registered agent in Montana when submitting a “Foreign Registration Statement.”

• For foreign LLCs, a similar requirement exists — they must apply for a “Certificate of Authority” and designate a registered agent with a Montana physical address.

• By statute, every entity registered in Montana must maintain a “registered office and agent” at all times.

Why It Matters—

Even if your Montana presence is temporary, the state still needs a permanent point of contact for:

• Service of process (lawsuits, legal claims, subpoenas)

• State compliance notices

Without a registered agent, your business risks an inability to legally contract or work in Montana.

Krautter’s Registered Agent, LLC is a local Billings, Montana based commercial registered agent that provides customers:

• A permanent, reliable Montana address

• Mail forwarding

• Compliance deadline reminders

• Optional annual report filing (Premium Plan)

• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

Make Your Montana Project Legally Ready

Whether you’re working on a 3-month contract, a 2-year infrastructure project, or a one-time commercial install, registering correctly on day one protects your business. Appoint your Montana commercial registered agent today at krautters.com