No, reinstatement is not exclusive to LLCs. The process is available to a range of entities, including corporations, limited partnerships, and nonprofits that have been administratively dissolved or revoked by the state. While the specific forms and requirements may differ for each entity type and jurisdiction, reinstatement allows any eligible business to restore its active status and return to good standing after resolving the underlying compliance issues.

Administrative dissolution occurs when a state involuntarily shuts down a domestic LLC (one formed in that state) for failing to meet legal requirements, such as filing annual reports, paying fees, or maintaining a registered agent. Revocation, on the other hand, typically affects foreign LLCs (formed in another U.S. state) and refers to the loss of authority to do business in the state for similar compliance failures. Both result in the loss of legal status, but the terminology and reinstatement steps depend on whether your LLC is domestic or foreign.

The core requirements are similar: you must file a reinstatement application, resolve all compliance issues, and pay any outstanding fees and penalties. For administratively dissolved (domestic) LLCs, the focus is on correcting local compliance issues. For revoked (foreign) LLCs, reinstatement may involve updating registration and restoring authorization to do business in the state. Each jurisdiction may use different forms and procedures, so partnering with a professional filing service ensures your entity meets all state-specific requirements efficiently.

Yes. Reinstatement requirements including forms, deadlines, fees, and supporting documentation differ significantly from state to state. Some states allow quick online filings while others require additional paperwork, tax clearances, or certain penalty payments, and many impose specific deadlines for when reinstatement is allowed.
(Optional: Our professional filing service specializes in managing these variations for you. We identify your state’s unique requirements, prepare and audit all forms, and ensure that every step is completed correctly and efficiently—so your LLC is restored to good standing with minimal hassle.)

No, not all LLCs are eligible for reinstatement. Most states set specific time limits—commonly two to five years—within which a dissolved or revoked LLC can be reinstated. If this period passes or if the original business name has been claimed by another entity, reinstatement is generally not possible and forming a new LLC may be required.

The reinstatement process, whether following administrative dissolution or revocation, generally requires filing an official reinstatement application (or Articles of Reinstatement), resolving any outstanding compliance issues such as missing annual filings or unpaid taxes, and paying all overdue fees or penalties. Some circumstances may also call for updates to registered agent or business address information and, in certain states, tax clearance from authorities. The steps and documentation involved depend on the underlying reason your LLC lost its good standing and the rules in the state of registration.

Reinstatement costs vary widely by state and by what caused the dissolution. States charge filing fees for the reinstatement itself, plus any unpaid annual fees or penalties. For example, Nevada charges a $300 reinstatement fee plus all delinquent report fees. Other states such as Florida or Delaware have different fee structures, and overdue taxes or penalties may also apply.

If a dissolved or revoked LLC continues business operations, the owners and managers may lose the limited liability protections normally offered by the LLC structure, and could be personally liable for any debts or obligations incurred during that period. In many states, retroactive reinstatement can restore the LLC’s status as if the dissolution or revocation never occurred, often reinstating the protections and validating business activities. However, specific outcomes depend on state law and circumstances—maintaining compliance and timely reinstatement helps minimize risks and ensures continued legal and financial benefits for the business.

The processing time for LLC reinstatement can range from a few business days up to several weeks, depending on the state’s workflow and the complexity of your application. In straightforward cases, states often process reinstatement within 1–2 business days, while more complicated filings or those requiring resolution of multiple compliance issues may take longer. Many states also provide expedited services for an additional fee, which can significantly reduce turnaround time if faster reinstatement is needed.

In most cases, a lawyer is not required to complete your LLC’s reinstatement. Reinstatement is an administrative process, and ReinstateMyLLC prepares and files all necessary documents on your behalf to ensure your application meets state-specific requirements for reinstatement. If your situation involves litigation or complex legal disputes, consulting an attorney may be appropriate, but for standard reinstatement requests, our services provide comprehensive support throughout the filing process.