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The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State is excited to announce an upcoming pop‑up business filing event that will bring in‑person assistance directly to the St. Cloud community. Join us Wednesday, September 23, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Stearns County Courthouse
During the event, staff from our Business Services division will be available to help with business filings, including new registrations, renewals, amendments, and apostille authentications. If you prefer completing filings in person or have a hard time traveling to our public counter in downtown St. Paul, this is a convenient way to get the support you need closer to home.
We look forward to bringing this service to St. Cloud, and hope to announce additional events elsewhere in Minnesota soon. If you would like to see us in your community, please let us know by completing this form. These pop‑up events are part of our ongoing effort to make business services easier to access for Minnesotans who prefer face‑to‑face guidance.
Business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members are welcome to stop by. For more details, including what to bring and payment information, visit sos.mn.gov/popup. We hope to see you there!
As always, thank you for doing business in Minnesota.
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 Steve Simon, Secretary of State
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Entities registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State are required to file an annual renewal once every calendar year to maintain active status and good standing under Minnesota Statutes*. The deadline for renewals is December 31, but you may renew at any time during the calendar year! No need to wait until the end of the year - renew now and check it off your list early.
If you have already renewed or reinstated in 2026, your entity is active and in good standing for the year, and no further action is needed. If you have not filed a renewal for 2026, you can do so now. And if you're unsure of your renewal status, just use the button below to visit our renewal webpage, where you’ll find step-by-step instructions and additional details.
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Heads up for September
We’ll be sending official email renewal reminders in September 2026 to anyone who hasn’t filed their 2026 renewal. These will go to the email address you provided for official notices, so keep an eye on your inbox!
Good news: If you take care of your renewal anytime between now and September, you’re all set! You won’t get the reminder because you’ve already filed.
*Foreign Nonprofit Corporation is the only type of entity that does not have to file a renewal under Minnesota Statute.
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Our new Business Identity Recovery (BIR) program continues to help Minnesotans who have been the victim of business identity theft. Since January 1, 2026, when the program launched, our office has received 180 total submissions and 131 of those have been resolved.
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How to protect yourself from business identity theft
The most common form of business identity theft that we see occurs when someone reinstates a business that became inactive after missing its annual renewal, then uses the business name for fraudulent purposes like applying for credit or loans.
Keeping your business filings up‑to‑date with the Secretary of State is one of the best ways to prevent business identity theft. Here are some other tips:
- Note your renewal due date in your calendar and file your annual renewal on time.
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Maintain a valid official email address on file to receive renewal reminders and notifications when changes are made to your business. Need to update your email address for official notices? Use this form.
- File any changes to your business in a timely manner, such as address, registered agent, name change, or other changes.
- Check your business details on our website (click here for step-by-step instructions). If changes have been made without your permission, someone may be trying to use your business to commit fraud. Visit sos.mn.gov/bir to learn more about your new protections and how our office can help.
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 The Resource Roundup is a space to highlight other agencies, organizations, and opportunities that may be helpful for Minnesota business owners.
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LegalCORPS: Free legal support for Minnesota businesses and nonprofits
Get your organization or business’s legal ducks in a row through services provided by LegalCORPS. Whether you are starting from scratch, have encountered difficulties, or are updating your business plan, pro bono attorneys are available to assist. You can find links to applications for services, along with programs that can assist you on the LegalCORPS website. LegalCORPS also offers:
You can get in touch with LegalCORPS by emailing the right team for your needs: business assistance, nonprofit assistance, and inventor assistance.
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DEED: Small Business Digital Toolbox
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development's (DEED) Small Business Digital Toolbox is filled with trusted resources to help you start and grow your business in Minnesota. This free online resource provides entrepreneurs and business owners with essential tools, including financing opportunities, business guides, compliance resources, upcoming events, and more. Whether you’re launching a new venture or taking an established business to the next level, the Digital Toolbox can help you find the information and support you need. Learn more.
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We want your feedback
Do you have questions about registering, renewing, or anything else related to Business Services at the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State? Please share them with us!
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Stay in touch!
Follow Business Services on Instagram for business reminders, resources, and education from our office: @mnsecofstate
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