Articles of organization are the legal documents business owners submit to create Limited Liability Companies (LLCs). When you form an LLC, you have to file articles of organization with your state to be officially recognized as a business entity.
If you’re planning to start an LLC, bookmark this guide for information on what to include in your articles of organization, where to file them, and with whom.
Are articles of organization the same as articles of incorporation? What about operating agreements?
Also called a certificate of organization or certificate of formation, articles of organization are legal documents used to form an LLC. Articles of incorporation, on the other hand, are legal documents used to form a corporation.
An operating agreement is something different altogether: it’s a contract written by the members of an LLC to establish the business’s management structure and profit split.
Related: What’s the difference between LLCs and S corporations?
Articles of organization requirements: What information is necessary?
As a concept, articles of organization sounds lengthy, like a full-fledged business plan. But the document itself isn’t that in-depth—it’s usually just half a page of basic business information you send to your state’s Secretary of State.
Here’s what the articles of organization cover:
The LLC’s legal business name
The LLC’s principal operating address
The name and address of the LLC’s “registered agent,” aka the person authorized to receive important documents on the business’s behalf
A signature, either from the person who files the paperwork or from one of the LLC members (in most cases, that’s the same person)
Some states also ask for additional details in the articles of organization, like:
Business purpose, an overview of the LLC’s activities
Management structure, an explanation of whether or not the LLC is managed by members (the business owners themselves) or a third-party manager
Duration of the LLC (many businesses say something like indefinite or perpetual)
Make sure you check your Secretary of State website for complete instructions on what to include in your articles of organization.
How much do articles of organization cost?
Articles of organization cost money to file, anywhere from $25 to $500 depending on where you live. Every state charges a different amount (and many states have different fees for domestic LLCs versus foreign entities), so make sure you budget your startup costs accordingly.
And keep in mind: the cost to file articles of organization is usually just one part of the total cost of forming your LLC. Filing a certificate of formation requires a one-time upfront fee, but maintaining your LLC usually requires a larger annual fee.
Here are the costs of articles of organization by state (and most for online filing):
State | Cost to file articles of organization* |
$28 | |
$250 | |
$50 | |
$45 | |
$70 | |
$50 | |
$120 | |
$110 | |
$125 | |
$100 | |
$50 | |
$120 | |
$150 | |
$95 | |
$50 | |
$85 | |
$40 | |
$125 | |
$175 | |
$150 | |
$500 | |
$50 | |
$155 | |
$50 | |
$50 | |
$35 (plus $50 per member) | |
$100 | |
$75 | |
$100 | |
$100 | |
$50 | |
$200 | |
$125 | |
$135 | |
$99 | |
$100 | |
$100 | |
$125 | |
$150 | |
$125 | |
$150 | |
$300 | |
$300 | |
$59 | |
$155 | |
$100 | |
$180 | |
$100 | |
$130 | |
$100 |
*Costs as of October 2026
How to file articles of organization
Follow these steps to file your articles of organization and get your LLC underway.
1. Choose and verify your business name
Before you file your articles of organization, your first job is to pick a name for your LLC. Most states require you to pick a business name that’s easy to distinguish on state records, so you’ll need to make sure no one else has it.
You can search your state’s business directory on the Secretary of State website to see if anyone else has your LLC name. If your ideal name is taken, don’t worry. You can always pick a unique LLC name for tax purposes, then do business under the name you actually want (that’s called a DBA).
Related: How to decide which business entity is right for you
2. Appoint a registered agent
The registered agent is the person responsible for filing the articles of organization and receiving business documents. An LLC member can easily fill this role, but some people prefer to hire a third party to be their registered agent.
3. Gather the required information
Formation requirements include a designated physical address for your business, a defined management structure, and a named registered agent.
4. File with your state
Every state has a slightly different filing process, so it’s crucial to comb through your state’s Secretary of State website for exact instructions. Most states ask you to create an account first, then input your articles of organization information, then pay the filing fee.
Some states also have follow-up requirements. California, for example, requires you to submit a Statement of Information, which confirms your management structure, business address, and business activities, 90 days after you form your LLC.
What to do after your articles of organization are approved
After your Secretary of State approves your business application, there are two critical steps to take:
1. Get an EIN
Now that your business entity is approved, you’re legally obligated to get a federal employer identification number (EIN), which is what you’ll use to pay taxes, set up a bank account, and hire vendors.
The process is fast and easy: all you have to do is:
Visit the Internal Revenue Service’s EIN application page
Input your business name, address, and entity type, as well as your name and Social Security number
Receive your EIN
2. Draft an operating agreement
Next, write an operating agreement with your fellow LLC members, spelling out your business’s management and profit-sharing structure. If you formed a single-member LLC, it’s still a good idea to create an operating agreement for legal purposes.
Most states don’t require you to actually file your operating agreement, but a handful of them—including California and Delaware—do.
Your operating agreement should cover:
The business name, address, and business purpose
The names and contact information of the LLC members
The ownership percentage split
How much capital each member contributed
The LLC’s management structure (member-managed by all members, member-managed by only some or one, or manager-managed by a third party)
How profits and losses will be split
Rules for dissolving the LLC or buying out fellow members
3. Open a business bank account
Forming an LLC means your business finances are separate from your personal finances, so you’ll need a dedicated business bank account. Set one up right away, so you can start to log your expenses, track your sales, and build a savings cushion.
4. Register your DBA
A DBA, which stands for “doing business as,” is a company name that’s different from your official LLC name. Many businesses have a legal LLC name and a separate DBA, either because their original business name was taken or because their LLC encompasses several different businesses.
Either way, if you have a DBA, you’ll need to register it with your city or county clerk’s office. You’ll have to fill out some basic business paperwork, provide your EIN and LLC name, and pay a local filing fee.
5. Apply for business licenses and permits
Depending on your industry and business location, you might need additional business licenses and permits to run your operation.
Some states require business owners to obtain state business licenses, either for charging sales tax, working in heavily regulated industries like construction, or holding certain professional titles (like an accountant or electrician). Local counties and cities often require business licenses too. Think: building permits, operating licenses, zoning and land use permits, and health licenses.
Depending on the license you need, the process could take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Make sure you check your Secretary of State website and local county clerk’s office to see which business licenses you’re responsible for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are articles of organization public record?
Yes, articles of organization are public record since you file them with your state. People can search business directories to see the official name of your LLC, its management structure, members, and business address.
Can I amend my articles of organization after filing?
You can amend your articles of organization after filing if a significant detail changes, like the name of your business or your business purpose. You’ll usually file amended articles of organization with your state using the same process you did to file the original one.
Do I need a lawyer to file articles of organization?
You don’t need a lawyer to file articles of organization for your LLC. You can easily do it yourself by following the instructions on your Secretary of State’s website.
