LLC Articles of Organization

The name is not universal. Some states use terms such as Certificate of Formation or Certificate of Organization. The filing requirements, information requested, and fees vary by state.

What do Articles of Organization do?

The filing tells the state that you are creating an LLC and provides the information required under that state's law.

Once the filing is accepted and other applicable formation requirements are satisfied, the LLC becomes a recognized legal entity under state law.

What information is included?

Depending on the state, the filing may request information such as:

• • LLC legal name
• • registered agent
• • registered office
• • principal or mailing address
• • organizer
• • management structure
• • duration, if not perpetual
• • business purpose

Do not copy a list from another state's form and assume it applies to yours. Use the current official form or online filing system for your state.

Articles of Organization vs. operating agreement

These documents serve different purposes.

Articles of Organization are filed with the state to form the entity.

An operating agreement is an internal governance document describing how the LLC is owned and managed.

The operating agreement is generally much more detailed about member rights, voting, distributions, management, and internal procedures.

Read LLC Operating Agreement

Who files the Articles?

The person who submits the formation document is often called the organizer. The organizer does not necessarily have to be an LLC member, depending on state law.

Are Articles of Organization public?

Formation filings are commonly part of the state's public business record, although exactly what is displayed varies.

Consider that before placing unnecessary personal information into optional fields.

What happens after filing?

Common next steps include:

1. Save the state's confirmation and formation documents.
2. Complete the operating agreement.
3. Obtain an EIN if needed.
4. Check licenses and permits.
5. Register any DBA.
6. Open business banking.
7. Calendar ongoing state requirements.
8. Evaluate insurance.

For the complete sequence, see How to Start an LLC.