Key Takeaways

  • The California Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) officially establishes your LLC with the Secretary of State.
  • You must include details such as your LLC name, business address, management structure, and registered agent.
  • California requires all LLCs to appoint a registered agent with a physical address in the state.
  • You can file your Articles of Organization online, by mail, or in person with the $70 state filing fee.
  • After filing, LLCs must submit a Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) within 90 days.
  • Errors in your articles—such as a missing registered agent or incorrect management type—can delay approval.
  • Expedited and certified copy services are available through the California Secretary of State.

Start an LLC in California

California LLC articles of organization are required when forming a new LLC. Before starting a business in the state, the first step is doing some research to make sure clients can easily search for the name you want to use and that it is suited to your planned business venture. The first step is choosing your LLC name. California business laws require that all LLC names end with limited liability company or one of the accepted abbreviations, such as L.L.C. or LLC. Further abbreviation of limited to Ltd. and/or company to co. is also allowed.

An LLC name cannot include the words:

  • Corporation
  • Bank
  • Insurer
  • Trust
  • Corporation or corp.
  • Incorporated or inc.
  • Trustee

It also can't include words that suggest the company operates in the insurance industry.

An LLC business name cannot be:

  • Misleading
  • Too similar or identical to an existing business name in the California records

Before you submit a registration form for your business, check the availability on the business name database, found on the secretary of state's website. Names can be checked for availability by searching the California secretary of state's business name database. When you use this database, all business names will be checked against existing LLCs that have registered with the secretary of state's office. 

If the name you want is available, you can fill out a name reservation request form and reserve it for up to 60 days. Upon completing the form, you can hand-deliver or mail it to the secretary of state's office in Sacramento. Along with the form, you must submit a $10 name reservation fee. You can review additional information related to the availability of a business name provided by the California secretary of state. This important information is available on the website. 

Choose a Registered Agent

Another required step in forming an LLC in California is nominating an agent for the service of process. In an LLC, an agent for the service of process is also referred to as the registered agent. A registered agent or agent for the service of process is either a business or an individual that is willing to receive and send legal documents on behalf of the LLC. These documents might include state filings and service of process of legal action, such as if the business is sued. 

The LLC cannot serve as its own registered agent. Your business may only designate one registered agent. If you choose a person for your registered agent, they must live in California. The street address of the registered agent will be included in the articles of organization, and it cannot be a P.O. Box. Although your LLC cannot serve as its own registered agent, you can choose an agent with an affiliation to the LLC.

File Articles of Organization With the State 

When you're ready to register the LLC with the state, you need to file your articles of organization, either in person or by mail. You must decide whether the LLC will be manager-managed or member-managed, as this should be included in the articles of organization. Another step in forming and registering an LLC is filling out Form LLC-1 and filing it with the secretary of state's office. Review the instructions before you complete the form. 

Section 1: Name of the LLC

Several requirements exist under California business laws when it comes to acceptable business names for LLCs. One of these requirements is including limited liability company or one of its accepted abbreviations within the business name. You can see a list of accepted abbreviations on Form LLC-1. Additional rules state that a business name cannot be misleading, nor can it be very similar to an existing business entity. Before you file, make sure to check the California business name database to determine whether your desired name is available.

Section 2: Purpose 

The second section of the form states that your LLC will not engage in illegal business activities and exists to do business that is legal. 

Section 3: LLC Addresses 

When filling out section three, include the LLC business address on line A. The business address must be located in the state of California. A separate mailing address, like a P.O. Box, can be entered on line B.

How to File California Articles of Organization

Filing the California Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) is the official step to create your limited liability company. You can file online through the California Secretary of State’s bizfile portal, by mail, or in person at their Sacramento office. The state filing fee is $70, and you can request expedited processing for an additional fee ranging from $350 to $750 depending on how quickly you need approval.

Methods of Filing:

  • Online: Fastest option through bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov.
  • Mail: Send completed Form LLC-1 with a check payable to “Secretary of State.”
  • In Person: Submit at the Sacramento office; expedited options are available for same-day service.

Payment Options: You can pay by credit card online or by check or money order when mailing the form.

Once submitted, the Secretary of State will review your filing and return a stamped copy confirming approval. Keep this document for your records—it serves as legal proof of your LLC’s formation.

What to Include in Your California Articles of Organization

Form LLC-1 requires specific information to establish your business legally. Incomplete or incorrect filings are one of the most common reasons for rejection. Be sure to include:

  1. LLC Name: Must include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.” and comply with California naming rules.
  2. Business Address: Enter a California street address for your principal office. A P.O. box cannot be used.
  3. Mailing Address: Optional, but allows for a separate correspondence address.
  4. Registered Agent: The individual or business entity designated to receive legal documents. The agent’s physical street address must be in California.
  5. Management Structure: Indicate whether the LLC is member-managed (run by owners) or manager-managed (run by appointed managers).
  6. Organizer Signature: The person preparing and submitting the Articles must sign and date the form.

Including accurate information helps avoid costly delays. If you make a mistake, you can file a Certificate of Correction (Form LLC-11) with the Secretary of State to amend your Articles.

After You File: Next Steps for California LLCs

Once your California Articles of Organization are approved, additional compliance steps are required to keep your LLC in good standing:

  • File Statement of Information (Form LLC-12): Must be submitted within 90 days of formation and every two years thereafter. This filing updates the state on your LLC’s address, management, and registered agent information.
  • Obtain an EIN: Apply for an Employer Identification Number from the IRS if your LLC has multiple members or employees.
  • Create an Operating Agreement: Although not filed with the state, California law requires LLCs to have an Operating Agreement that outlines ownership and management terms.
  • Pay Annual Franchise Tax: Every LLC must pay an $800 annual tax to the California Franchise Tax Board, due by the 15th day of the 4th month after formation.
  • Comply with Local Permits: Depending on your business type and location, city or county business licenses may be required.

Following these steps ensures your LLC remains compliant and avoids penalties or suspension.

Common Mistakes When Filing California Articles of Organization

Many new business owners encounter delays because of avoidable filing errors. Common mistakes include:

  • Using a business name already in use or too similar to another California entity.
  • Listing a registered agent with an out-of-state address or P.O. box.
  • Failing to indicate whether the LLC is member- or manager-managed.
  • Forgetting the organizer’s signature or submitting incomplete sections of Form LLC-1.
  • Not including the correct filing fee or payment method.

Before submitting your form, double-check all entries and verify name availability using the Secretary of State’s Business Search tool. Ensuring accuracy can save weeks of processing time.

How to Obtain Certified Copies or Amend Your Articles

After your LLC is formed, you may need certified copies of your California Articles of Organization for banks, investors, or licensing agencies. You can request them directly from the Secretary of State’s office for a $5 certification fee per copy.

If your business changes—such as management structure or address—you must file an Amendment to Articles of Organization (Form LLC-2). This amendment updates your official records and ensures continued compliance with state law.

For more complex filings, including reorganizations or foreign registrations, consulting a California business attorney can help you ensure full compliance. You can find experienced lawyers on UpCounsel to assist with LLC formation or amendment needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What form is used for the California Articles of Organization?
    You must file Form LLC-1 with the California Secretary of State to legally create your LLC.
  2. How much does it cost to file?
    The state filing fee is $70, with optional expedited service for an additional $350–$750 depending on speed.
  3. How long does it take for approval?
    Online filings are typically processed within 5–10 business days, while mailed forms may take several weeks.
  4. Do I need to file anything after formation?
    Yes. Within 90 days, you must file a Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) and pay the $800 annual franchise tax.
  5. Can I change or correct my Articles of Organization later?
    Yes. Use Form LLC-11 to correct errors or Form LLC-2 to amend details such as address or management type.

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