Key Takeaways

  • Georgia LLCs must file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State, including details such as the business name, registered agent, and organizer information.
  • The filing fee is $100, and submissions can be made online or by mail, though online filings are faster and include automated error checking.
  • LLCs must include a Transmittal Form 231 when filing by mail, which includes additional contact and address information.
  • Optional provisions and organizer statements may be added to the Articles to define business operations or structure.
  • Foreign LLCs need to file a Certificate of Authority and meet specific local representation requirements.

A Georgia LLC articles of organization template can help you create your own articles of organization for your LLC. Officials normally provide a blank template so you fill out important information about your LLC. An articles of organization registers your LLC once you complete the template and include a filing fee of $100. You will submit the articles of organization to the Georgia Secretary of State at the Corporations Division. An articles of organization must include the following information:

  • LLC name
  • Names and addresses of members and managers

You can file the articles of organization via online or mail. If you wish to file by mail, you must include a Transmittal Information Georgia Limited Liability Form. This form must include:

  • LLC address and name
  • Name and address of the person registering the LLC
  • Names and addresses of organizers
  • LLC registered agent and address

Name Your LLC

Georgia law mandates that your LLC name must contain designators such as “Limited Liability Company” or “Limited Company.” You may also use abbreviations in the form of “L.L.C.” or “LC.” The word “Limited” can also abbreviated into “Ltd.” Further, your name must be 80 characters or less, and the character spaces include punctuation and spaces.

In addition, your new name should be different from other LLC names registered in the state database, and the names should not sound too similar to other business names. You may check the name availability database at the Corporations Division website. Once you choose the name, you can reserve it for up to 30 days using a reservation request application. You must pay a reservation fee of $25.

Registered Agents

All Georgia LLCs must have an appointed registered agent. The registered agent is a person or organization that agrees to receive any legal paperwork on your LLC’s behalf. Such documents could include court papers or any official notifications from Georgia authorities. Agents must have an official address in Georgia, and no P.O. boxes are allowed.

Article of Organization Instructions

You can create your articles of organization by visiting the state website. You must first create a user account, and proceed to click on “I am Creating a New Domestic Business.”

From there, choose “Domestic Limited Liability” from the “Business Type” drop-down menu. Enter the name of your LLC, including designators or abbreviations. From there, fill out the purpose of the business, and choose “NAICS Code,” which stands for North American Industry Classification System.

After, enter the primary street address of the LLC. Georgia will use the primary address to send you state documents, except legal documents. You are free to use any physical address, so long as it’s located in the state. It can also be an office, home, or address of your registered agent. From there, you would enter information on your agent, followed by the organizer, which is you. You may also add any information on additional organizers if needed. After filling out the information, you would proceed to the end until you officially make your LLC official.

What to Include in Georgia Articles of Organization

The Georgia Articles of Organization must contain:

  • The LLC name that meets state naming requirements
  • The name and address of the registered agent
  • The principal mailing address of the LLC
  • The organizer’s name and signature
  • An optional effective date, if different from the filing date
  • Optional additional provisions, such as management structure or business purpose

When filing by mail, you must also submit Transmittal Form 231, which provides contact information for the filer and a second point of contact if available​.

Filing Methods and Processing Times

In Georgia, you can file your Articles of Organization online or by mail:

  • Online Filing: Recommended for speed and accuracy. The system offers automated error checking and typically processes filings within 7 business days. Expedited service is available for an additional fee.
  • Mail Filing: Slower than online, taking approximately 15 business days for standard processing. You must include the completed Articles of Organization and Transmittal Form 231.

Regardless of method, the filing fee is $100. Online submissions are made through the Georgia Corporations Division website.

EIN

All businesses engaging in financial transactions in Georgia must register for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Additionally, you must register for an EIN if:

  • The LLC has more than a single member (even if there are no employees)
  • Single-member LLCs intend to hire employees
  • LLCs gain corporate taxation as opposed to sole proprietorship classification

Moreover, banks require an EIN to open a business bank account, and you’ll need one to open any credit cards in the LLC’s name. You may apply for an EIN via the IRS website for free, or you can apply through mail.

Amending Articles of Organization

If your LLC’s information changes—such as the name, management structure, or registered agent—you must file an Amendment to the Articles of Organization with the Georgia Secretary of State. The amendment filing fee is $20 for mail filings and $30 online.

Keep in mind that failing to update the articles could lead to penalties or administrative dissolution of your LLC.

LLC Regulations

Taxes and regulations will depend on which county your LLC is located in, and your business may need to apply for a number of licenses and permits. For instance, if you intend to collect sales tax, you need to notify the Georgia Department of Revenue and register. Additionally, LLCs require annual registrations with the secretary of state. The annual fee is $50, and the fee is due anywhere from January 1 to April 1 of the same year the LLC was created. Refer to the secretary of state website to file the annual registration online.

Foreign LLCs

Foreign LLCs that are registered outside of Georgia must adhere to some unique guidelines. For example, foreign LLCs must choose a registered agent that’s located in Georgia. You may use the services of a registered agent company if you have no other person or company that will accept your official documentation in Georgia. To register in Georgia, you must file a certificate of authority to do business in the state.

Certificate of Authority for Foreign LLCs

Foreign LLCs that want to operate in Georgia must file an Application for Certificate of Authority. This includes:

  • A Certificate of Existence (or Good Standing) from the home state, dated within 90 days
  • A registered agent in Georgia
  • Payment of the $225 filing fee
  • A completed Transmittal Form 231

This process allows foreign entities to legally conduct business in the state while ensuring compliance with Georgia laws​.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need an attorney to file Georgia Articles of Organization? No, an attorney is not legally required, but consulting one can help ensure your documents are complete and compliant.

2. Can I file Articles of Organization without a registered agent? No. Georgia law requires all LLCs to designate a registered agent with a physical address in the state.

3. How long does it take to process Articles of Organization in Georgia? Online filings typically take up to 7 business days; mail filings may take 15 business days or more.

4. What is Transmittal Form 231, and when is it needed? It’s a required form when submitting Articles by mail. It includes the LLC’s contact info, organizer, and registered agent details.

5. Can I change my LLC’s name after filing Articles of Organization? Yes. You must file an amendment and pay the applicable fee to change your LLC’s legal name officially.

Would you like help creating a downloadable Georgia Articles of Organization template next?

To learn more about a Georgia LLC articles of organization template, submit your legal inquiry to our UpCounsel marketplace. UpCounsel retains a pool of quality lawyers around the nation that can assist you in filling out an articles of organization template. In addition, our lawyers will help you through the LLC filing process and will help you adhere to Georgia rules and regulations.