Key Takeaways

  • Nevada Articles of Organization are essential for LLC formation and compliance.
  • Certified copies can be obtained online, by mail, or in person from the Nevada Secretary of State.
  • You need certified copies to open business bank accounts, register in other states, or apply for business licenses.
  • The total cost to form a Nevada LLC, including required filings, is typically $425.
  • Expedited filing options are available, but additional fees apply.
  • You must file the Articles of Organization along with the Initial List and a State Business License application.
  • The SilverFlume online portal is Nevada’s official platform for business filings.
  • A registered agent is required for every Nevada LLC and must have a Nevada street address.

Knowing how to get a copy of articles of incorporation Nevada is necessary for several situations. A business might need to do this when it wants a certified copy of the formation documents. As an example, certain banks have a mandatory requirement to present a certified copy of articles of organization or incorporation in order to get a business account.

Why Do Companies Need to Get a Copy of Articles of Incorporation in Nevada?

Some states may want to see these documents as well as other filings, including amendments, before a company can conduct business in the state as a foreign entity. This process is called foreign qualification. Companies that plan on expanding internationally should get certified copies of business documents so they can certify them for foreign use.

If you're in charge of the company records for a Nevada LLC or Nevada corporation, you must keep certified copies of all formation documents on file, such as the articles of organization for an LLC, or the articles of incorporation for a corporation. Any amendments must be kept together as well. The articles of incorporation must be dated within the past 90 days in order to get a Nevada Certificate of Authority. If you're in charge of records for a current church in Nevada, you'll need a copy of the articles of incorporation, too.

What is a Nevada-Certified Copy?

A Nevada-certified copy is defined as the copy of a business document that has an endorsement along with a Seal of the Nevada Secretary of State or certificate that declares its a true copy of the document. This certified copy will also have the date the original document was certified by the Nevada secretary of state. This is usually just a photocopy that has the signature of someone who represents the Nevada secretary of state. A certified copy means the copy is accurate, valid, and true.

Where to File and Access Nevada Articles of Organization

You can file and retrieve Nevada Articles of Organization through:

  • SilverFlume Business Portal (https://www.nvsilverflume.gov): The official online filing and retrieval system.
  • Mail: Send your request with payment to the Secretary of State’s main office in Carson City.
  • In Person: Visit one of the state offices for same-day filing and pickup, though this may require an additional expedited fee.

When requesting documents, always ensure the correct business entity is selected and that your payment covers any applicable per-page and certification fees.

When You May Need a Certified Copy of Nevada Articles of Organization

A certified copy of the Nevada Articles of Organization may be required in several scenarios:

  • Registering in Another State (Foreign Qualification): Required to demonstrate legal existence.
  • Opening a Business Bank Account: Many banks require certified formation documents.
  • Obtaining Financing: Lenders often request certified documents during underwriting.
  • Renewing or Applying for Licenses: Certain state and local agencies may need them.
  • Proving Legal Status for Contracts or Bids: Especially in government-related work.

Certified copies assure third parties that your LLC is valid and compliant with state law.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Nevada-Certified Copy of a Business Document?

A company that is registered in Nevada can order certified copies of its formation documents from the secretary of state of Nevada. It usually takes about four to seven business days in addition to mailing time to process them. It's possible for companies to get certified copies within seven to nine business days. If a company needs them sooner, they can be obtained on the next business day for a fee of $189 in addition to the state document fees.

This only applies if the agency receives the order before noon, Nevada time. The fee for expedited processing also has extra state fees for the process.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Nevada-Certified Copy Online?

The cost for Nevada certified copies is based on the following:

  • The overall number of pages of documents to be certified.
  • A fee of $40 is charged for up to five pages for all certified copies of documents.
  • A fee of $2 per page past the fifth page is charged for the majority of Nevada business documents.

Total Cost to File Nevada Articles of Organization for a New LLC

Forming an LLC in Nevada includes several mandatory filings and fees. The current total cost is:

  • Articles of Organization Filing Fee: $75
  • Initial List of Managers or Members: $150
  • State Business License Application: $200
  • Registered Agent Acceptance (if filed separately): $60

Total Standard Cost: $425 (not including optional expedited processing)

Optional expedited filing services are available for 24-hour, 2-hour, or 1-hour turnaround for additional fees of $125, $500, or $1,000 respectively.

What are Articles of Organization?

Articles of organization for any limited liability company is considered public record and can be viewed by anyone interested. They should be filed with the entity in the state government that's in charge of corporations. This is often a division of the secretary of state in the state where the LLC is formed as well as in other states where it operates. Most of these offices have a website with search functions and access to documents so that you can request hard copies.

What Information Is Included in Nevada Articles of Organization?

Nevada Articles of Organization must include specific details as required by Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS). These include:

  • LLC Name: Must be distinguishable and include an entity designation (e.g., “LLC,” “Limited Liability Company”).
  • Registered Agent: Name and physical address in Nevada, along with their signed consent.
  • Management Structure: Indicate whether the LLC is managed by members or managers, and list their names and addresses.
  • Organizer Information: Name and address of the person filing the Articles.
  • Series LLC Statement: If applicable, a statement indicating the LLC will be a series LLC.
  • Professional Services Disclosure: For professional LLCs, a declaration of the service type and appropriate licensing board certificate.

These documents must be submitted with the Initial List of Managers or Members and the State Business License application.

Steps in Finding the Already-Filed Articles of Organization for a Current LLC

The first step is to confirm the name of the LLC exactly and check its status as a current business before looking online or asking for hard copies of the articles of organization. You can then look in the corporate name database for the state government where the LLC conducts business or in the state where it was established. If there aren't any search functions online, talk to the customer service department of the appropriate state office that's in charge of corporations and ask for assistance verifying the LLC's exact name and its status.

Annual and Ongoing Filing Requirements for Nevada LLCs

After formation, LLCs in Nevada must maintain good standing by meeting ongoing compliance obligations:

  • Annual List: Must be filed every year by the last day of the anniversary month of formation. Fee: $150.
  • Business License Renewal: Renewed with the annual list; Fee: $200.
  • BOI Report: A federal Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report must be filed with FinCEN, unless exempt.

Failure to file annual requirements can result in administrative dissolution, loss of good standing, and late penalties.

How to Obtain a Copy of Filed Nevada Articles of Organization

To request a copy of the Articles of Organization (certified or uncertified), follow these steps:

  1. Visit the Nevada Secretary of State's Website: Use the SilverFlume Business Portal to conduct a name search and access document retrieval services.
  2. Search for the Business: Use the entity’s exact legal name to locate its record.
  3. Request a Copy: Select the specific document (Articles of Organization) and choose whether you want a certified or plain copy.
  4. Pay Fees: The system will calculate your fee based on page count and certification.
  5. Delivery Method: Choose between mail, email (for uncertified copies), or in-person pickup.

For in-person requests, visit the Secretary of State’s office in Carson City, Las Vegas, or Reno.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I view Nevada Articles of Organization for free? Yes, you can view basic business information for free on the Nevada Secretary of State’s website. However, certified or full document copies require a fee.

2. Do I need an attorney to file Articles of Organization in Nevada? No, but legal guidance can help ensure compliance. You can find experienced business attorneys on UpCounsel if needed.

3. How do I verify if a Nevada LLC is active? Use the business search function on the SilverFlume portal to check entity status and view public filings.

4. Can I amend my Articles of Organization in Nevada? Yes, you can file Articles of Amendment through SilverFlume or by mail. Fees and forms apply.

5. What is the difference between Articles of Incorporation and Articles of Organization? Articles of Incorporation are used for corporations, while Articles of Organization are used for limited liability companies (LLCs) in Nevada.

If you need help with knowing how to get a copy of articles of incorporation in Nevada, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.