Key Takeaways

  • The Articles of Organization legally establish a limited liability company (LLC) with the state.
  • This document typically includes the LLC’s name, purpose, duration, principal office, registered agent, and management structure.
  • Filing requirements vary by state, and approval officially creates the LLC as a legal entity.
  • States such as Florida, Ohio, and California provide pre-filled Articles of Organization templates online.
  • Correctly naming your business, selecting a registered agent, and identifying management type (member-managed or manager-managed) are essential.
  • The filing fee, method, and turnaround time for Articles of Organization depend on the state.
  • Some states may also require additional supporting documents, such as an Operating Agreement or Initial Report.

An LLC Articles of Organization form contains the necessary operating and identifying characteristics of a limited liability company, or LLC. An LLC is a business entity that combines certain features of partnerships and corporations.

What Are Articles of Organization?

When a limited liability company is formed, one requirement is that a document called the Articles of Organization must be filed with a state or local government agency. Articles of Organization contain some basic information about the business and effectively operate as a charter for the business.

An important step on the path to success for your business is drafting and filing your Articles of Organization. Once your document is filed with the state and approved, your LLC then becomes a legal, registered business in your state. Typically, you will file the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State office in the same state in which you form your LLC.

The requirements for the contents of the articles of organization are different for each state, so you will want to make sure you read the requirements specific to your own state. Additionally, the filing requirements to properly establish an LLC vary from state to state.

The Articles of Organization will generally include the following information and designations:

  • Company name
  • Statement of purpose
  • Duration
  • Principal place of business
  • Registered agent
  • Management

Steps to File Articles of Organization

Filing your Articles of Organization typically follows a series of standard steps, though details may vary slightly by state:

  1. Choose a Name for Your LLC: Ensure the name meets state guidelines and isn’t already registered by performing a business name search.
  2. Designate a Registered Agent: Every LLC must appoint a registered agent to receive legal notices and service of process.
  3. Prepare Your Articles of Organization Form: Obtain the form from your state’s Secretary of State website or file electronically if available.
  4. Include Required Information: Fill in details such as your LLC’s name, address, registered agent’s name and address, business purpose, and management structure.
  5. File the Form and Pay the Fee: Submit the Articles of Organization with the required filing fee—typically ranging from $50 to $500 depending on your state.
  6. Receive Confirmation: After approval, the state will issue a Certificate of Organization or acknowledgment confirming your LLC’s legal existence

LLC Articles of Organization Templates

There are many states that offer template Articles of Organization forms on their websites, which are perfectly acceptable to use to form your LLC. These pre-printed forms are helpful and can be completed in a short period of time. Some states with pre-printed forms for Articles of Organization are Florida, Ohio, and California.

Filing Fees and Processing Times

Each state determines its own filing fees and processing timelines for Articles of Organization. Most states charge between $50 and $500, while expedited processing options are often available for an additional cost. For example, California currently charges $70 for online filing, and Florida charges $125.

Processing times also differ by state—some online filings are approved instantly, while mailed submissions can take several weeks. Choosing electronic filing typically speeds up approval and ensures accuracy by using built-in validation systems

Articles of Organization: Company Name

Choosing a company name is one of the first steps in creating your Articles of Organization. Before you make a final decision on the name of your LLC, you should run a business entity search on your state's website using your desired name. By running this search, you can find out if your chosen name is available for use or if there is already another a company registered with the same name. It is important that your chosen name ends with an LLC designator, like “Limited Liability Company” or “LLC.”

Articles of Organization: Statement of Purpose

It is a requirement that you state the purpose of your LLC; however, most states do not require this statement to be specific. Your statement of purpose can be general. For example, a statement of purpose such as “to engage in lawful business for purposes of profit” is generally considered acceptable.

Articles of Organization: Duration

If you do not plan for your LLC to last forever, you have the option of stating a specific period of time for the operation of the LLC in your Articles of Organization. However, many states do not have a duration requirement, and if none is provided, it is generally assumed your LLC has a perpetual duration.

Articles of Organization: Principal Place of Business

Your principal place of business is the headquarters or the main designated location of the LLC. The management for the company will typically work at the principal place of business. It is also where records and books are generally kept for the business. If you are running your business out of your home, you may use your home office as the location for your principal place of business.

Articles of Organization: Registered Agent

Another requirement for the Articles of Organization form is that you designate a registered agent and list the agent's name and address. A registered agent's purpose is to accept all legal and tax documents on the behalf of the business. For each state that your LLC is registered to conduct business in, you must have a designated registered agent with a location within that state. Your chosen registered agent may be a member of your LLC, or it could be another individual outside of the LLC or even a state-authorized registered agent company.

Additional Requirements and Supporting Documents

While the Articles of Organization are the primary formation document, some states require additional materials during or after filing, such as:

  • Operating Agreement: Outlines member rights, management structure, and profit distribution.
  • Initial Report: Provides updated contact and ownership details, required soon after formation in states like Washington.
  • Publication Requirement: A few states, including New York and Arizona, require new LLCs to publish a notice of formation in local newspapers.
  • Business Licenses or Permits: Depending on your business type and location, you may need local or state licenses to operate legally.

Filing these documents ensures full compliance and prevents administrative dissolution or rejection.

Articles of Organization: Management

Generally, the Articles of Organization for an LLC will identify the organizer of the LLC. The organizer(s) initiate the organization process and generally hold the responsibility for signing the Articles of Organization before they are filed with the state. It is a requirement in most states that the forms indicate whether the LLC is to be manager-managed or member-managed.

Updating or Amending Articles of Organization

After your LLC is formed, you may need to make updates to your Articles of Organization if significant changes occur, such as:

  • Changing the LLC’s name or business address
  • Appointing a new registered agent
  • Modifying management structure
  • Adding or removing members

To update your information, most states require you to file an Articles of Amendment form and pay a nominal filing fee. Always check with your Secretary of State to confirm the process and ensure continued good standing

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between Articles of Organization and an Operating Agreement?

The Articles of Organization create your LLC as a legal entity with the state, while the Operating Agreement defines the internal rules for managing it.

2. How long does it take to get Articles of Organization approved?

Online filings can be approved instantly or within a few business days, while mail submissions can take one to three weeks depending on your state.

3. Do I need a lawyer to file Articles of Organization?

No, but consulting an attorney can help ensure compliance and avoid costly errors during the formation process. You can find qualified lawyers on UpCounsel for assistance.

4. Can I change my Articles of Organization after filing?

Yes. You can file an Articles of Amendment with your state’s business division to update information such as your registered agent or business address.

5. What happens if I don’t file Articles of Organization?

Without filing and approval, your LLC is not legally recognized and cannot operate, enter contracts, or receive liability protection.

If you need help with an LLC Articles of Organization form, 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.