To get started, create a SOSBiz account with the Idaho Secretary of State.

Then select Start a Business

After that, select Certificate of Organization Limited Liability Company and then “File Online.”

Step 1: Name the LLC

If you previously reserved a name, you can select to proceed using that name in the LLC filing.  It isn’t required to have a name reserved before filing the LLC, as that option will be available on the next screen.  If a name has been reserved, select “Yes”; otherwise, select “No.”

If the name has not been reserved, enter the name you wish to use.  The LLC’s company name also has to differ from other entity names registered with the Secretary of State. 

Learn how to do an Idaho LLC name search before filing.

The name of the LLC must include one of the following words or abbreviations at the end of the business name:

• Limited Liability Company
• L.L.C.
• LLC
• L.C.

Enter the name you want to use and again to ensure it was entered correctly.

Step 2: Entity Address

In this section, enter the street address, city, and zip code of the initial principal office.  This address can be the physical address of the business, an address where business records are stored, or the address of a registered address.  A PO Box may not be used.

Step 3: Principal Office Mailing Address

If you want correspondence from the Secretary of State to be sent to a different address than the principal office, enter that address here.  A PO Box is acceptable.  If the address is the same as the principal office, select the copy button to fill in the fields automatically.

Step 4: Registered Agent

To have an LLC in the state of Idaho, a Registered Agent must be identified to receive service of process.  The Registered Agent is either a resident of Idaho (select Noncommercial or Individual under Agent Type) or a registered agent service (select Commercial under Agent Type and search for the company).  The agent must have a physical street address in the state to act as a point of contact to receive legal documents, tax notices, summons, subpoenas, etc. on behalf of the LLC.

Step 5: Governor Information

The Governor is either a member (owner) of a manager-managed or member-managed LLC.

• Manager-Managed LLCs have managers hired by the members to run the LLC, similar to a CEO of a corporation.
• Member-Managed LLCs have members (owners) that are active in the day-to-day operations of the business.

Most LLCs are member-managed.

At least one governor has to be listed.

Click on Add until all of the governors of the LLC are listed.

Step 6: Confirm

Confirm that all of the information is correct.

Step 7: Declare and Sign

The organizer agrees that the information being entered is public information and will appear online. The organizer’s signature is used to certify the information in the Certification of Organization as it is entered.

Have only one of the organizer’s sign.

Step 8: Pay and File

Pay and file the Certificate of Organization.

In approximately 1-2 weeks, the LLC will be approved.

If you have questions, contact the office of the Idaho Secretary of State:

Main Office
450 N. 4th Street
Boise, ID 83702

Phone – 208-334-2301
Email – business@sos.idaho.gov

Costs to Form a Minnesota LLC

To form a Limited Liability Company in Minnesota, file the Articles of Organization with the Minnesota Secretary of State. The LLC formation filing fee is $135 when submitting by mail and $155 when filing online.

Approval for the LLC typically takes between one week when filing by mail and immediately when filing online.

If you have questions, contact the Minnesota Secretary of State
Address: Minnesota Building 60 Empire Drive, Suite 100 St Paul, MN 55103
Phone: 651-296-2803 (between 9 am and 4 pm)
Email: business.services@state.mn.us

Steps to Form a Minnesota LLC

The steps for filing online or by mail are largely the same. The screenshots below how to file online.

Professional services such as accountants, attorneys, architects, and many others are required to file as a Professional Limited Liability Company (sometimes referred to as a Professional LLC or PLLC) instead. The PLLC filing is very similar to the instructions below.

• • Begin by creating an account with the Minnesota Secretary of State. To file by mail, download the PDF form of the Minnesota Articles of Organization.

• • After confirming your email, sign in and click on “Business Filings Online.”

• • Select Limited Liability Company (Domestic) under FIle a New Business or Nonprofit

• • Next, on the left side of the screen, select “For Profit.” On the right side, you are asked whether the LLC will provide services that require licensing from the state. To see more about the services that require licensing, check out the section on Minnesota licenses and permits.

Step 1: Name the LLC

Enter the name you want for the LLC. The LLC’s name also has to differ from other entity names registered with the Secretary of State. Check on available Minnesota LLC names before filing to be sure the one you want is available.

Additionally, the name of the LLC must include one of the following phrases or abbreviations at the end of the business name:

• • Limited Liability Company
  • Limited Company
  • L.L.C.
  • L. L. C.
  • LLC

If the name is not currently being used, a message will state the name is available. Otherwise, a message shows the name is not available. If the name is available and is the one you want, click on the “File Limited Liability Company (Domestic) button to proceed.

Step 2: Organizers

The LLC Organizer is someone who is involved with filing the Articles of Organization. The Organizer may or may not be a member, such as a mentor, attorney, or accountant, but the initial members could be an organizer. An organizer is ofter an individual who is 18 years of age or older.

Add the name, address, and country for each organizer. Save that individual’s or organization’s (usually a Registered Agent service, attorney, or accountant).

Step 3: Registered Agent

To have an LLC in Minnesota, a Registered Agent must be identified for service of process. The agent must have a physical street address in the state and available during normal business hours to act as a central point of contact to receive legal documents, tax notices, summons, subpoenas, etc. on behalf of the LLC. The Minnesota Registered Agent can either be a resident of Minnesota or a Registered Agent service with a registered office in the state.

A mailing address can be added if you prefer to receive mail at the Registered Agent’s address. This would be common when hiring a service as they won’t allow normal correspondence to be sent to that address. If the address is the same, simply leave this section blank and click on “Next” to proceed.

Step 4: Add an Attachment

This is an optional section and not used by most LLCs. Here you would include additional rules for the operation of the LLC. If there are no additional attachments, leave this section blank and click on “Next” to proceed.

Step 5: Delivery Information

The contact information from the organizer is already populated. If you prefer someone else to be the primary contact, should the Secretary of State have questions regarding the filing or if the Articles of Organization should be sent to someone else, enter the name, address, phone and email of this contact.

Step 6: Client Reference

Individual filers will leave this section blank, but if an attorney or filing service were completing the articles on your behalf, they can include a reference number to track the application.

Step 7: Email for Official Notices

Enter an email address for the Secretary of State to send official notices such as reminder notices of annual renewals.

Step 8: Minnesota Business Snapshot

This is a voluntary section to include information regarding the number of employees, women, minority or veteran ownership, business classification, and more. Click “Next” to proceed.

Step 9: Review and Sign

Review that all of the information is correct. If there are no corrections, click “Submit” A box will pop up, asking for a signature confirming the information is correct. Digitally sign and click “Submit.”

Step 10: Pay and File

Pay the state fees and file the Articles of Organization.

To get started, register with the Hawaii DCCA Business Registration Division. Alternatively, you can download the Hawaii Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) and file by mail.

After registering,

1. Go to https://hbe.ehawaii.gov/BizEx/home.eb and select “Use QuickFile.”
2. Enter the email address and password used to register with DCCA and log in.
3. Next, click on the “Continue to Homepage” link. Then click “Use QuickFile.”
4. Look for ‘Initial Business Filings’ and click the “LLC-1 Articles of Organization for Limited Liability Company” link.  You will be given a prompt to use the wizard or continue with the filing.  For this step-by-step guide, we will choose the filing.

Step 1: Name the LLC

Enter the name you want for the LLC.  The name of the LLC also has to differ from other entity names in the state of Hawaii.  See how to do a Hawaii LLC business name search through the Department of Consumer Affairs Business Registration Division’s business name database to check on name availability.

The name of the LLC must include one of the following designators at the end of the business name:

• Limited Liability Company
• Limited Liability Co.
• Ltd. Liability Company
• L.L.C.
• LLC

Step 2: Mailing Address of Principal Office

In this section, enter the street address, city, state, zip code, and country of the initial principal office.  This address can be the LLC’s physical address, or it can be the address where the business records are stored.  This does not have to be an address in Hawaii, but you may not use a PO Box for the registered office.

Step 3: Registered Agent

To have an LLC in Hawaii, a Registered Agent must be identified.  The Registered Agent is either a resident of Hawaii (select Individual under Agent Type) or a registered agent service (select Entity under Agent Type and enter their state of incorporation from the State drop-down menu).  The agent must have a physical street address in the state to receive service of process (act as a point of contact to receive legal documents, tax notices, summons, subpoenas, etc.) on behalf of the LLC.

Step 4: Organizer Information

The LLC Organizer is someone who is involved with the formation of the Articles of Organization.  The Organizer may or may not be a member, such as a mentor, attorney, or accountant, but the initial members could be listed as an organizer.

At least one organizer has to be listed.

Learn more about who can be an LLC Organizer.

Step 5: Period of Duration

Most businesses intend to exist forever and would suggest “At-will.”  If you have a specific end date in mind (typically used for investment-related businesses), choose the close date.

Step 6: Member-Managed of Manager-Managed

This section asks for the names and addresses of initial managers if the LLC is manager-managed or the names and addresses of the initial members if the LLC is manager-managed.

• Member-Managed LLCs have members (owners) that are active in the day-to-day operations of the business.
• Manager-Managed LLCs have managers hired by the members to run the LLC, similar to a CEO of a corporation.

Most LLCs are member-managed.

If the LLC is Manager-Managed, select option A or option B if the LLC is Member-Managed.

If A was selected, list the total number of members of the LLC.

In section C, enter the name and address of each of the members and/or managers.

Step 7: Liability

This section has options on if the members will be liable for the LLC’s debts and obligations.

Most people select “Shall not be liable for the debts, obligations, and liabilities of the company.”

While you can select this option, if the LLC takes out a bank loan, expect the bank to require a personal guarantee from the members that will require them to pay back a loan personally.

Step 8: Signature

Have an individual authorized to sign contracts to sign.

Step 9: Review

Review that the information is correct.

Step 10: Pay and File

Pay and file the Articles of Organization.

In approximately 2-3 business days, if expedited or up to 2 weeks with standard processing, the LLC will be approved.

If mailing the LLC-1 form, send payment to:

State of Hawaii – Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA)
Business Registration Division
PO Box 40
Honolulu, HI 96810

If you have questions, contact the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs at 808-586-2727 or breg@dcca.hawaii.gov

To get started, either create a user account with the Georgia Secretary of State or download the Georgia LLC Articles of Organization (Form CD030) and the Transmittal Form (Form 231).

Step 1: Create the Entity

When filing an LLC that is based in Georgia, select “Create or Register a Business,” then select “I am creating a new domestic business” and then “Domestic Limited Liability Company.” Registering a Foreign LLC is used when a business formed in another state wants to do business in another state.

Step 2: Business Name

If you have previously registered the business name with the Secretary of State, select “Yes” for the question Do you have a Business Name Reservation Number? Name registration isn’t required before filing for an LLC.

Select a name for your LLC. Remember that the LLC’s name has to differ from other entity names in the state of Georgia. Check on available LLC names in Georgia. There are optional forms for a 2nd and 3rd name choice if the first name isn’t available.

Last, the legal name of the LLC must include one of the following at the end of the business name:

• • Limited Liability Company
  • Limited Liability Co.
  • Ltd. Liability Company
  • Ltd. Liability Co.
  • Limited Company
  • Limited Co.
  • Ltd. Company
  • Ltd. Co.
  • LLC
  • L.L.C.
  • L.C.
  • LC

Certain words are not allowed to be used in the name of an LLC without prior approval. Some of these words include bank, credit union, insurance, assurance, indemnity, surety, fidelity, reassurance, reinsurance, college, or university.

Step 3: Business Purpose

This section is used to classify the industry the business operates in. If you choose to list your business industry, select a NAICS Code from the drop-down menu.

The NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) code is a six-digit number that classifies and categorizes different businesses. This information is used in reporting statistical data for each of the industries in the U.S. Remember this number as you will need it when filing annual tax returns. Find your NAICS number here.

If your business activities aren’t specifically listed, but you want to answer, select the industry that is the closest or “Any Legal Purpose.”

Step 4: Principal Office

In this section, enter the street address, city, state, zip code, and country of the initial principal office. This address can be the LLC’s physical address, the address where the business records are kept, or the address of the Registered Agent. You may not use a PO Box for the principal office.

Step 5: Business Email

Enter the email address where the notice of the LLCs approval should be sent.

Step 6: Registered Agent

To have an LLC in Georgia, a Registered Agent must be identified for service of process. The Registered Agent is either a Georgia resident or a corporate agent registered with the state of Georgia. The agent must have a physical address in the state to act as a point of contact to receive legal documents, tax notices, summons, subpoenas, etc. on behalf of the LLC.

If the Registered Agent is an individual, note that a message that says “No data found” will appear when you type their name. When that happens, a button will be created that will allow you to create a registered agent and enter their contact information.

You can act as your own registered agent in Georgia and you are not required to pay for a registered agent.

Step 7: Organizer Information

An LLC Organizer is someone involved with the formation of the Articles of Organization. The Organizer may or may not become a member, such as a mentor, attorney, or accountant, but the initial members will all be listed as organizers.

Learn more about who can be an LLC Organizer.

Step 8: Optional Provisions

This is an optional section and not used by most LLCs. Here you would include additional rules for the operation of the LLC.

Step 9: Filer’s Certification

Click on the box that states the filer agrees to the terms.

The next area asks about the effective date of the LLC. By default, the LLC is effective on the date submitted. If you prefer to have the LLC officially start at a later date (up to 90 days), enter that date in this field.

Last, one of the members/owners (choose Member) or organizers (choose Organizer) will enter their full name.

Step 10: Review

Review the information to ensure it is all correct.

Step 11: Pay and File

Pay and file the Georgia Articles of Organization.

If mailing, send the form and a check or money order payable to the Georgia Secretary of State to:

Corporations Division
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SE
Suite 313, West Tower
Atlanta, GA 30334

If you have questions, contact the Georgia Secretary of State at 404-565-2817 or
http://sos.ga.gov/index.php/corporations

Costs to Form a Florida LLC

The LLC filing fee from the Department of State, Division of Corporations is $125, and approval of the LLC is typically between 5 – 10 business days when filing by mail or 1-2 business days when filing online.

To get started, either file with the Florida Department of State to file online or download the Florida LLC Articles of Organization.

Step 1: Filing Information

Effective Date – You may list an effective date if you would like the Limited Liability Company’s existence to become effective on a date other than the date it is filed by the Florida Department of State. The effective date can be up to 5 business days prior to the date of submission or up to 90 days after the date of receipt.

Limited Liability Company Name

There are a few state requirements regarding the naming of an LLC.  One is the entity designator.  The legal name of the LLC must include one of the following words or abbreviations at the end of the business name:

• Limited Liability Company
• LLC
• L.L.C.

The name of the LLC has to differ from other entity names in the state of Florida.  Learn how to do an LLC business name search in Florida.

The use of some words in the LLC name is prohibited including those that may infer a federal, state, or municipal government agency. There are additional restrictions against certain using words in the name related to professions such as attorneys, locksmiths, banks, etc, unless additional paperwork is filed to be registered to provide such services.

If you plan to use a different name from the one that you register (perhaps you want to run multiple businesses under the LLC), you can use a fictitious business name, assumed name, or DBA (for Doing Business As name).  To register a fictitious name, the Application for Registration of Fictitious Name, along with the $50 filing fee will need to be sent to the Florida Division of Corporations. Renewals will be needed every five years.

Step 2: Principal Place of Business

In this section, enter the street address, city, state, zip code, and country of the business’s initial principal office.  This address can be the LLC’s physical address, or it can be the address where the business records are kept.  You may not use a PO Box for the principal place of business.

If you prefer to use a different address than the principal place of business for correspondence from the Department of State, enter that address in the mailing address field.  A PO Box is acceptable.

Step 3: Name and Address of Registered Agent

To have an LLC in Florida, a registered agent for service of process must be identified.  The registered agent is either a Florida resident or an entity registered with the state of Florida. The registered agent must have a physical street address in the state (no P.O. Boxes are allowed) and they act as a central point of contact to receive legal documents, tax notices, summons, subpoenas, etc. on behalf of the LLC. Enter the registered agent’s name, address, and signature in the fields.

Step 4: Any Other Provision(s) – Optional (Purpose, Statements, etc.)

This is an optional section and not used by most LLCs.  Here you would include a statement of purpose (what the business activities will be) or additional rules for the operation of the LLC.

Step 5: Correspondence Name and E-mail Address

The email in this field will be used by the Florida Department of State to send all correspondence, certified copies, and certificates of the status.

Step 6: Name and Address of Person(s) Authorized to Manage LLC

This section asks for the name and address of each manager or representative who is authorized to manage and control the company. There are three choices listed, but you are free to use any appropriate title.  The listed title definitions include:

• (MGR) – The Manager is a person hired to perform the management functions of a manager-managed LLC.  This person may or may not be a LLC member
• (AMBR) – The Authorized Member is an owner of the LLC
• (AP) – An Authorized Person is someone authorized to execute and file records on behalf of the LLC.  Typically an attorney or accountant.

Step 7: Review

Review that all of the information has been entered correctly.

Step 8: Pay and File

Pay and file the Florida LLC Articles of Organization.

If mailing, send the form and a check or money order made payable to the Florida Department of State to:
Registration Section
Florida Division of Corporations
P.O. Box 6327
Tallahassee, FL 32314

If you have questions, contact the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations.
Address: 2415 N. Monroe Street, Suite 810, Tallahassee, FL 32303
Phone: 850-245-6051
Sunbiz website: http://dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/

The steps for filing online or by mail are largely the same.  The screenshots show filing online.

Step 1: Name the LLC

Enter the name you want for the LLC.  The name of the LLC has to differ from other entity names in the state of Delaware.  Check on the availability of Delaware LLC names. Note that even though a name may be available from the state, it does not check for trademarks.

The name of the LLC must include one of the following words or abbreviations at the end of the business name:

• Limited Liability Company
• LLC
• L.L.C.

If you are not ready to form the LLC but want to reserve a name, the Delaware Division of Corporations allows for entity name reservations. This is not a requirement, and you will be able to reserve the name for up to 120 days at the cost of $75.

Step 2: Registered Agent

To have an LLC in Delaware, a Registered Agent for service of process must be identified.  A Delaware Registered Agent is an individual resident or a corporate agent such as a registered agent service who acts as the point of contact to receive legal documents, tax notices, summons, subpoenas, etc. on behalf of the LLC.  The registered office address must be a physical street address in the state as a PO Box may not be used, and the agent must be available during normal business hours.

You can act as your own registered agent in Delaware and you are not required to pay for a registered agent.

Step 3: Sign and Date

A person authorized by the LLC (typically a member, attorney, or accountant) must sign and date the Certificate of Formation.

Step 4: Sign, Pay, and File

Pay and file the Certificate of Formation.

Send to:
Delaware Division of Corporations
401 Federal Street – Suite 4
Dover, DE 19901

In approximately 1-2 weeks, the LLC will be approved.

If you have questions, contact the Delaware Department of State, Division of Corporations.
401 Federal Street – Suite 4
Dover, DE 19901
Ph: 302-739-3073
302-739-3073
https://corp.delaware.gov/contact.shtml

The steps for the online filing online or filing by mail are largely the same.  The screenshots show the online registration process.

If you provide a licensed professional service in Connecticut, you will have to form a Professional Limited Liability Company, Professional LLC, or PLLC. Common professional services include architects, barbershops, chiropractors, certified public accountants, dentists, psychologists, attorneys, veterinarians, professional counselors, and more.

To get started, either create an account with the Connecticut Secretary of the State or download the Certificate of Organization (referred to as the Articles of Organization in some states).

After creating an account with the Secretary of the State, select Business Formation (Domestic / Connecticut)

Step 1: Name the LLC

If you are forming an LLC, select “Domestic Limited Liability Company” from the Business Type drop-down box.

Next, enter the trade name you want for the LLC.  The LLC’s legal name also has to differ from other business entity names in the state of Connecticut.  Check on LLC name availability in Connecticut.

Per state law, the name of the LLC must include one of the following words or abbreviations at the end of the business name:

• Limited Liability Company
• Limited Liability Co.
• Ltd. Liability Company
• Ltd. Liability Co.
• LLC
• L.L.C.

A comma may be used after the business name and before the designator.  “Cowboy Cleaners LLC” and “Cowboy Cleaners, LLC” are both acceptable.

If you have previously filed a name reservation with the Secretary of State, you can select “Yes” and include the business name registration number.  You do not have to reserve a name before forming the LLC.

Step 2: Business Formation

Business Email Address – The email in this field will be used for the Connecticut Secretary of State to correspond throughout the LLC formation.

Principal Office Address – In this section, enter the street address, city, state, and zip code of the initial principal office.  This address can be the LLC’s physical address, or it can be the address where the business records are kept.  You may not use a PO Box address for the address of the principal office.

Mailing Address – If you prefer to use a different address than the designated office for correspondence from the Secretary of State, enter that address in this field.  Unlike the address for the principal office, a PO Box is acceptable for the mailing address.  If the mailing address is the same as the principal office address, select the box, and the information will copy over.

Registered Agent Information – To have a Connecticut Limited Liability Company, a Registered Agent must be identified.  The Registered Agent is a Connecticut resident (select “Individual” in the “Agent Type” drop-down list) or a corporate agent (select “Business” in the drop-down list) with a physical street address in the state of Connecticut. A Registered Agent is a person or company that receives service of process on behalf of the LLC. Service of process is when important legal documents, tax notices, summons, subpoenas, and other legal papers are sent to the LLC. These papers must make it to the correct person, so the entity has sufficient time to be notified about legal action and begin their defense.

Note that whoever is the Registered Agent will receive an email that confirms they agree to be the LLC’s agent.  A link in the email must be clicked within 48 hours; otherwise, the LLC filing will be rejected.

Organizer Information – The LLC Organizer is involved with the formation of the Certificate of Organization.  The Organizer may or may not be a member, such as a mentor, attorney, or accountant, but the initial members could be an organizer.

Step 3: Principals

Select “Add Principals” to add all the LLC’s members and managers.

Principal Type – If an individual, select “Individual” from the drop-down list and enter their title first and last name.  If a company (not as common), select “Business.”

Title – This selection refers to whether the individual is a member or manager of the LLC.

• Member – The members of the LLC have an active involvement in the day-to-day operations of the business.  This is referred to as a Member-Managed LLC.
• Manager- If the LLC members hire somebody to run the company, similar to the position of CEO for a corporation, the title of the person would be a manager.  An LLC set up like this is considered a Manager-Managed LLC.
• Managing Member – Is a hired manager who is also a member.

Most LLCs choose a member-managed management structure.

Continue adding principals until they have all been added.

Step 4: Review

Review that the information is correct.

Step 5: Pay and File

Pay and file the Certificate of Organization.

In approximately 2-3 business days, the LLC will be approved and information sent to the filing party.

That concludes the basics of forming an LLC in Connecticut.  Remember, even though you can do it yourself, there is more to an LLC than just the filing.

If you have questions, contact the Connecticut Secretary of State.
30 Trinity Street
Hartford, CT 06106
860-509-6003
https://www.concord-sots.ct.gov/CONCORD/

To get started, visit the Colorado Secretary of State website.

Step 1: Name the LLC

Under Colorado state law, the legal name of a Colorado Limited Liability Company must include one of the following words or abbreviations at the end of the business name:

• • Limited Liability Company
  • Ltd. Liability Company
  • Limited Liability Co.
  • Ltd. Liability Co
  • Limited
  • L.L.C.
  • LLC
  • Ltd.

A unique name has to be selected as no other LLCs in the state of Colorado can have the same name. Before finalizing a name, be sure to check on the availability of LLC names in Colorado in the state’s business database before registering. Most LLCs will operate under the name they register with the state. If you want to operate multiple businesses under your LLC, a DBA or “Doing Business As” name will need to be registered too. This additional name can be registered at any time by filing a Statement of Trade Name of a Reporting Entity online and submit a $20 state fee.

It is also highly recommended to check the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to see if this name is registered to someone else. The Colorado Secretary of State will not cross-check the federal trademark database.

If you have an entity name selected but are not quite ready to file the Articles of Organization, you can reserve the name for up to 120 days by filing the Statement of Reservation of Name form. There is a filing fee of $25 for the name reservation.

Step 2: Principal Office Address

In this section, enter the street address, city, and zip cost of the initial principal office. This address can be the LLC’s physical address, or it can be the address where the business records are stored. You may not use a Post Office Box for the designated office.

If you prefer to use a different business address than the designated office for correspondence from the Secretary of State, enter that address in the mailing address field. A PO Box is acceptable in this section.

Step 3: Registered Agent

One state requirement in forming an LLC in Colorado is that a Registered Agent must be identified. The Registered Agent is either a Colorado resident or a company such as a registered agent service that accepts service of process, which must have a “usual place of business” (commonly known as having a physical address and is available during normal business hours) in the state. Service of process refers to receiving important legal documents, tax notices, summons, subpoenas, and other legal papers on behalf of the LLC.

You can act as your own registered agent in Colorado and you are not required to pay for a registered agent.

The registered agent must consent to be appointed as the registered agent, and the box has to be checked to confirm that they have agreed.

Step 4: Organizer Information

The name and mailing address of the LLC organizer(s) forming the entity is entered next. If there is more than one member, be sure to click on the Yes button, and later you will add an attachment to include the names of all LLC members.

Step 5: Management

This section asks whether the management of the LLC is Manager-Managed or Member-Managed.

• Member-Managed LLCs have an active involvement in the day-to-day operations of the business.
• Manager-Managed LLCs refers to an LLC where the members hire somebody to run the company, similar to the position of CEO for a corporation.

Most LLCs are member-managed.

Next, you have to confirm that at least one member of the Limited Liability Company is checking the box.

Step 6: Additional Information

If there are additional items to attach regarding the LLC formation, additional information needs to be attached.

This isn’t common for most LLCs.

Step 7: Effective Date

If you want the LLC to start on today’s date, choose Yes, otherwise select No, and enter a date less than 90 days in the future to start.

Step 8: Email Addresses

An email notification can be sent instead of paper notices when a form has been filed, when the status of a record has changed, and when the Periodic Report or renewal is due. The Secretary of State no longer sends a reminder in the mail for the annual LLC renewal. Failure to file the periodic report in time can result in penalties and administrative dissolution. Be sure to make a reminder in your calendar.

Step 9: Signatures

Each member of the LLC must certify the information in the Articles of Organization are correct and sign.

All members can sign this document, but only one is required to do so. If other members want to sign, upload their names and signatures as an attachment on the next page.

Step 10: Upload Attachments

If you selected to upload additional attachments, they would be uploaded here.

Step 11: Review and Pay

Review the Articles of Organization for any errors, and if there are no errors, all that’s left is to submit payment. On the summary page, be sure to print a copy of the approved Articles of Organization for your records.

If you have questions, contact the Colorado Secretary of State.

Colorado Secretary of State
Phone: 303-894-2200
Email: business@sos.state.co.us

Step 1: Limited Liability Company Purpose Statement and Name

Purpose Statement – No action necessary. Keep the statement “The purpose of the limited liability company is to engage in any lawful act or business activity for which a limited liability company may be organized under the California Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act.”

Limited Liability Company Name – Enter the name of the LLC. Be sure not to include any identifiers (LLC, L.C., etc.) in this box. There are a few naming guidelines to follow.

Before entering a name, you will want to do a name availability search as each LLC must have a unique name in California. Check on available LLC names in California to do a business name search. The name of the LLC also has to not likely to mislead the public or include words that may imply the LLC being a government agency.

LLC Identifier – Under California law, the legal name of the LLC must include one of the following words or abbreviations at the end of the business name:

• Limited Liability Company
• Limited Liability Co.
• Ltd. Liability Company
• Ltd. Liability Co.
• L.L.C.
• LLC

Name Reservation – If you have already reserved a name, check the box and enter the Name Reservation Number so it can be applied to this LLC filing.

Step 2: Business Address

In this section, enter the physical street address, city, and zip code of the initial designated office. This address can be the office address of the LLC, or it can be the mailing address where the business records are kept. You may not use a PO Box for the designated office.

Step 3: Assign a Registered Agent

To have a Limited Liability Company in LLC in California, a Registered Agent must be identified. The Registered Agent is either a California resident (Individual) or a registered agent service (California Registered Corporate Agent). The agent must have a physical address in the state and be available during normal business hours. This person will act as a central point of contact to receive legal documents, tax notices, summons, subpoenas, etc. on behalf of the LLC. To see a list of approved Registered Agents, visit https://businessfilings.sos.ca.gov/frmlist1505s.asp.

You can act as your own registered agent in California and you are not required to pay for a registered agent.

Step 4: Management

This section asks if the LLC is managed by one manager, more than one manager, or all limited liability company member(s). Every LLC will have at least one member.

There are three choices:

• One Manager – This is when the members of the LLC hire somebody to run the company, similar to the position of CEO for a corporation. This is commonly referred to as a Manager-Managed LLC.
• More than One Manager – Also a Manager-Managed LLC, but with multiple managers.
• All LLC Members – The members themselves are the “managers” and have active involvement in the business’s day-to-day operations. This is commonly referred to as a Member-Managed LLC.

Most LLCs are member-managed and, if so, would select all liability company member(s).

Step 5: Organizer

Enter the name of the person who is filing the LLC paperwork and the central point of contact. The LLC organizer could be a member or someone helping with the entity formation.

Step 6: File Date

If you want the LLC to start on today’s date, choose “No, I do NOT want a Future File Date”; otherwise, select “Yes, I would like a Future File Date” and enter a date less than 90 days in the future to start.

Step 7: Review

Review the Articles of Organization to ensure all of the information is correct.

Step 8: Pay and File Articles of Organization

Pay and file the California Articles of Organization.

If filing online, enter your credit card information.

If mailing, send the form and a check for $70 to:
Secretary of State, Business Entity Filings
P.O. Box 944228
Sacramento, CA 94244-2280

If delivering in person, the cost is $85 and can be paid with a check, money order, or credit card. The office is located at:

Secretary of State
1500 11th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

If you have questions, contact the California Secretary of State.

916-653-3794
http://www.sos.ca.gov/

The steps for filing using the online application or by mail are mostly the same. Below, we have step-by-step instructions for forming an Arkansas L.L.C.

To get started, either download the Arkansas L.L.C. Articles of Organization Form LL-01 or visit the Arkansas Secretary of State.

Step 1: Select the Entity

First, scroll through the list and look for the Domestic Limited Liability Company section, click on “Articles of Organization for Domestic L.L.C. – LL-01,” and then click on “Choose Filing.”

Step 2: Start Form

Next, find the Domestic L.L.C. section and click on the “Start Form” button under “Articles of Organization for Domestic L.L.C. – LL-01.”

Step 3: Filing Act

The default filing act is 1003 of 1993 and applies to most L.L.C.s. This act pertains to forming an Arkansas Limited Liability Company.

Step 4: Entity Information

Company Name – Enter the name you would like to use for the L.L.C.

There can’t be another L.L.C. with the same name as the one you want. A link to search similar names is available to ensure the name you want to use is available.

Related: How to search available LLC names in Arkansas

Additionally, when coming up with the Company Name, one of the primary naming guidelines is to use the following words or abbreviations at the end of the L.L.C.’s name:

• Limited Liability Company
• Limited Liability Co.
• Ltd. Liability Company
• Ltd. Liability Co.
• Limited Company
• Limited Co.
• Ltd. Company
• Ltd. Co.
• L.L.C.
• L.C.
• LLC
• LC

Managers Statement

L.L.C.s can either be Manager-Managed or Member-Managed.

• Member-Managed L.L.C.s have an active involvement in the day-to-day operations of the business.
• Manager-Managed L.L.C.s are hired by the members to run the L.L.C., similar to a C.E.O. of a corporation.

If a manager will manage the L.L.C., a statement needs to be included in this section.

Most L.L.C.s are member-managed and would leave this section blank.

Step 5: Principal Information

Enter the principal place of business of the L.L.C. This has to be a physical address that can be a home address, office address, or the registered agent’s address. No Post Office boxes are allowed. This address will receive mailings from the Secretary of State.

Step 6: Registered Agent Information

In Arkansas, a registered agent must be selected to act as the primary point of contact to be the agent for service of process on behalf of the LLC. Service of process refers to when legal correspondence such as tax documents, summons, subpoenas, and other important legal documents are sent, so the receiving party has sufficient time to respond. A registered agent can either be a full-time resident of Arkansas or a business entity with a physical presence in the state (no P.O. Boxes are allowed) or a registered agent service authorized to transact business in Arkansas that is available during normal business hours.

You can act as your own registered agent in Arkansas and you are not required to pay for a registered agent.

Be sure to either enter a Business Name if using a commercial registered agent company or first and last name if it is an individual, along with the registered office address, phone, and email.

Step 7: Select Officers

Add all of the officers in this section. If there are multiple officers, enter their information and click on Save Officer.

At least one member will enter their information, which may be the same person in the Principal Information and Registered Agent section.

One area that is a bit confusing is the title. Choices include:
Deleted:

• Incorporator/Organizer – An L.L.C. Organizer is involved with the LLC formation of the Articles of Organization. The Organizer may or may not become a member, such as a mentor, attorney, or accountant.
• Manager – If the L.L.C. is Manager-Managed and the Manager Statement was filled out, this person would be listed here.
• Member – The members will be listed here. All of the initial members will also be saved as Incorporator/Organizers.
• Managing Member – Will be used if the manager is also a member.

Click “Save Officer” for each person listed.

Step 8: Submitter Contact Information

This section is used should the Secretary of State have any questions during the application process and where the final documents should be sent.

Step 9: Annual Report Contact Information

Enter the name and address where the Annual Report should be sent.

Step 10: Sign the Agreement

Effective Date – By default, the L.L.C. is effective on the date submitted. If you prefer to have the L.L.C. officially start at a later date (up to 90 days), enter that date in the field. Otherwise, leave the field blank.

Signature – Click on the box saying this is not a false document, enter your signature in the Signature box, and hit Submit.

Step 11: Review, Pay, and File

Do a final review of the information provided to ensure the registration documents are correct and make the payment.

If sending by mail send to:
Arkansas Secretary of State
500 Woodlane Street, Suite 256
Little Rock, AR 72201

If you have questions, contact the Business and Commercial Services Division of the Arkansas Secretary of State.

Phone: 501-682-3409
Email Address: corprequest@sos.arkansas.gov