What are Articles of Organization?

Articles of Organization is the legal document filed with your state's Secretary of State to officially create your LLC. It typically includes your LLC's name, principal address, registered agent information, management structure (member-managed or manager-managed), and the organizer's signature. This is the single document that brings your LLC into legal existence.

Required information varies by state but generally includes: (1) LLC name (must include 'LLC' or 'Limited Liability Company'), (2) Principal office address, (3) Registered agent name and address, (4) Purpose statement (most states accept 'any lawful purpose'), (5) Management type, (6) Duration (usually perpetual), (7) Organizer name and signature. Some states call this document 'Certificate of Formation' (Delaware, Texas) or 'Certificate of Organization' (New York). The document is typically 1-2 pages and can be filed online in most states. Once approved and stamped by the state, your LLC officially exists as a legal entity.