How to File an LLC Articles of Organization in California


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
Business Formation Expert
Steve runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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articles of organization

The Articles of Organization is one of the main documents required while forming an LLC in California. The document needs to be filed with the Secretary of State in California to share all the important information related to the limited liability company that is going to be established.

On this page, LLCBuddy editors put all the information together about how to file the Articles of Organization in California. There might be several ways to file the formation document, online, by mail, fax, or by in-person visit to the office. Let’s dig more to check the available and easy ways in California to file the Articles of Organization while forming the LLC.

What is an LLC Articles of Organization in California?

The Articles of Organization for an LLC is the most important document among all. In general, establishing an LLC is much simpler than other types of business structures such as corporation or partnership. Among a few mandatory documents to file, Articles of Organization is one of the main papers.

By submitting the Articles of Organization, the LLC owners provide all sorts of information related to the LLC. Upon approval of the documents and information provided by the LLC, they can register their business with California Secretary of State.

Each state has a different requirement to fill out a form. The Articles of Organization usually includes the following:

  • The name of the LLC in California,
  • The effective date of the LLC,
  • The company’s principal office,
  • The business purpose,
  • The duration of the business,
  • A copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate, and
  • The name and address of the Agent for Service of Process, organizers, and
  • At least one member of the company

Note that the Articles of Organization in California is a legal requirement, not to mention, the core of your LLC. It even makes up the bulk of your California LLC cost. Without it, you have no LLC. So, take the time to complete and file this certificate.

How to File California LLC Articles of Organization

Filing an LLC Articles of Organization with the State is easy. There are several ways to file it. As mentioned, the filing can be done online, by sending the PDF form by mail, or by other means (physical visit or fax). Statewise filing methods can be different. Alternatively, hiring a third-party service can make a lot of difference compared to doing it on your own. They help the LLCs to file documents easily without any complications. In California, the following methods are available.

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Step 1: Find Forms Online

Go to the California Secretary of State to download the Articles of Organization form for your LLC or to log into the online service.

Step 2: Fill Out Form

When filling out the form, you must have reserved an LLC name. Do a name search. Go to California LLC Name Search to check whether your chosen business name is available to use in this state.

You must attach a copy of your Name Reservation to your filled-out Articles of Organization form when filing. You also need to mention the name and address of the California Agent for Service of Process. We recommend the best LLC services in California that you can choose to form your LLC, hire the Agent for Service of Process, and file the Articles of Organization with the SOS.

If you plan to start an LLC in states other than California, you must file a foreign LLC in other states. For filing a foreign LLC you can explore the best LLC services that operate in 50 other states along with California.

What information does the Articles of Organization application need in California?

The application form for the Articles of Organization needs to include the LLC name, date of establishment, the company’s registered office, business purpose, how long the business will exist, and a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate.

Step 3: File Formation Certificates

File your formation certificate either online or by mail (whichever is available and convenient for you) by filling out the form and sending it to the Secretary of State, Business Entities Filings, P.O. Box 944228, Sacramento, CA 94244. For online filing, you must log in to the California Secretary of State or register with the portal. Submit the form online (if available).

Pay the required filing fee at the time of form submission to complete the LLC registration. For online filing, payment should be made using Credit or Debit Cards. For offline filing, payment should be made using a Cheque or in cash (if available).

Cost of Filing California Articles of Organization

cost

LLC cost in California includes all types of fees starting from name reservation fee, DBA filing fee ($26 for filing and $5 for each additional business name.), Agent for Service of Process costs, and Articles of Organization fee. In California, the filing fee of a formation document is $70. The standard fee for filing the Articles of Organization allows one to file the LLC within the standard time. However, by paying additional fees, you can expedite the process, and can be done as soon as within a few hours (depending on state rules).

Hiring a professional service can reduce some of the costs while filing an LLC. However, the state filing fee is mandatory and has to be paid at the time of registration. We recommend hiring ZenBusiness as it offers filing an LLC at $0 (plus state filing fee).

Amend California Articles of Organization: If you make any changes to your LLC, you must file the changes with the Secretary of State. To do so, you must Amend California Articles of Organization. LLCs can get the amendment form, fill it out with the changed/updated information, and send it back to the SOS online or offline.

FAQs

What is an LLC Articles of Organization?
The LLC Articles of Organization is a legal document that must be filed with the California Secretary of State to formally establish a limited liability company.
Where can I obtain the LLC Articles of Organization form in California?
The LLC Articles of Organization form can be downloaded from the California Secretary of State website or obtained in person at the Secretary of State’s office.
How much does it cost to file the LLC Articles of Organization in California?
The filing fee for the LLC Articles of Organization in California is $70 as of the time of writing this.
Are there any additional requirements for filing the LLC Articles of Organization in California?
In addition to the filing fee, you will need to provide a valid mailing address for the LLC’s principal place of business in California.
Can I file the LLC Articles of Organization online in California?
Yes, you can file the LLC Articles of Organization online through the California Secretary of State’s business portal.
How long does it take for the LLC Articles of Organization to be processed in California?
Typically, it takes around 2-3 weeks for the LLC Articles of Organization to be processed in California.
Do I need to include the names of the LLC’s members in the Articles of Organization in California?
No, you do not need to include the names of the LLC’s members in the Articles of Organization in California.
Can I reserve a name for my LLC before filing the Articles of Organization in California?
Yes, you can reserve a name for your LLC by filing a Name Reservation Request form with the California Secretary of State.
What is the minimum number of members required to form an LLC in California?
California allows for single-member LLCs, so you can form an LLC with just one member.
Can I serve as my LLC’s registered agent in California?
Yes, you can serve as your LLC’s registered agent in California as long as you have a physical address in the state.
Are there any publication requirements for LLCs in California?
No, there are no publication requirements for LLCs in California.
Can I change the information on the Articles of Organization after it has been filed in California?
Yes, you can amend the Articles of Organization by filing an Articles of Amendment form with the California Secretary of State.
Can I convert an existing business entity into an LLC in California?
Yes, you can convert a California corporation, partnership, or other business entity into an LLC by filing a conversion form with the Secretary of State.
Do I need an attorney to file the LLC Articles of Organization in California?
No, you do not need an attorney to file the LLC Articles of Organization in California. However, legal advice may be helpful in certain situations.
Are there any naming restrictions for LLCs in California?
Yes, the name of the LLC must include the words “Limited Liability Company” or the abbreviation “LLC” in California.
Can I file the Articles of Organization on behalf of someone else in California?
Yes, you can file the Articles of Organization on behalf of someone else as long as you have their written consent.
Can I operate my LLC in multiple states if I file for it in California?
Yes, you can operate your LLC in multiple states by filing for foreign qualification in each additional state where you conduct business.
What tax obligations do LLCs have in California?
LLCs in California are required to pay an $800 annual tax known as the LLC annual tax.
Can an LLC have its principal place of business outside of California?
Yes, an LLC can have its principal place of business outside of California as long as it registers as a foreign LLC in California.
Can I file the Articles of Organization by mail in California?
Yes, you can file the Articles of Organization by mail by sending the completed form and payment to the California Secretary of State’s office.
Can I expedite the processing of the Articles of Organization in California?
Yes, you can request expedited processing by paying an additional fee to the California Secretary of State.
How do I check the status of my LLC filing in California?
You can check the status of your LLC filing online through the California Secretary of State website.
Do I need an Operating Agreement for my LLC in California?
Although not required by law, it is highly recommended to have an Operating Agreement in place to outline the ownership and management structure of the LLC in California.
Can I dissolve an LLC in California?
Yes, you can dissolve an LLC in California by filing the appropriate forms with the Secretary of State or if needed a court order to dissolve an LLC.
Can an LLC have a DBA (Doing Business As) in California?
Yes, an LLC can operate under a different name by filing for a fictitious business name, also known as a DBA, with the county where the business is operating.
Are there any annual reporting requirements for LLCs in California?
Yes, LLCs in California must file an annual Statement of Information with the Secretary of State to keep their information updated on record for authorities.
Can I use a professional registered agent service for my LLC in California?
Yes, you can hire a professional registered agent service to act as your LLC’s registered agent in California if you prefer to keep your information private.
Can I givae an individual the power to act as my LLC’s registered agent in California?
Yes, you can designate an individual to act as your LLC’s registered agent in California as long as they have a physical address in the state.
What is an LLC?
An LLC, or limited liability company, is a legal business structure that combines the pass-through taxation of a partnership or sole proprietorship with the limited liability of a corporation.
How do I form an LLC in California?
To form an LLC in California, you must file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State and pay the required filing fee.

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In Conclusion

The formation document or the Articles of Organization is the main document you need while forming your limited liability company in California. Certainly, you must attach supporting documents such as a name reservation certificate, registered agent name and address, and others. In California, filing the Articles of Organization is easy. However, mistakes can happen if you are a beginner or a first-time business filer. It is suggested to hire a professional service.

LLCBuddy editors recommend ZenBusiness, as it not only offers free LLC formation service ($0), but also, offers other services such as Agent for Service of Process, operating agreement, EIN, Certificate of Status for foreign LLC establishment, business name search, and many more.

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