How to Amend Articles of Organization in California (2024)


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.

All Posts by Steve →
Business Formation Expert  |   Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
Last updated: 
LLCBuddy™ offers informative content for educational purposes only, not as a substitute for professional legal or tax advice. We may earn commissions if you use the services we recommend on this site.
At LLCBuddy, we don't just offer information; we provide a curated experience backed by extensive research and expertise. Led by Steve, a seasoned expert in the LLC formation sector, our platform is built on years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the nuances involved in establishing and running an LLC. We've navigated the intricacies of the industry, sifted through the complexities, and packaged our knowledge into a comprehensive, user-friendly guide. Our commitment is to empower you with reliable, up-to-date, and actionable insights, ensuring you make informed decisions. With LLCBuddy, you're not just getting a tutorial; you're gaining a trustworthy partner for your entrepreneurial journey.
Amend California Articles of Organization

Amendment of Articles of Organization is required when you make changes to your LLC. While forming an LLC in California, you must file the formation document. At some point in time, if you might need to update/change any of the information shared in the Articles of Organization, you must file the Submission Cover Sheet with California SOS.

To amend your California Articles of Organization, you will need to follow a specific process, which typically involves filling out a form, paying a fee, and submitting the amended articles to the California SOS. The process is not a lengthy one. In this article, LLCBuddy editors shared how to amend California Articles of Organization without any hassle. Note that the process explained here is a generic process. It is recommended to consult a professional or attorney beforehand.

What is Articles of Organization in California?

The Articles of Organization is a document that is required to form an LLC in California. The document must be submitted online or by mail to the California Secretary of State. Certain details need to be added while filing the California Articles of Organization. The following are the points to be added to the formation document at the time of LLC registration-

articles of organization
  • Name of your California LLC
  • The principal address of the LLC
  • Name and address of the California Agent for Service of Process
  • Names of all the members and managers of the LLC
  • Summary of the LLC’s operation
  • Start date of the LLC
  • Purpose of the LLC
  • Signature of all the members and managers of the LLC

How to Amend California Articles of Organization

Changes such as name, physical address of the business, address or/and name of the California Agent for Service of Process, or any other changes listed above must be amended with the SOS. It is easy to amend the Articles of Organization in California. There are three prominent steps to follow. The steps are as follows-

Step 1: Determine What Changes You Need in California LLC

The first step is to determine what changes you need to make or if you need any changes. For some business experts, it is good to make structural or some other changes to upgrade your LLC after a point of time. For example, managers can change, LLCs can be restructured or move to other places, cities, or states, and you can also change the registered agent.

These are common changes that often occur in limited liability companies. If you have to make those changes, you must proceed with drafting the Submission Cover Sheet with California Secretary of State.

Step 2: Draft the California Submission Cover Sheet

The next step is to draft the Amendment. To Amend the Articles of Organization, you need the following-

  • Name of the LLC
  • Purpose of the LLC
  • Entity filing number
  • Amendments
  • Members and Managers’ signature.
  • Along with these details, LLCs must submit more documents to the California SOS.

Step 3: File California Submission Cover Sheet

To file the Submission Cover Sheet in California, you need either an online or offline form. You can do that online in most states by signing in to the Secretary of State’s official portal. To file the amendment in California, you must fill up the form (online or offline) and send it back to the SOS (online or by mail).

For the online filing, the form must be submitted using the California Secretary of State‘s portal. For offline (by mail) filing, the PDF form must be sent to the Secretary of State, Business Entities Filings, P.O. Box 944228, Sacramento, CA 94244. The amendment filing fee of $30 must be paid at the time of form submission.

Why Amend Articles of Organization?

There are six reasons why you need to file the Submission Cover Sheet in California. Following are the six points to note-

Change of California LLC Name: If you change the name of the LLC, you must file it with the SOS. LLCs do not often change the names, but in some cases, if they change it, they immediately have to inform the California SOS through Amendment.

It is recommended to check if the name change is absolutely necessary. Because it can affect the whole business. In some cases, it is better to start a new LLC than change the name of an existing one.

Tip from LLCBuddy

Change of California LLC Address: Like the business name, if the principal address of the LLC is changed or the company is moved to another place, then California LLC has to file the amendment certificate.

Change of Registered Agent: A Registered Agent is the most important person in the LLC. However, when you change or remove the Registered Agent, you must file the amendment with the California SOS.

Change of California LLC Management: This is another important reason why one should file the Amendment Certificate. If the managerial structure changes in your LLC, it must be filed with the SOS. The new structure, manager, or change in ownership must be filed.

Change of the Purpose of California LLC: The purpose of the LLC is mentioned in the Articles of Organization when it is filed. If the purpose is changed at any time, for example, a non-profit in California changes to a for-profit organization, or vice-versa, it must be filed with the SOS.

Change of California Tax Structure: The California LLC classification of taxes is mentioned in the Articles of Organization at the time of registration of the LLC. Later, if the LLC wants to change the tax structure, it must file the amendment certificate with California SOS.

Cost to File California Submission Cover Sheet

The cost of filing the Amendment Certificate in California is $30. For other types of filing costs, please visit the official website of California Secretary of State.

Penalties for Not Filing Submission Cover Sheet

Failure to amend California Articles of Organization can lead to legal issues against the LLC. Not filing the amendment certificate means non-compliance with the LLC in California. Another consequence of not filing an amendment in California is facing legal issues by violating state laws. For example, if a member-managed LLC becomes a manager-managed one in the future and the LLC does not file an amendment, it will be considered a violation of state law. Hence, the LLC might face legal issues.

FAQs

How do I amend California Articles of Organization?
To amend California Articles of Organization, you must file a Certificate of Amendment with the California Secretary of State.
What information is required in a Certificate of Amendment for California LLCs?
The Certificate of Amendment must include the current name of the LLC, the exact text of the amendment, and the effective date of the amendment.
How much does it cost to amend California Articles of Organization?
The filing fee to amend California Articles of Organization is $30.
Can I amend California Articles of Organization online?
Yes, you can amend California Articles of Organization online through the California Secretary of State Business Portal.
Is there a deadline for amending California Articles of Organization?
No, there is no deadline for amending California Articles of Organization.
Do I need to provide a reason for amending California Articles of Organization?
No, you do not need to provide a reason for amending California Articles of Organization.
What happens after I file a Certificate of Amendment for my California LLC?
After you file a Certificate of Amendment, the California Secretary of State will review the amendment and issue a filing acknowledgment.
Can I change the name of my California LLC when amending the Articles of Organization?
Yes, you can change the name of your California LLC when amending the Articles of Organization by filing a Certificate of Amendment.
How long does it take to process an amendment to California Articles of Organization?
It typically takes 5-7 business days to process an amendment to California Articles of Organization.
Can I download a form to amend California Articles of Organization?
Yes, you can download a form to amend California Articles of Organization from the California Secretary of State website.
What type of amendments can be made to California Articles of Organization?
Common amendments include changes to the name of the LLC, the business address, the members or managers, and the purpose of the LLC.
Does amending California Articles of Organization affect the LLC’s standing with the state?
Yes, amending California Articles of Organization keeps the LLC in good standing with the state.
Do I need to notify existing members when amending California Articles of Organization?
Yes, you should notify existing members when amending California Articles of Organization.
Can I amend California Articles of Organization myself without legal assistance?
Yes, you can complete the process of amending California Articles of Organization without legal assistance.
What is the California Secretary of State’s contact information for questions about amending Articles of Organization?
You can contact the California Secretary of State by phone at (916) 657-5448 for questions about amending Articles of Organization.
Can I expedite the processing of an amendment to California Articles of Organization?
Yes, you can request expedited processing of an amendment to California Articles of Organization for an additional fee.
What do I do if there is an error on my filed Certificate of Amendment for my California LLC?
If there is an error on your filed Certificate of Amendment, you can file a Correction Statement with the California Secretary of State.
Can a California LLC be dissolved by amending the Articles of Organization?
No, amending the Articles of Organization does not dissolve a California LLC.
Are amendments to California Articles of Organization public record?
Yes, amendments to California Articles of Organization are public record and can be viewed by the public.
Does amending California Articles of Organization change the LLC’s tax ID number?
No, amending California Articles of Organization does not change the LLC’s tax ID number.
Can I change the management structure of my California LLC by amending the Articles of Organization?
Yes, you can change the management structure of your California LLC by amending the Articles of Organization.
What types of changes can I make to the purpose of my California LLC through an amendment?
You can change the purpose of your California LLC to better reflect the current activities of the LLC.
Is there a limit to the number of times I can amend California Articles of Organization?
There is no limit to the number of times you can amend California Articles of Organization, as long as the changes are lawful.
Will amending California Articles of Organization affect the LLC’s contracts and agreements?
Yes, amending California Articles of Organization may impact the LLC’s contracts and agreements, so it is important to review them after amending.
Can I request a certified copy of the amendment to California Articles of Organization?
Yes, you can request a certified copy of the amendment to California Articles of Organization for an additional fee.
Can I amend California Articles of Organization for a foreign LLC operating in California?
Yes, foreign LLCs can amend their Articles of Organization if they are registered in California.
What happens if I fail to amend California Articles of Organization when required?
Failure to amend California Articles of Organization when required can lead to penalties and potential legal issues for the LLC.
How can I confirm that my amendment to California Articles of Organization was processed?
You can check the status of your filed amendment to California Articles of Organization online through the California Secretary of State Business Portal.
How do I amend my California Articles of Organization?
You can amend your California Articles of Organization by filing a Statement of Information with the Secretary of State.
What information can be amended in the California Articles of Organization?
You can amend the name, initial agent, address, and purpose stated in the California Articles of Organization.

Also Read

In Conclusion

While running a limited liability company in California, it might be possible to make changes. From the name of the business to the Agent for Service of Process, the management of the LLC can be changed over time. Every time you make any changes, you must file the amendment. You must consider that changing LLC names should not occur more often unless it is totally required. The name is the first identity of your LLC; changing it frequently directly affects the company’s branding. Filing the Submission Cover Sheet is mandatory as well as crucial, and failure to do so can lead to legal issues and non-compliance with state laws.

This article shares all the important steps you need to follow to file the Submission Cover Sheet in California. While you follow the steps shared in this article, make sure to consult a professional or attorney. If you are looking for a professional LLC formation service at $0, we recommend ZenBusiness. By following the steps outlined in this article and submitting the necessary documents to the California Secretary of State, LLCs can successfully amend their Articles of Organization and maintain compliance with state regulations.

Leave a Comment