How to File an LLC Articles of Organization in Hawaii


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 Hawaii. The document needs to be filed with the Secretary of State in Hawaii 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 Hawaii. 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 Hawaii to file the Articles of Organization while forming the LLC.

What is an LLC Articles of Organization in Hawaii?

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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii,
  • 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 Resident Agent, organizers, and
  • At least one member of the company

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

How to File Hawaii 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 Hawaii, the following methods are available.

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Step 1: Find Forms Online

Go to the Hawaii 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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii Resident Agent. We recommend the best LLC services in Hawaii that you can choose to form your LLC, hire the Resident Agent, and file the Articles of Organization with the SOS.

If you plan to start an LLC in states other than Hawaii, 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 Hawaii.

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

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 Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Business Registration Division, 335 Merchant St., P.O. Box 40, Honolulu, HI 96810. For online filing, you must log in to the Hawaii 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 Hawaii Articles of Organization

cost

LLC cost in Hawaii includes all types of fees starting from name reservation fee, DBA filing fee ($50), Resident Agent costs, and Articles of Organization fee. In Hawaii, the filing fee of a formation document is $5. 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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii 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 the first step in forming an LLC in Hawaii?
The first step is to file Articles of Organization with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
Can I file the Articles of Organization online in Hawaii?
Yes, you can file the Articles of Organization online through the Hawaii Business Express website.
How much does it cost to file the Articles of Organization for an LLC in Hawaii?
The filing fee for Articles of Organization in Hawaii is $50.
Do I need to include the names and addresses of the members of the LLC in the Articles of Organization in Hawaii?
No, you do not need to include the names and addresses of the members in the Articles of Organization in Hawaii.
Is there a publication requirement for LLC Articles of Organization in Hawaii?
No, there is no publication requirement for LLC Articles of Organization in Hawaii.
How long does it take to process the Articles of Organization in Hawaii?
It typically takes 2-3 business days to process the Articles of Organization in Hawaii.
Can I reserve a name for my LLC before filing the Articles of Organization in Hawaii?
Yes, you can reserve a name for your LLC by filing a Name Reservation form with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
Is a registered agent required for an LLC in Hawaii?
Yes, all Hawaii LLCs are required to have a registered agent for service of process.
Can the registered agent be a member of the LLC in Hawaii?
Yes, a member of the LLC can also serve as the registered agent in Hawaii.
Do I need an operating agreement for my LLC in Hawaii?
Although it is not required by law, it is highly recommended to have an operating agreement for your LLC in Hawaii.
What information do I need to include in the Articles of Organization for my Hawaii LLC?
You will need to include the name of the LLC, the duration of the LLC, the business purpose, the address of the principal office, and the name and address of the registered agent.
Can I amend the Articles of Organization for my Hawaii LLC?
Yes, you can file an Amended Articles of Organization form with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to make any changes.
Can I dissolve my Hawaii LLC by filing a form with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs?
Yes, you can dissolve your Hawaii LLC by filing Articles of Dissolution with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
Can I convert my Hawaii LLC to a corporation?
Yes, you can convert your Hawaii LLC to a corporation by filing a Conversion form with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
Are there any ongoing requirements for LLCs in Hawaii after filing the Articles of Organization?
Yes, LLCs in Hawaii are required to file an annual report and pay the associated fee to maintain good standing with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
Can I use a PO Box as the address for my Hawaii LLC in the Articles of Organization?
No, a PO Box is not allowed as the address for the principal office in the Articles of Organization for a Hawaii LLC.
How do I check the availability of a name for my Hawaii LLC before filing the Articles of Organization?
You can perform a name search on the Hawaii Business Express website to check the availability of a name for your LLC.
Can I reserve a name for my Hawaii LLC before filing the Articles of Organization?
Yes, you can reserve a name for your Hawaii LLC by filing a Name Reservation form with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
Is a social security number required to form an LLC in Hawaii?
No, a social security number is not required to form an LLC in Hawaii.
Can I list multiple addresses for my Hawaii LLC in the Articles of Organization?
No, you can only list one address as the principal office in the Articles of Organization for a Hawaii LLC.
What is the deadline for filing the Articles of Organization for an LLC in Hawaii?
There is no specific deadline for filing the Articles of Organization in Hawaii.
Can I file the Articles of Organization for my Hawaii LLC by mail?
Yes, you can file the Articles of Organization by mail or in person at the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
Can I change the name of my Hawaii LLC after filing the Articles of Organization?
Yes, you can change the name of your Hawaii LLC by filing an Amended Articles of Organization form with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
Can I add additional members to my Hawaii LLC after filing the Articles of Organization?
Yes, you can add additional members to your Hawaii LLC by amending the Articles of Organization.
Do I need to obtain a business license for my Hawaii LLC separately from filing the Articles of Organization?
Yes, you will need to obtain a business license separately from filing the Articles of Organization for your Hawaii LLC.
Can I use an out-of-state address for my Hawaii LLC in the Articles of Organization?
Yes, you can use an out-of-state address as the address of the principal office for your Hawaii LLC in the Articles of Organization.
Can I file the Articles of Organization for a nonprofit LLC in Hawaii?
Yes, you can file the Articles of Organization for a nonprofit LLC in Hawaii with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
Can I file the Articles of Organization for a professional LLC in Hawaii?
Yes, you can file the Articles of Organization for a professional LLC in Hawaii with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
Can I operate multiple businesses under the same Hawaii LLC after filing the Articles of Organization?
Yes, you can operate multiple businesses under the same Hawaii LLC by adding the additional business activities to the Articles of Organization.
What is required to create an LLC in Hawaii?
To create an LLC in Hawaii, you must file Articles of Organization with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

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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 Hawaii. Certainly, you must attach supporting documents such as a name reservation certificate, registered agent name and address, and others. In Hawaii, 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 Resident Agent, operating agreement, EIN, Certificate of Good Standing for foreign LLC establishment, business name search, and many more.

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