How to Amend Articles of Incorporation in Missouri (2025)

Amending the Articles of Incorporation in Missouri is required if you make any changes to your formed corporation. An amendment is a process through which you report the structural or any change in your corporation to the Missouri Secretary of State. To do so, you are required to follow a few simple steps. You need to get the amendment form, enter the details of the changes, and submit it to the appropriate address along with the amendment fee.

In this article, we have shared the process in detail. You will learn how to amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation in easy steps. It will be helpful for you if you read the article till the end.

What is the Missouri Articles of Incorporation?

The Missouri Articles of Incorporation is a legal document that you need to file with the Secretary of State while registering your corporation in Missouri. It is similar to the Articles of Organization you file while creating an LLC in Missouri. If you already own a corporation in Missouri, you must know what the Articles of Incorporation is. However, those who are not aware of this document can get all the required details from this page. The Articles of Incorporation is a set of papers that have all the information regarding your corporation and are filed with the Secretary of State. You must pay the filing fees to register your Articles of Incorporation.

This document has information related to your corporation. Details like the name of the corp, principal address, Missouri Registered Agent details, corporation structure, directors, shareholders, and signature of the incorporators should be mentioned in the document. An online or offline form mentioning these details should be filed with the SOS at the time of forming your corporation. You must pay the filing fee to the state online or by check.

Like forming an LLC, for the corporation, it takes some time to form your business in Missouri after filing the documents. You can expedite the filing process by paying additional money over the filing fees.

It is good to make changes in your Articles of Incorporation. When you change anything, specifcally the name, it brings good and bad effects to the company. Make sure the name change does not affect your revenue or status adversely.
– LLCBuddy Editorial Team

How to Amend the Missouri Articles of Incorporation

There are three main steps to file your amendment to the Missouri Articles of Incorporation. Before you proceed with the steps of filing the form, you must know what changes you can make in your corporation and what changes you cannot. Let’s start with the first step and some related information,

Step 1: Determine What Changes You Need in Missouri Corporation

Updating your Articles of Incorporation periodically can be beneficial by making necessary changes. However, frequent alterations in structure or name may not be advisable. The first step involves determining which changes are needed and assessing their potential impact. Modifying aspects of your existing business can affect your revenue or client relationships, so it’s crucial to carefully consider whether the changes are truly necessary and what consequences they may bring.

An up-to-date Articles of Incorporation reflects the current status of a corporation in Missouri. The key elements of your updated Articles of Incorporation may include the advantages of being a Registered Agent, the company’s contact information, and the process for receiving legal notices, among other details.

Step 2: Review the Changes You Made in the Articles of Incorporation

The subsequent step involves reviewing the changes. The Missouri Secretary of State may request additional supporting documents based on the modifications made to your corporation. After finalizing the changes, you can proceed to draft the Missouri corporate amendment. Consult with the SOS to determine if any other documents need to be submitted. For instance, if you are changing the business name, you might be required to submit a name change/reservation form along with the Missouri Corporate Amendment form.

What Can Be Changed in Articles of Incorporation

It is not easy to change things in your business. Besides, there are some restrictions in changing things in your corporation in Missouri. There are things you can change, but there are things that you cannot change. I have mentioned a few points in this article that you can change above, such as the name, statement of purpose, and the number of shares issued. Now, there are things that you cannot change in the Articles of Incorporation.

What Can not Be Changed in Missouri Corporate Amendment?

If you started a corporation in Missouri, you must initially have appointed a Registered Agent. You cannot change the initial registered agent in the Articles of Incorporation Corporate Amendment. You can change it using other methods and forms available in the Missouri SOS.

Another point is the initial mailing address of your corporation cannot be changed in the Missouri Corporate Amendment. In this case, you can change it through other methods requiring different forms.

The third point is the initial directors who formed the corporation in Missouri. The details of the initial directors cannot be changed in the Missouri Corporate Amendment. There is no other way to change the directors’ details.

Step 3: File the Missouri Corporate Amendment

Finally, file the Missouri Corporate Amendment with the Secretary of State by the methods (online or offline) available. You must go through the filing process mentioned on the SOS official website before you start the filing process. You must pay the state fees for filing the Missouri Corporate Amendment.

Online Filing: Amendment of Incorporation Online
Offline Filing: Amendment of Incorporation PDF Form
Amendment Fees: $25 processing fees

If you are in Missouri and have formed an LLC, you must file the Articles of Amendment in Missouri with the SOS if you make any changes to the limited liability company.

Why Amend Articles of Incorporation in Missouri?

There can be several reasons why you make changes to your corporation. A business runs based on diverse components. From economic conditions to internal structures (shareholders and directors), the corporation can change many times in its life based on external or internal reasons.

Change of Missouri Corporation Name: The name of the corporation does not often change because it is the primary identity of any business. Sometimes, a spelling or the entire name requires to be changed for many reasons. In that case, the corporation has to file the amendment with the SOS mentioning the old and new names. They have to submit the business name change form with the amendment form.

Change of Statement of Purpose: This is a document where you explain the purpose of your corporation. The purpose says that you are involved in legal and lawful activities through your business. If you are having a nonprofit, you must have a community purpose. If you change that purpose, you must file the amendment. If you change the nature of the business or the purpose of the corporation overall, then you must file an amendment.

Change in Numbers of Stocks and Shares: Finally, if you change the number of shares or stock issues in your company, then you must amend it. It can be reduced or increased if you decide to remove or add a shareholder/partner to the corporation. In that case, it must be amended with the SOS.

Penalties for Not Filing the Amendment in Missouri

Now, one question arises when we talk about filing the amendment what happens if you don’t amend the Missouri Articles of Incorporation? The answer is simple. You might have to pay heavy penalties if you do not file it. Besides, you may lose existing clients as they may not be interested in continuing to work with your company.

They might cancel the existing contract; you might lose the bank loan or advance opportunities, or you may lose the business bank accounts for not complying with the amendment filing requirements. Hence, it is highly recommended to amend the Missouri Articles of Incorporation.

FAQs

How can I amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation?

To amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation, you must file Articles of Amendment with the Missouri Secretary of State.

What information is required in the Articles of Amendment in Missouri?

The Articles of Amendment in Missouri must include the name of the corporation, the date the original Articles of Incorporation were filed, as well as a statement of the amendment being made.

Can I amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation to change the corporation’s name?

Yes, you can amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation to change the corporation’s name by filing Articles of Amendment with the Missouri Secretary of State.

How long does it take to process an amendment to Missouri Articles of Incorporation?

The processing time for an amendment to Missouri Articles of Incorporation can vary, but typically it takes a few business days to a few weeks.

Is there a fee to file an amendment to Missouri Articles of Incorporation?

Yes, there is a fee associated with filing an amendment to Missouri Articles of Incorporation. The fee amount varies, so it is best to check with the Missouri Secretary of State.

Can I amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation to change the purpose of the corporation?

Yes, you can amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation to change the purpose of the corporation by filing Articles of Amendment with the Missouri Secretary of State.

What is the deadline for filing an amendment to Missouri Articles of Incorporation?

There is no specific deadline for filing an amendment to Missouri Articles of Incorporation, but it should be done as soon as possible after the decision to amend is made.

Can I cancel or revoke an amendment to Missouri Articles of Incorporation?

Once an amendment to Missouri Articles of Incorporation is filed and processed, it cannot be canceled or revoked. It becomes part of the corporate records.

Can I amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation to add or remove directors or officers?

Yes, you can amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation to add or remove directors or officers by filing Articles of Amendment with the Missouri Secretary of State.

Do I need to notify anyone else besides the Missouri Secretary of State when amending Articles of Incorporation?

No, you do not need to notify anyone else besides the Missouri Secretary of State when amending Articles of Incorporation. The state government will handle any necessary notifications.

Can I change the original incorporation date in Missouri Articles of Incorporation?

No, you cannot change the original incorporation date in Missouri Articles of Incorporation. The original date will remain on record.

Can I amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation to change the registered agent or address?

Yes, you can amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation to change the registered agent or address by filing Articles of Amendment with the Missouri Secretary of State.

Can I amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation to add or remove a provision?

Yes, you can amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation to add or remove a provision by filing Articles of Amendment with the Missouri Secretary of State.

Is it necessary to hold a meeting of shareholders or directors to amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation?

In Missouri, it is not mandatory to hold a meeting of shareholders or directors to amend Articles of Incorporation. The decision can be made by the incorporators.

Can I amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation to change the principal place of business?

Yes, you can amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation to change the principal place of business by filing Articles of Amendment with the Missouri Secretary of State.

What is the effect of amending Missouri Articles of Incorporation?

The effect of amending Missouri Articles of Incorporation is that the changes become legally binding and take effect once the Articles of Amendment are processed by the Missouri Secretary of State.

Can I amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation to change the number of authorized shares?

Yes, you can amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation to change the number of authorized shares by filing Articles of Amendment with the Missouri Secretary of State.

Do I need to provide a reason for amending Missouri Articles of Incorporation?

There is no requirement to provide a reason for amending Missouri Articles of Incorporation. You simply need to specify the amendment being made in the Articles of Amendment.

Can I amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation to change the duration of the corporation?

Yes, you can amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation to change the duration of the corporation by filing Articles of Amendment with the Missouri Secretary of State.

Are there any restrictions on what can be amended in Missouri Articles of Incorporation?

Generally, there are no specific restrictions on what can be amended in Missouri Articles of Incorporation as long as the change complies with state laws.

Can I amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation to change the purpose of the corporation to a nonprofit entity?

Yes, you can amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation to change the purpose of the corporation to a nonprofit entity by filing Articles of Amendment with the Missouri Secretary of State.

Can I amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation to change the voting rights of shareholders?

Yes, you can amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation to change the voting rights of shareholders by filing Articles of Amendment with the Missouri Secretary of State.

Can I amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation to change the bylaws of the corporation?

You can amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation to change provisions that are typically found in the bylaws of the corporation, such as the authorized shares, but changes to specific corporate rules outlined in the bylaws may require a separate process.

Can an amendment to Missouri Articles of Incorporation be challenged by shareholders?

Shareholders may have the right to challenge an amendment to Missouri Articles of Incorporation if they believe it goes against their rights or the best interests of the corporation.

Can I amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation if the corporation is involved in ongoing legal proceedings?

Before amending Missouri Articles of Incorporation, it is advisable to consult with legal counsel, especially if the corporation is involved in ongoing legal proceedings that may be affected by the amendments.

Can I amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation without the consent of all shareholders?

In most cases, the consent of all shareholders is not required to amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation, unless the rights of certain shareholders are being adversely affected by the proposed amendments.

Can I amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation to authorize the issuance of new classes of stock?

Yes, you can amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation to authorize the issuance of new classes of stock by filing Articles of Amendment with the Missouri Secretary of State.

Can I amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation to change the quorum requirements for shareholder meetings?

Yes, you can amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation to change the quorum requirements for shareholder meetings by filing Articles of Amendment with the Missouri Secretary of State.

How do I amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation?

To amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation, you must file Articles of Amendment with the Missouri Secretary of State.

Are there specific requirements for amending Missouri Articles of Incorporation?

Yes, the amended articles must include the name of the corporation and the changes being made.

In Conclusion

Amending the Missouri Articles of Incorporation may not involve numerous steps, but the process can be more complex than it appears. It’s crucial to carefully consider any changes to ensure they do not negatively impact your business or client relationships. Before proceeding with modifications and amendments, it is advisable to consult with an attorney or legal professional for guidance.

Due to the complicated structure, forming a corporation in Missouri might be difficult. However, after forming the corporation, managing it seems to be more difficult for many people. A frequent change may or may not occur. But, every time you make a change, you must file the amendment with Missouri SOS. It is also suggested that you do not make changes frequently as it may affect your brand in a reverse way.