South Dakota LLC Articles of Organization – How to Register?

If you are forming a South Dakota LLC, then this page’s content would be vital. As you learn how to start an LLC, you will realize that the bulk of your initial work and LLC cost comprises filing South Dakota articles of organization, which we will elaborate on this page.   

What is an Article of Organization?

Articles of Organization, also known as an LLC certificate or Certificate of Formation in some states, is a document filed with the secretary of state to form an LLC.

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

• The name of the LLC,
• 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 registered agent, organizers, and
• at least one member of the company.

You can file an Article of Organization online, by mail, or in person.

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

How to File South Dakota Articles of Organization

These are the simple steps to follow in filing an Article of Organization in South Dakota.

Step 1: Find Forms Online

Go to the South Dakota 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 South Dakota 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 nominate a registered agent. Here are 3 of the best LLC services on our list.

Step 3: File Formation Certificates

File your formation certificate either online or by mail by filling out a form and sending it to the Secretary of State Office, 500 E Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD 57501.

Steps to Register Article of Organization Online

South Dakota Articles of Organization Filing By Mail

If you wish to file your application for Articles of Organization by offline method, you can do that easily by mail. Though the online mode of filing is generally the preferred mode, you can apply through the mail by following the instructions below.

• Download the Application form PDF on your computer system.
• Read all the instructions attached to the form carefully. Start to fill in the application form.
• You can also attach the name reservation certificate of your business LLC.
• Review all the details entered by you in the application form to be correct and accurate to your knowledge.
• Issue a money order or check of $165 as the filing fee for your application payable to the ‘Secretary of State’ office.
• Attach all the documents and mail to the following address, Secretary of State Office 500 E Capitol Ave Pierre, SD 57501.

Cost of Filing Articles of Organization in South Dakota

The online method of application is generally considered a convenient mode of filing due to its easy filing and tracking options. The overall cost of filing a formation certificate in the State of South Dakota is slightly higher for paper filing than online filing. Here is the cost of filing formation articles in South Dakota,

• Online filing costs $150.00
• By mail filing costs $165.00

Where Can You Find Your South Dakota LLC Articles of Organization

Articles of Organization for South Dakota LLC can be accessed through the South Dakota Secretary of State website. You can also download the PDF from the same website.

When establishing a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in South Dakota, entrepreneurs must follow a series of necessary steps. One key requirement is filing the Articles of Organization with the appropriate government agency in the state. These Articles of Organization serve as the foundation of your LLC and contain essential information about the business. While locating this important document may initially seem daunting, there are specific and accessible avenues available to South Dakota business owners to locate their LLC’s Articles of Organization.

To begin the process, entrepreneurs must first identify the government agency responsible for maintaining business records in South Dakota. In this case, that would be the Office of the Secretary of State. It is this agency that oversees the filing and maintenance of most documents relevant to LLCs and other business entities.

Now that we know where to look, the next step is to navigate the Office of the Secretary of State’s website. Thankfully, the State of South Dakota offers user-friendly online platforms that make it convenient for individuals to find and access the necessary information.

Upon entering the website, users can locate a search bar or menu option specifically designed to search for business entities. By inputting relevant details such as the LLC name, registered agent name, or other parameters, those searching for their Articles of Organization can narrow down their results.

In instances where online browsing may not be possible or desired, contacting the Office of the Secretary of State directly is a viable alternative. The contact information for the agency is typically provided prominently on its website. Engaging with the agency’s personnel allows individuals to make necessary inquiries, such as retrieving copies of their Articles of Organization. While the process may require additional effort compared to utilizing online resources, contacting the Office of the Secretary of State ensures accuracy and clarity throughout the process.

In some cases, entrepreneurs may need certified copies of their Articles of Organization, which may be required during funding or partnership discussions. Such certified copies boast the agency’s legal seal affixed to the document, thus validating its authenticity. To obtain certified copies of the Articles of Organization, individuals can typically request them directly from the Office of the Secretary of State. Specific instructions for requesting certified copies—whether by mail, in-person, or other means—are typically listed on the agency’s website.

It is worth mentioning that understanding the structure of the Office of the Secretary of State can be valuable when searching for the Articles of Organization. Similar to many government agencies, it maintains various divisions responsible for different tasks. Familiarizing oneself with the organizational structure allows for a smooth and efficient search process, potentially saving time and effort.

In conclusion, locating your South Dakota LLC’s Articles of Organization is crucial for establishing and maintaining a successful business in the state. The Office of the Secretary of State is the agency responsible for managing business records and provides accessible resources such as online searches and direct communication. By employing these methods, entrepreneurs can promptly retrieve copies of their Articles of Organization, be they standard or certified, ensuring they possess the necessary foundation to move forward with their business ventures.

F.A.Qs

In Conclusion

Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation is the most important document for your South Dakota LLC. Before you submit/file the document make sure to provide proper and correct information about your company. If you have any questions, share that below in the comment section.