Interactive Guide

Articles of Organization Guide

Everything you need to know about the document that creates your LLC. Field-by-field walkthrough for any US state.

8 fields explained
State-specific info
Filing process steps

What States Call It

Different states use different names for the same document.

Articles of Organization

Most states (WY, FL, CA, NY, NV, and 35+ others)

Certificate of Formation

DE, TX, CT, NE, PA, WA

Certificate of Organization

AL, AR, DC, MS, NH, VT

Field-by-Field Guide

Here is exactly what each section of the Articles of Organization requires.

1
LLC Name

The official legal name of your LLC as it will appear on all state records and legal documents.

Example

Acme Ventures LLC

Tips

  • Must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company"
  • Must be distinguishable from other businesses registered in the state
  • Check name availability on the state Secretary of State website before filing
  • Avoid restricted words like "Bank", "Insurance", "University" without special approval

For international founders: Your LLC name does not need to match your name in your home country. Choose a name that works for US business.

2
Principal Office Address

The main business address of your LLC. This can be different from your registered agent address.

Example

123 Business Ave, Suite 100, Cheyenne, WY 82001

Tips

  • Can be a home address, office, or virtual office
  • Some states allow a foreign (non-US) address
  • PO boxes are generally not accepted as principal address
  • This address may appear on public records

For international founders: Many international founders use their registered agent address or a virtual office address. StartGlobal provides a US mailing address.

3
Registered Agent

The person or company designated to receive legal documents on behalf of your LLC. Must have a physical address in the formation state.

Example

StartGlobal Registered Agent, 1712 Pioneer Ave, Suite 500, Cheyenne, WY 82001

Tips

  • Must have a physical street address in the LLC state (no PO boxes)
  • Must be available during normal business hours
  • Can be an individual or a registered agent company
  • You cannot be your own agent if you do not live in the state

For international founders: International founders must use a professional registered agent service. StartGlobal includes this in the $599 formation package.

4
Business Purpose

A statement describing what your LLC will do. Most states accept a general purpose statement.

Example

The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful business activity for which a limited liability company may be organized.

Tips

  • Use the general purpose statement above (accepted in all states)
  • No need to list specific activities unless your state requires it
  • A general statement gives you flexibility to pivot your business
  • Some industries (banking, insurance) require specific purpose statements

For international founders: Use the general purpose statement. It covers all legal business activities and does not limit your operations.

5
Management Structure

Whether your LLC will be managed by its members (owners) or by designated managers.

Example

Member-managed

Tips

  • Member-managed: all owners participate in daily operations (most common for small LLCs)
  • Manager-managed: designated managers run the business while other members are passive investors
  • Single-member LLCs are always member-managed by default
  • Choose manager-managed if you have passive investors or want a board-like structure

For international founders: Most international solo founders choose member-managed. Choose manager-managed only if you have investors or partners who will not be involved in operations.

6
Organizer

The person who files the Articles of Organization with the state. This can be anyone, not necessarily a member.

Example

StartGlobal Inc., as authorized organizer

Tips

  • The organizer is who signs and submits the filing
  • Does not need to be a member or manager of the LLC
  • Your formation service (like StartGlobal) typically acts as organizer
  • Some states require the organizer to be 18+ years old

For international founders: StartGlobal acts as your organizer, so you do not need to sign or submit anything to the state yourself.

7
Effective Date (Optional)

When your LLC officially comes into existence. Can be the filing date or a future date.

Example

Upon filing (immediate)

Tips

  • Most people choose "upon filing" for immediate effect
  • You can choose a future date (up to 90 days in most states)
  • A future date is useful if you want to align with a tax year or contract start date
  • Once the effective date passes, it cannot be changed
8
Duration (Optional)

How long your LLC will exist. Almost always perpetual (no end date).

Example

Perpetual

Tips

  • Choose "perpetual" unless you have a specific reason for a limited duration
  • A fixed duration means the LLC automatically dissolves on that date
  • Perpetual LLCs continue until members decide to dissolve
  • This can be changed later by filing an amendment

The Filing Process

1

Choose your state

Wyoming (lowest cost, best privacy) or Delaware (for VC-backed startups). Use our State Comparison Tool to decide.

Use State Comparison Tool
2

Check name availability

Search the state Secretary of State website to ensure your desired LLC name is available.

3

Prepare required information

Gather all 6-8 fields listed above. StartGlobal collects this through a simple online form.

4

File with the state

Submit online or by mail. StartGlobal handles the filing on your behalf as your authorized organizer.

5

Receive confirmation

The state returns your stamped/approved Articles. Processing takes 1-5 business days depending on the state.

6

Complete post-filing steps

Get your EIN, draft an operating agreement, open a bank account. StartGlobal handles all of these.

After Filing: Your Checklist

Get your EIN

Apply for an Employer Identification Number from the IRS. Required for banking and taxes.

Included with StartGlobal

Draft Operating Agreement

Create the internal document governing your LLC operations, profit sharing, and management.

Included with StartGlobal

Open Business Bank Account

Set up a US business bank account to receive payments and manage finances.

Included with StartGlobal

Set Up Registered Agent

Ensure your registered agent service is active to receive legal documents.

Included with StartGlobal

Obtain Business Licenses

Check if your business type requires any additional state or local licenses.

File BOI Report

Submit Beneficial Ownership Information report to FinCEN (required for most LLCs).

Explore More Tools

Tax Estimator State Comparison Cost Calculator Bank Checker Compliance Tracker Agent Comparison Delaware vs Wyoming

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are Articles of Organization?
Articles of Organization is the legal document filed with a state to officially create your LLC. It registers your business name, address, registered agent, and basic structure with the state government. Some states call it a Certificate of Formation or Certificate of Organization.
How much does it cost to file Articles of Organization?
With StartGlobal, Articles of Organization filing is included in the $599 all-inclusive package, regardless of state. This covers the state filing fee, registered agent (first year), EIN, operating agreement, and bank account setup. Purchasing these services separately costs $975 or more.
How long does it take to process Articles of Organization?
Processing times vary by state: Wyoming takes 3-5 business days, Delaware 3-5 business days, California 5-7 business days. Most states offer expedited processing for an additional fee (often 1-2 business days).
Do I need a lawyer to file Articles of Organization?
No. Articles of Organization is a straightforward filing that does not require legal expertise. Most founders use a formation service like StartGlobal. A lawyer is only needed for complex multi-member structures or unusual business purposes.
Can I file Articles of Organization from outside the US?
Yes. You do not need to be in the US to file. Most states accept online filing, and formation services like StartGlobal handle the entire process remotely. You just need a registered agent with a US address in your chosen state.
What is the difference between Articles of Organization and an Operating Agreement?
Articles of Organization is the public state filing that creates your LLC. An Operating Agreement is an internal private document that defines how your LLC operates (profit sharing, management roles, voting rights). Articles are required in all states; operating agreements are required in some states but recommended in all.