Can I file the Articles of Organization myself?

Yes. You're not required to use an attorney or a formation service. You can prepare and file the Articles of Organization yourself directly with your state's secretary of state, usually online. Just confirm your intended state's specific requirements first, since the form, fee, and required details vary from state to state.

How much does it cost to file Articles of Organization?

It depends on the state. Filing fees generally range from about $35 to $520, with a 2026 average around $132 across all 50 states. Most states also charge a recurring annual or biennial fee to keep the LLC in good standing. Check your secretary of state's site for the current amount.

What's the difference between Articles of Organization and an operating agreement?

Articles of Organization create the LLC with the state. They're a public filing that establishes the entity. An operating agreement is an internal document among the members governing ownership, profit splits, and management. The state requires the Articles to form the LLC; the operating agreement is usually optional but strongly recommended, and stays private.

Do I need Articles of Organization to open a business bank account?

Yes, typically. Banks ask for the state-approved Articles of Organization (or Certificate of Formation) as proof the LLC legally exists, often alongside your EIN and operating agreement. It's also commonly required to apply for financing, sign major contracts, and obtain business licenses, which is why it's a document you'll reach for repeatedly.

How long should I keep Articles of Organization?

Permanently. They're the founding proof your LLC exists, and you'll be asked for them throughout the life of the business: banking, financing, contracts, and eventual dissolution. As a core formation record, there's no safe point to discard them; keep them as long as the LLC exists.

Business

Articles of Organization (LLC Formation)

Articles of Organization is the document that legally creates a limited liability company (LLC) by filing it with the state. It names the LLC, its registered agent and address, the members or organizer, and the management structure. Once the state approves it, the LLC exists as a separate legal entity.

State filing fees for LLC Articles of Organization range from roughly $35 to $520, with a 2026 average of about $132 across all 50 states.

Source: LLC University: LLC Filing Fees by State (2026)

Written & maintained by the Granite team · Last updated October 2026

Overview

You file Articles of Organization with the secretary of state (some states call it a Certificate of Formation or Certificate of Organization) to bring an LLC into existence. The state's stamped, approved copy is the proof your business is a registered legal entity: what banks, lenders, and partners ask for to open accounts or sign contracts.

It's distinct from an operating agreement (the internal rulebook among members) and from licenses (permission to operate). The Articles establish the entity; everything else builds on that foundation. After the state approves them, the next step is usually getting an EIN from the IRS so you can open a business bank account. Keeping the approved filing accessible is essential for banking, financing, and compliance.

When you’ll get your Articles of Organization (LLC Formation)

You formed an LLC for a new business
You're opening a business bank account or applying for financing
A partner, vendor, or client needs proof your entity exists
You're registering for an EIN or business licenses
You're confirming your registered agent or formation details

What’s on your Articles of Organization (LLC Formation)

These are the fields you’ll find on one, and what each one tells you.

LLC Name: The legal name of the company as registered.
Registered Agent & Address: The agent designated to receive legal documents for the LLC.
Members / Organizer: The owners or the person who filed the formation.
Management Structure: Whether the LLC is member-managed or manager-managed.
State & Filing Date: The state of formation and the date it was approved.
Filing / Entity Number: The state's identifier for the registered LLC.

How long to keep it

Permanent

Keep permanently

The Articles are the founding proof your LLC exists, and you'll be asked for them throughout the life of the business: opening accounts, securing financing, signing major contracts, and dissolving the entity. As a core formation record there's no point at which discarding them is safe; keep them for as long as the LLC exists and beyond.

This is general guidance, not legal advice.

How Granite handles your Articles of Organization (LLC Formation)

Granite reads your Articles of Organization (LLC name, registered agent, management structure, state, and formation date) and files it with your business formation documents. Whenever a bank, lender, or partner asks for proof the entity exists, the approved filing is one search away, grouped with your EIN letter and other formation records.

FAQ

Articles of Organization (LLC Formation): common questions

What are Articles of Organization?: Articles of Organization is the document filed with the state to legally form an LLC. It names the company, its registered agent and address, the members or organizer, and the management structure. Once the state approves it, the LLC exists as a separate legal entity. Some states call the equivalent document a Certificate of Formation or Certificate of Organization.
Can I file the Articles of Organization myself?: Yes. You're not required to use an attorney or a formation service. You can prepare and file the Articles of Organization yourself directly with your state's secretary of state, usually online. Just confirm your intended state's specific requirements first, since the form, fee, and required details vary from state to state.
How much does it cost to file Articles of Organization?: It depends on the state. Filing fees generally range from about $35 to $520, with a 2026 average around $132 across all 50 states. Most states also charge a recurring annual or biennial fee to keep the LLC in good standing. Check your secretary of state's site for the current amount.
What's the difference between Articles of Organization and an operating agreement?: Articles of Organization create the LLC with the state. They're a public filing that establishes the entity. An operating agreement is an internal document among the members governing ownership, profit splits, and management. The state requires the Articles to form the LLC; the operating agreement is usually optional but strongly recommended, and stays private.
Do I need Articles of Organization to open a business bank account?: Yes, typically. Banks ask for the state-approved Articles of Organization (or Certificate of Formation) as proof the LLC legally exists, often alongside your EIN and operating agreement. It's also commonly required to apply for financing, sign major contracts, and obtain business licenses, which is why it's a document you'll reach for repeatedly.
How long should I keep Articles of Organization?: Permanently. They're the founding proof your LLC exists, and you'll be asked for them throughout the life of the business: banking, financing, contracts, and eventual dissolution. As a core formation record, there's no safe point to discard them; keep them as long as the LLC exists.

Sources

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