Last updated July 21, 2021

LLC Filing Forms (Articles of Organization) by State

Note: If you’re still learning about what an LLC is and the benefits, please refer to these articles: what is an LLC and LLC asset protection.

Below is a list of the documents to form an LLC in all 50 states. The most common name is Articles of Organization, but the forms are also known as Certificate of Formation and Certificate of Organization.

Once approved by the state, these documents are what “officially” forms your LLC and allows you to conduct business.

You’ll notice there is an additional column in the table for secondary forms. Some states require you to file two forms to form your LLC.

Take Georgia for example; they require you to file an Articles of Organization as well as a Transmittal Form.

Or Louisiana, which requires 3 forms; Articles of Organization, Transmittal Information, and Initial Report.

Submitting your LLC Formation Documents to the state is not the only step needed to create your LLC. There are more steps and legal requirements in each state, that if not met, can result in the state shutting down your LLC.

Please refer to our 50 State LLC Guides for more details and step-by-step instructions for each state.

Or if you want to save time, you can have a professional LLC service file for you: Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee)

“What’s the best state to form an LLC?”

In order to avoid having to register a Foreign LLC and pay 2 state filing fees, it’s best to form your LLC where you are doing business, which is most likely your home state.

If you are forming an LLC for real estate investing, it’s best to setup your LLC in the state where your property is located.

Please don’t be mislead by the hype. If you don’t live in these states (Delaware, Wyoming, Nevada), don’t form your LLC there. We have a full video you can watch on this here: best state to form an LLC.

LLC Filing Documents for all 50 States

Here are the LLC forms for each state:

Important: Although you will see the same name of forms repeat themselves, remember that each state has their own version and will not accept another state’s form.

​The LLC filing fee is a one-time payment which is made to the state in order to create your LLC. This payment is usually made to the Secretary of State’s Office, but is not always the case, depending on what state you’re forming your LLC in.

LLC filing forms & fees (as of 2020):

LLC Annual Fees for all 50 States

For LLC annual fees, please see here: LLC annual fees by state.

Matt Horwitz

Founder & Educator, LLC University®

Forming an LLC shouldn't be so complicated. Our step-by-step guide will make the process a breeze – and no complex legal jargon! LLC University® teaches people how to form an LLC for free in all 50 states. We hope you find our free guides and resources helpful in your business journey.