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To start an LLC in Oklahoma, file Articles of Organization with the Oklahoma Secretary of State. This costs $100 and takes 3 days for approval.
There are 5 steps to follow:
- Choose an LLC Name
- Select a Registered Agent
- File Articles of Organization
- Create an Operating Agreement
- Get an EIN
If you want to form your LLC yourself, follow our free guide below.
If you want someone to take care of it for you, we recommend hiring Northwest Registered Agent
Need to save time? Hire a company to form your LLC:
Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee)
(We recommend Northwest. We've reviewed all the top companies in the industry. And Northwest is our #1 pick for prices, customer support, and address privacy. Check out Northwest vs LegalZoom to learn more.)
It costs $100 to start an LLC. And then it costs $25 per year.
What are these fees for?
- The $100 is to file the Articles of Organization – the document that creates an LLC.
- The $25 per year is for your Annual Certificate – a mandatory filing that keeps your LLC in good standing.
To learn more about LLC Costs, see LLC Costs in Oklahoma.
If you file your LLC by mail, it will be approved in 5-7 business days (plus mail time).
But if you file online, your LLC will be approved in 2-3 business days.
Please see How long does it take to get an LLC in Oklahoma to check for any delays.
Here are the steps to forming an LLC in Oklahoma
1. Search your LLC Name
Search your LLC Name to make sure it’s available in the state.
You need to do this because two businesses in the state can’t have the same name.
First, search your business name and compare it to existing businesses in the state. You can make sure the LLC Name you want is unique from existing businesses using the Business Entities Search page.
Second, familiarize yourself with the state’s naming guidelines (so your LLC gets approved).
We’ll explain both in more detail here: Oklahoma LLC Name.
2. Choose a Registered Agent
The next step is to choose a Registered Agent.
An Oklahoma Registered Agent is a person or company who accepts legal mail and state notices on behalf of your Limited Liability Company.
Who can be an LLC Registered Agent?
You have 3 options for who can be the Registered Agent:
- You
- A friend or family member
- A Registered Agent Service
The Registered Agent for your LLC must have a physical street address in Oklahoma. PO Boxes aren’t allowed.
And the Registered Agent’s name and address will be listed on public records.
If you don’t have an address in Oklahoma, or you want more privacy, you can hire a Registered Agent Service for your LLC.
We recommend Northwest Registered Agent
Our favorite feature about Northwest is they’ll let you use their office address throughout your LLC filing. This way, you can keep your address off public records.
They’ll also scan any mail sent to your LLC and upload it to your online account.
Northwest has excellent customer service, and they’re who we trust to be our own Registered Agent.
Special offer: Hire Northwest to form your LLC ($39 + state fee), and you'll get a free year of Registered Agent service.
(Why is Northwest the best? Read our Northwest Registered Agent review)
3. File LLC Articles of Organization
To start an LLC, you need to file the Oklahoma Articles of Organization with the Oklahoma Secretary of State.
The Oklahoma Articles of Organization costs $100 if you file online.
This is a one-time fee to create your LLC.
If you want to file this yourself, see our step-by-step guide: Oklahoma Articles of Organization.
Or, you can hire a company to do it for you.
Need to save time? Hire a company to form your LLC:
Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee)
(Learn why Northwest is #1 in Northwest vs LegalZoom)
4. Create an Operating Agreement
An Operating Agreement serves as a “companion” document to the Articles of Organization.
The Articles of Organization creates your LLC, and the Operating Agreement shows who owns the LLC.
Additionally, some banks require an Operating Agreement when you open an LLC bank account.
And having an Operating Agreement will be very helpful if you ever end up in court. Reason being, it helps prove that your LLC is being run properly.
That’s why we recommend that all LLCs have an Operating Agreement – including Single-Member LLCs.
Furthermore, an Operating Agreement is an “internal document“. Meaning, you don’t need to file it with the state or the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). Just keep a copy with your business records.
You can download a free template below.
Then, learn how to fill it out by watching our step-by-step Oklahoma Operating Agreement video.
5. Get an EIN for your LLC
The next step is to get an Oklahoma EIN Number from the IRS for your LLC.
Note: An EIN Number is also called a Federal Tax ID Number or Federal Employer Identification Number.
An EIN Number is used to:
- identify your LLC for tax purposes
- open a business bank account
- apply for business licenses and permits
Getting an EIN Number from the IRS is completely free.
If you apply online, it takes 15 minutes.
If you apply by mail or fax, it can take 1-3 months.
How can I get an EIN?
US Citizens/US Residents: If you have an SSN or ITIN, you can apply for an EIN online. Follow these instructions: Apply for an EIN online.
Non-US Residents: You can’t get an EIN online, but you can still get one by fax or by mail. Follow these instructions: How to get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN.
What do I do after my LLC is approved?
After your LLC is approved, there are some additional steps.
You’ll want to open a business bank account for your LLC.
This makes accounting and record-keeping much easier for your business finances.
Having a separate business bank account also maintains your personal liability protection. This is because it keeps your business entity finances separate from your personal finances.
Good news, Oklahoma doesn’t have a state general business license.
However, depending on where your LLC is located, you may need a local business license or permit.
For example, if you want to start a daycare, you may need a business license from the city or county.
You can learn more on our Oklahoma Business License page.
All Oklahoma LLCs must file an Annual Certificate every year.
The Annual Certificate keeps your LLC in good standing with the state.
How much does an Oklahoma LLC Annual Certificate cost?
The Annual Certificate filing fee is $25 per year.
When is the Annual Certificate due?
Your LLC Annual Certificate is due by your LLC’s anniversary date every year.
When is my first Annual Certificate due?
Your first Annual Certificate is due the year after your LLC was approved.
For example, if your LLC was approved on February 15, 2025, your first Annual Certificate is due by February 15, 2026.
How do I file my LLC Annual Certificate?
You can file your LLC’s Annual Certificate online or by mail. We recommend the online filing because it’s easier to complete.
Follow our step-by-step guide here: Oklahoma LLC Annual Certificate.
LLCs don’t pay federal taxes. Instead, the LLC Members pay the taxes for the LLC.
Said another way, the owners pay taxes for the LLC as a part of their personal tax return.
How will my LLC be taxed?
By default, an LLC is taxed by the IRS based on the number of owners your LLC has:
- A Single-Member LLC is taxed like a Sole Proprietorship.
- A Multi-Member LLC is taxed like a Partnership.
Alternatively, you can ask the IRS to tax your LLC like a C-Corporation or S-Corporation.
Besides federal income tax, there are also state and local income taxes – and sales tax. Learn more in Oklahoma LLC Taxes.
How to Start an LLC in Oklahoma FAQs
Yes, you can file your LLC online. The Articles of Organization filing fee is $100.
When you start your LLC online, it will be approved in 2-3 business days.
The first benefit of an LLC is protecting your personal assets. Meaning, if your business is sued, your personal assets – like your home, cars, and bank accounts – are protected.
This protection applies to all LLC owners (called LLC Members). It doesn’t matter if you have a Single-Member LLC or Multi-Member LLC. All of the LLC owners are protected from the business debts and liabilities.
This type of protection wouldn’t apply if you operate as a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership. With these types of informal business structures, the owners aren’t protected in the event of a lawsuit. For that reason, Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) are a much more popular business structure.
Another benefit is LLC pass-through taxation. This means the LLC itself doesn’t pay federal income taxes. Instead, the profits “pass through” to the LLC Members. And the Members pay the taxes on their personal tax return.
And state income taxes are very similar, since the Oklahoma Tax Commission honors the federal tax treatment of your LLC. Meaning, the state will tax your business income the same way at the state level.
To learn more, please see How are LLCs taxed.
Whether Oklahoma is a good state to start an LLC depends on where you live – and where you’re doing business.
Meaning, if you live in or do business in Oklahoma, then you should start your LLC there. While many websites talk about tax rates and advantages of certain states, none of that applies if it’s not the state where you live and do business.
For example, if you form an LLC in Nevada, but live in and conduct business in Oklahoma, you’ll also need to register your Nevada LLC in Oklahoma (and pay extra fees). And you’ll end up paying Oklahoma taxes anyway. This ends up leading to more costs and more headaches with no advantages.
In summary, if you live in and conduct business in Oklahoma, then yes, it is a good state to start a business. If you don’t live in and do business in Oklahoma, then no, it isn’t a good state to start a business.
Real estate exception: If you’re purchasing real estate outside of Oklahoma, you should form your LLC in the state where the property is located.
For more information, please see Best State to Form an LLC.
References
Oklahoma LLC Act
Oklahoma Secretary of State: Filing Fees
Oklahoma Tax Commission: New Business Center
Oklahoma Secretary of State: Business Entity FAQs
Oklahoma Dept. of Commerce: How to Start a Business
Oklahoma Dept. of Commerce: Business Licensing & Operating Requirements
Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.
Hi, When we want to file our Articles of Organization where we should determine the LLC members?
There is no place to mention how many member is the company.
Hi Reihaneh, the LLC Members are not listed in the Articles of Organization. Instead, they are listed in the Operating Agreement. Hope that helps.
What is the best way of shutting down one corporation and starting up another basically just a name change
Hi Gary, I don’t fully understand your question. Can you rephrase it? A Corporation is a different than an LLC (see LLC versus Corporation). I’m going to assume that you’re talking about an LLC and that you want to shut it down and and create a new one. In that case, you’d need to file an Articles of Dissolution with the Oklahoma Secretary of State. You’ll also want to file a final return with the IRS and Oklahoma Tax Commission. Then you’ll simply form a new LLC, get a new EIN, open bank account, etc. If you just want to change the name of an LLC, you’ll need to file an Amended Articles of Organization with the Oklahoma Secretary of State.
Thank you for the superb information provided on your website. On Friday, I read over your easy to understand instructions on how to form an LLC. Following your instructions, I did the LLC name search, completed the Operating Agreement, and chose Northwest as my Registered Agent. On Saturday I filed the Articles of Organization online with the Oklahoma Secretary of State. On Monday I received my Certificate of LLC and then filed for my EIN (tax number). Today is Tuesday and I’m going to the bank with LLC docs in hand to open up my LLC bank account. This is No Gimmick and the instructions provided could not have been easier to follow. I made a small donation in appreciation for the help given and Thank You!
Hey Rick! So great to hear. No gimmicks around here. Just the best guides on how to form an LLC, all for free :) So happy to hear you were able to get everything filed yourself and you’re off to the bank to open the LLC’s bank account. Fantastic! And thank you for your donation. It means a lot! We wish you all the best!!
Hi, I currently reside in Texas and would like to form my LLC in Oklahoma how can I go about doing this? Is it much pain to form my LLC in Oklahoma vs Texas?
Hi Shay, do you reside and do business in Texas, but want to form an LLC in Oklahoma to save money? If so, this will end up costing you more. If you form an LLC in OK, but are doing business in Texas, you’ll be required to register your OK LLC as a Foreign LLC in Texas ($750). You’ll essentially need to maintain 2 LLCs now, and you’ll be required to file Annual Reports in both states. You can find more info here: best state for an LLC.