LLC Articles of Organization

Articles of Organization form a limited liability company, or LLC.

Articles of Incorporation form a corporation.

LLCs and corporations are different business entities with some commonalities and several major points of difference. If you’re wondering which is right for your business, check out our Incorporation Guide.

Yes, although different states may call this document different names. It may be called a Certificate of Formation or Certificate of Organization.

The Articles of Organization are filed with the Secretary of State to form an LLC. An LLC’s operating agreement is an internal document describing the specifics of how the company actually operates.

A sole proprietor doesn’t need to file LLC Articles of Organization unless they want to form an LLC. A sole proprietor is just someone who sells something without filing paperwork with the state to form an entity. Forming an LLC is a smart move for sole proprietors looking for asset protection and increased credibility. Read more about how to decide between an LLC vs a sole proprietorship.

Once your LLC is formed, you should receive documentation from the state confirming your registration and noting the effective filing date. After that, checking the state’s business entity search should turn up a result for your company with its current status. If you need formal proof, you can typically request a Certificate of Existence or similar document from the office of the Secretary of State or equivalent agency.

To prove you own an LLC, you’ll need proof of the LLC’s existence and proof of your relationship to it. A copy of your membership certificate, your formation documents that name you as a member, and/or a copy of the operating agreement naming you as an owner should suffice.