California Articles of Organization

Articles of organization form your California LLC.

Preparing and filing your articles of organization is the first step in starting your limited liability company (LLC). Approval of this document secures your business name and creates the legal entity of the LLC. Only after this approval can you obtain a Federal Tax ID (EIN), open a bank account, sign contracts, and otherwise conduct business.

Benefits

Incorporating provides many important benefits:

  • Limits the liability of the members (owners) and managers
  • Fulfills statutory requirements to register your business name
  • Adds credibility

Fast Facts

Agency:California Secretary of State - Business Programs Division
Form:

Form LLC-1: Articles of Organization of a Limited Liability Company

Instructions:

Filing Tips

Filing Method:

Mail, in-person, or online.

Agency Fee:

$70

Turnaround:

Current state processing times or pay for preclearance and expedite services

Law:

California Corporations Code §§ 17702.01 - 17702.10

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