A Certificate of Organization is a crucial legal document required to establish a Limited Liability Company (LLC). However, its purpose varies depending on the state in which you are forming your LLC:
- Proof of Formation (Most States): In most states, the Certificate of Organization is issued by the Secretary of State as proof that your LLC has been legally registered and recognized as a business entity. To obtain this, you typically file an Articles of Organization (or Certificate of Formation), and once approved, the state provides you with a Certificate of Organization as confirmation.
- Filing Document (Some States): In certain states, the Certificate of Organization itself is the primary document you need to submit to the Secretary of State’s office to legally form your LLC. Once approved, the state returns a stamped or certified copy of this document as official proof of registration.
📌 Tip: No need to worry about figuring out the correct form for your state! We offer free step-by-step guidance for LLC formation in all 50 states. Just select your state guide, and we’ll walk you through the entire process.
How to Obtain a Certificate of Organization
To get a Certificate of Organization for your LLC, follow these simple steps:
✅ Download the Form: You can find your state’s official Certificate of Organization by selecting your state guide on our website, where we provide detailed filing instructions.
✅ Visit the Secretary of State’s Website: Alternatively, you can visit your state’s Secretary of State website to locate and download the required form. However, using our guide will save you time and ensure accuracy.
✅ Submit the Filing: Once you complete the form, submit it online or via mail to the Secretary of State along with the required filing fee.
Who Can File a Certificate of Organization?
Anyone can file the Certificate of Organization on behalf of an LLC, including:
👤 The LLC owner (you)
👥 Another LLC member
📜 An authorized representative (e.g., an attorney or document filing service)
Choosing a professional service can help ensure the filing is done correctly and efficiently, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process.
Certificate of Organization vs. Articles of Organization
Both documents serve the same purpose—registering your LLC with the state. However, different states use different names for the LLC formation document:
📌 Some states call it a Certificate of Organization
📌 Others refer to it as an Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation
Regardless of the name, the document is essential for legally establishing your LLC. Always check with your state’s regulations to ensure you use the correct terminology when filing.
Final Thoughts
A Certificate of Organization is an essential step in forming an LLC. Whether it serves as proof of formation or the official filing document depends on your state. By following the correct process, you can legally establish your LLC and start your business with confidence.