California Limited Liability Company Articles of Organization

Last Updated on January 16, 2023.

About this Form

An articles of organization form is the document that one must complete and submit to the state to establish the creation of an LLC. It sets forth the name of the proposed company, the registered agent for service of process, and the address of the place of business, among other information. The purchased version of this form is guaranteed compliant with the laws of the State of California. It comes complete with instructions and filing information for creating an LLC within the state.

Online Filing Availability

California accepts the filing of articles of organization forms online via the California Secretary of State's online system for e-file documents.

Name Availability & Requirements

One may determine the availability of a proposed business name by querying the state's official Business Search tool.

The requirements for naming an LLC within the state are set forth in California Corporations Code 17701.08. The name of the LLC must include “limited liability company,” “L.L.C.” or “LLC.” “Limited” may be abbreviated as “Ltd.,” and “company” may be abbreviated as “Co.” The name shall not include the words “bank,” “trust,” “trustee,” “incorporated,” “inc.,” “corporation,” or “corp.” and shall not include the words “insurer” or “insurance company” or any other words suggesting that it is in the business of issuing policies of insurance and assuming insurance risks.

Required Fees

California imposes a processing fee of $70 when filing of articles of organization, but the state is waiving this fee until June 30, 2023. An additional fee of $15.00 is assessed if one presents the filing in person at the state's office in Sacramento. Every LLC conducting business or organized in California must pay an annual tax of $800 to the state's Franchise Tax Board.

Statutory Authority & Requirements

The statutory authority for an LLC within the state is the California Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act.

The requirements for the formation of an LLC are set forth in California Corporations Code 17702.01. The text of the statute is as follows:

ARTICLE 2. Formation: Articles of Organization and Other Filings [17702.01]

(a) One or more persons may act as organizers to form a limited liability company by signing and delivering to the Secretary of State for filing articles of organization on a form prescribed by the Secretary of State.
(b) The articles of organization shall state all of the following:
(1) A statement that the purpose of the limited liability company is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a limited liability company may be organized under this title.
(2) The name of the limited liability company, which shall comply with Section 17701.08.
(3) The street address of the initial designated office and the mailing address of the limited liability company if different from the street address of the initial designated office.
(4) The name and street address of the initial agent for service of process of the limited liability company who meets the qualifications specified in subdivision (c) of Section 17701.13. If a corporate agent is designated, only the name of the agent shall be set forth.
(5) If the limited liability company is to be manager-managed, the articles of organization shall contain a statement to that effect.
(6) If the limited liability company is to be managed by only one manager, the articles of organization shall contain a statement to that effect.
(c) Subject to subdivision (c) of Section 17701.12, articles of organization may also contain any other provision not inconsistent with law other than those provisions required by subdivision (b).
(d) A limited liability company is formed when the Secretary of State has filed the articles of organization.