What are Articles of Organization?

Articles of Organization are the formation document used to establish a limited liability company (LLC) and record its essential details — its name, purpose, registered address and members. It performs the same founding role for an LLC that Articles of Incorporation perform for a company limited by shares.

When you need this document

Use Articles of Organization when you are forming an LLC-style entity and want a clear written record of how the business is set up before you open bank accounts, raise money or bring in partners.

What it should include

  • The name and principal office address of the company.
  • The company's purpose or main line of business.
  • The members (owners) and, where relevant, managers.
  • How long the company is intended to last (usually perpetual).

Create it in minutes

Complete a short form and download your Articles of Organization as Word and PDF. Pair it with an LLC Operating Agreement to set out how the business is run day to day.

FAQ

Articles of Organization vs Operating Agreement — what's the difference?

The Articles create the company; the Operating Agreement governs the internal relationship between the members. You typically need both.