Ohio LLC Articles of Organization – How to Register?


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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If you are forming an Ohio LLC, then this page’s content would be vital. As you learn how to start an LLC, you will realize that the bulk of your initial work and LLC cost comprises filing Ohio articles of organization, which we will elaborate on this page.

What is an Article of Organization?

Articles of Organization, also known as an LLC certificate or Certificate of Formation in some states, is a document filed with the secretary of state to form an LLC.

Each state has a different requirement to fill out a form. An Article of Organization usually includes the following:

  • The name of the LLC,
  • the effective date of the LLC,
  • the company’s principal office,
  • the business purpose,
  • the duration of the business,
  • a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate, and
  • the name and address of the registered agent, organizers, and
  • at least one member of the company.

You can file an Article of Organization online, by mail, or in person.

Note that the certification of formation is a legal requirement, not to mention, the core of your LLC formation. It even makes up the bulk of your Ohio LLC cost. Without it, you have no LLC. So, take the time to complete and file this certificate.

How to File Ohio Articles of Organization

These are the simple steps to follow in filing an Article of Organization in Ohio.

Step 1: Find Forms Online

Go to the Ohio Secretary of State to download the Articles of Organization form for your LLC or to log into the online service.

Step 2: Fill Out Form

When filling out the form, you must have reserved an LLC name. Do a name search. Go to Ohio LLC Name Search to check whether your chosen business name is available to use in this state.

You must attach a copy of your Name Reservation to your filled-out Articles of Organization form when filing. You also need to nominate a registered agent. Here are 3 of the best LLC services on our list.

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Step 3: File Formation Certificates

File your formation certificate either online or by mail by filling out a form and sending it to P.O. Box 670 Columbus, OH 43216 for a regular filing or P.O. Box 1390 Columbus, OH 43216 with the additional fee for an expedited filing.

Steps to Register Article of Organization Online

Time needed: 5 minutes

To establish your business LLC in Ohio, the preliminary requirement is to file for the Articles of Organization of your business LLC with the Secretary of State office. The State offers both, offline and online methods of filing. When processed through an online application, you get the benefit of immediate processing as well. The filing fee for the Ohio LLC Articles of Organization is $99. The formation guide below will assist you in filing the Articles of Organization.

  1. Visit the official website of the Secretary of State of Ohio

    The Official website of the Secretary of State of Ohio hosts an online Business Filings portal that provides a convenient platform to access different online business services offered by the State. On the page, click on the tab ‘Submit a Business Filing’.ohio-certificate-of-formation

  2. Log in or Create your Account

    The login page opens up. If you already have an account on the portal, proceed to log in by filling in your username, password, and e-signature, and press the ‘Click here to log in’ tab. If you do not have an account, select the ‘Click here to Create Profile’ tab.ohio-certificate-of-formation

  3. Fill in the required account details

    On the next page, fill in the blank spaces with the required information, such as User name, password, first name, last name, street address, and contact details. Next, click on the ‘continue’ tab. Follow the instructions on the next page and confirm your account on the portal.

  4. Proceed to file the application

    After creating your account on the page, log in using your username and password. On the User homepage, select the option of “File a New Business or Registered Name”. Next, choose “Limited Liability Company (Ohio)” from the dropdown menu. Next, proceed to fill in the application form as per the instructions and State guidelines.

  5. Review your application

    Before you proceed to the payment gateway page, review all the information entered by you in the Ohio LLC Articles of Organization Application form. All the information entered by you should be correct and accurate.

  6. Make the payment

    After checking your application form, proceed to make the online payment of $99 as the filing fee for your Ohio LLC Articles of Organization Application form. After successfully submitting your application form, you will receive a notification from the State office confirming your submission of the application.

Ohio Articles of Organization Filing By Mail

Though online filing is considered as the easier method of application, you can still file your Articles of Organization application via mail. Follow the instructions below to file the Articles of Organization in Ohio

  • Download the Application form PDF on your system.
  • Read all the instructions mentioned in the form carefully and proceed to fill in the details in the form. The form must necessarily be typed and then printed out.
  • Attach the name reservation certificate with the application form.
  • Review all the information entered by you in the form to be correct and accurate to your knowledge.
  • Issue a check or money order of $99.00 as the filing fee of your application, payable to the Ohio Secretary of State. Expedited processing costs an additional $100.00.
  • Arrange all the documents together along with the cover letter and mail it to the following address, P.O. Box 670 Columbus, OH 43216. In case you have applied for expedited processing of your application, then send the documents to the following address: P.O. Box 1390 Columbus, OH 43216.

Cost of Filing Articles of Organization in Ohio

Though the online mode of filing is preferred over offline filing methods, the cost of registering an LLC in the State of Ohio is the same for online as well as offline methods of filing. Here is the cost of filing formation articles in Ohio

  • Online filing costs $99.00
  • By mail filing costs $99.00

F.A.Qs

What is an Article of Organization?

An Article of Organization is a legal document that will officially make your LLC into existence. This document is needed specifically for Ohio in forming an LLC business structure.

What information does an Article of Organization application need?

The application form for the Articles of Organization needs to include the LLC name, date of establishment, the company’s registered office, business purpose, how long the business will exist, and a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate.

What is the recommended method of filing an Article of Organization, online or by mail?

Filing by mail or in person is neither highly recommended nor required; waiting an extra week for your LLC to be approved isn’t that bad. The LLC approval you send in will be returned by mail. Online filing, meanwhile, is more convenient as you won’t have to stay in a queue.

Where Can You Find Your Ohio LLC Articles of Organization

Articles of Organization for Ohio LLC can be accessed through the Ohio Secretary of State website. You can also download the PDF from the same website.

But where exactly can you find your Ohio LLC Articles of Organization? Well, the process is actually simple and straightforward.

The first thing you’ll need to do is visit the Ohio Secretary of State’s website. There, you’ll be able to access all the necessary forms and information you need to file your Articles of Organization. The website provides detailed instructions, making it easy for even first-time business owners to navigate the process.

Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the requirements, you can either submit your Articles of Organization online or by mail. If you choose to file online, you’ll need to create an account on the Ohio Secretary of State’s website and follow the prompts to complete and submit your forms electronically. This option is convenient and allows you to receive confirmation of your filing immediately.

If you prefer to file by mail, you can download the necessary forms from the Ohio Secretary of State’s website, fill them out, and mail them to the appropriate address. Be sure to include a check or money order to cover the filing fee, as well as a self-addressed stamped envelope if you’d like to receive a copy of your stamped documents for your records.

Regardless of whether you file online or by mail, it’s important to double-check all the information you provide on your Articles of Organization. Mistakes or inaccuracies can cause delays in the processing of your LLC formation, so it’s crucial to review your documents carefully before submitting them.

Once your Articles of Organization have been successfully filed and processed by the Ohio Secretary of State, you’ll receive a stamped and approved copy of the document. This officially establishes your LLC as a legal entity in the state of Ohio and allows you to begin conducting business under its name.

It’s important to keep your stamped Articles of Organization in a safe place, as you may need them to open a business bank account, apply for a business license, or enter into contracts on behalf of your LLC. Additionally, make sure to keep copies of all important business documents organized and easily accessible for future reference.

In conclusion, the process of filing your Ohio LLC Articles of Organization is a simple and straightforward one. By visiting the Ohio Secretary of State’s website, carefully following the instructions, and double-checking your information, you can establish your LLC as a legal entity and start your business on the right foot. By staying organized and keeping all important documents in order, you’ll set yourself up for success as a business owner in the state of Ohio.

In Conclusion

Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation is the most important document for your Ohio LLC. Before you submit/file the document make sure to provide proper and correct information about your company. If you have any questions, share that below in the comment section.

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