California Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) — Filing Guide

The Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) is the official document that creates your LLC under California law. Filing with the California Secretary of State is the legal act of formation. The fee is $70 — one of the lowest formation fees in the country. However, remember that the $800 annual franchise tax begins in year two.

What Form LLC-1 Includes

California's Articles of Organization is a simple one-page form with minimal requirements:

Required fields :

1. LLC Name — must include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C." and be distinguishable from existing CA entities
2. Agent for Service of Process — name and California street address of an individual resident or registered corporation
3. Management Structure — check one box:

• One manager
• More than one manager
• One member
• More than one member

4. Purpose — the form includes a pre-printed general purpose statement; you can add specific purposes if desired

That is it. California's formation document is remarkably brief compared to states like Texas (which requires governing authority names, duration, etc.).

What is NOT required on Form LLC-1:

• Member or manager names (provided on Statement of Information instead)
• LLC's address (provided on Statement of Information)
• Duration (all CA LLCs are perpetual by default)
• Detailed purpose statement

How to File

Online via bizfileOnline (recommended):

1. Go to https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/
2. Create an account or log in
3. Select "LLC" under "File a New Business Entity"
4. Complete Form LLC-1 online
5. Pay $70 fee by credit card
6. Submit — typically processed in 3-5 business days
7. Download your filed Articles immediately upon approval

By mail:

• Download Form LLC-1 from https://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities/forms
• Complete and sign
• Mail with $70 check to: Secretary of State, Document Filing Support Unit, P.O. Box 944228, Sacramento, CA 94244-2280
• Processing: 5-10 business days

In person (Sacramento or Los Angeles):

• Sacramento: 1500 11th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
• Los Angeles: 300 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013
• Walk-in processing available (same day or next day)
• Additional $15 counter fee applies

After Filing — Statement of Information (Required)

Critical: Within 90 days of filing your Articles, you MUST file a Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) with the SOS. Fee: $20. This provides member/manager names, address, and agent information that the Articles do not include. Failure to file results in penalties and potential suspension.

Cost

FAQ

Is the $70 fee refundable if rejected?

The SOS does not refund filing fees for rejected filings. Common rejection reasons: name conflict, improper agent designation, or missing information. Search bizfileOnline thoroughly before filing.

Can I amend my Articles after filing?

Yes. File a Certificate of Amendment (Form LLC-2) with the SOS. Fee: $30. You can change the LLC name, management structure, or agent.

Do I need to list members on the Articles?

No. California's LLC-1 does not require member/manager names. That information goes on the Statement of Information (LLC-12) filed within 90 days. However, the SOI is public record, so names will eventually be available.