California LLC Articles of Organization (2026)
Learn how to file the California LLC formation document in 2026, what information to prepare, what the filing fee covers, and what to do after approval.
LLC Route Editorial Team
Reviewed against official state and federal resources.
Updated July 27, 2026
Educational guide, not legal or tax advice.
California LLCs are formed by filing Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State, commonly through BizFile Online. The filing fee is $70.
Educational note: This guide is for general informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. Confirm current requirements with the California Secretary of State before filing.
Quick answer
| Item | California LLC |
|---|---|
| Formation document | Articles of Organization |
| Common form | LLC-1 |
| Filing office | California Secretary of State |
| Filing fee | $70 |
| Agent required? | Yes, agent for service of process |
| Operating agreement filed? | No |
| Initial Statement of Information | Due within 90 days |
| EIN included? | No |
Where to file
The Secretary of State directs users to form an LLC through BizFile Online:
Use the business search before filing:
Open California business search
What to prepare
| Field | What to prepare |
|---|---|
| LLC name | Exact legal name with LLC designator |
| Business addresses | Office and mailing details requested |
| Agent for service of process | Individual California resident or registered 1505 corporate agent |
| Management | Member-managed or manager-managed |
| Organizer | Person submitting/signing |
| Payment | Filing fee and any optional expedite |
Filing workflow
- Search the name.
- Choose agent for service of process.
- Decide management structure.
- File Articles of Organization through BizFile Online.
- Save accepted Articles.
- Create and keep operating agreement.
- File initial Statement of Information within 90 days.
- Apply for EIN if needed.
- Pay FTB annual tax when due.
- Register for seller’s permit, payroll, or local licenses if required.
What Articles do not do
Articles do not:
- Create the operating agreement
- File the Statement of Information
- Apply for EIN
- Pay the $800 annual tax
- Register for seller’s permit
- Register for payroll taxes
- Obtain local business licenses
- Clear trademarks
Articles FAQ
How much are California LLC Articles of Organization?
The filing fee is $70.
Is LLC-1 the same as operating agreement?
No. LLC-1 forms the LLC with the state. The operating agreement is kept internally.
Is the Statement of Information included?
No. The initial Statement of Information is a separate filing due within 90 days.
Does filing Articles get me an EIN?
No. EIN is obtained separately from the IRS.
Official resources
- California Secretary of State business entities
- Starting a business: California LLC
- California LLC filing fees statute
- California Statement of Information filing tips
Related California LLC topics
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