File an LLC with Secretary of State

To form a Texas LLC, file a Certificate of Formation, generally Form 205, with the Texas Secretary of State. The filing identifies the LLC name, registered agent and registered office, governing authority, organizer, and required supplemental details. You can file online through SOSDirect, by mail, or through other accepted submission methods. After approval, obtain an EIN and review Texas franchise-tax and annual-report obligations.

To form a New York LLC, file Articles of Organization with the New York Department of State and designate the Secretary of State as agent for service of process. New York generally requires LLCs to complete a publication requirement within 120 days of formation, followed by filing a Certificate of Publication. An operating agreement must also be adopted, and the LLC should obtain an EIN and assess tax registrations.

Form a Florida LLC by filing Articles of Organization with the Florida Division of Corporations through Sunbiz. The filing includes the LLC name, principal office and mailing addresses, registered agent information, and member or manager details. Once accepted, obtain an EIN, create an operating agreement, and determine whether business-tax registrations or professional licenses apply. Florida LLCs must also file an annual report to remain active.

Most states require Articles of Organization or an equivalent formation document, an available business name, registered-agent details, a business address, and organizer information. Some states request member or manager information, a business purpose, or additional state-specific disclosures. An operating agreement is usually not filed with the state, but it is strongly recommended to document ownership, management authority, voting, and profit-sharing arrangements.

Approval time depends on the state, filing channel, current processing volume, and whether expedited service is available. Online filings may be processed quickly in some jurisdictions, while mailed submissions can take longer. A filing is not complete until the state accepts it and issues confirmation. Preparing accurate documents, confirming name availability, and supplying complete registered-agent information can help avoid delays caused by rejection or correction requests.

Yes. Every LLC must maintain a registered agent in its formation state. The agent must have a physical street address there and be available during normal business hours to receive official notices, service of process, and state correspondence. An owner may serve as registered agent if eligible, but many businesses use a professional service for privacy, reliability, and administrative continuity when addresses or personnel change.

For many small businesses, forming in the state where the company is physically operating is the simplest approach. Forming in another state may require a second registration as a foreign LLC where business is actually conducted, adding fees and ongoing filings. Delaware, Wyoming, and Nevada may suit certain ownership or investment situations, but state selection should be based on operations, tax exposure, licensing, and governance needs—not marketing claims alone.

After approval, obtain an EIN from the IRS, adopt an operating agreement, open a separate business bank account, and establish bookkeeping procedures. Review federal, state, and local tax registrations, employment obligations, permits, insurance, and beneficial-ownership reporting requirements that may apply. Keep the LLC in good standing by tracking annual reports, franchise taxes, registered-agent updates, and any changes to ownership, management, or business address.