In this example, we are starting a new LLC in Georgia. To continue with this choice, first select, “I am creating a new domestic business” and then in the dropdown, choose Domestic Limited Liability Company.

There is another LLC to choose from, which is the Foreign Limited Liability Company. A foreign LLC is an out-of-state LLC that wants to operate physically in the state of Georgia.

The next step in forming a Georgia Limited Liability Company is to make sure the name you want is available, as each LLC name has to be different from other registered entity names in the state of Georgia. 

You are asked if you have a Business Name Reservation Number. You would only have this if you reserved a name. This is optional, but for an additional fee, you can reserve a business name.

If you haven’t verified already, be sure to do a Georgia LLC name search with the Secretary of State to be sure the LLC name you want is available.

An LLC name is required to include an entity designator at the end of the business name. The allowed designators in Georgia include:
– Limited Liability Company
– Limited Liability Co.
– Ltd. Liability Company
– Ltd. Liability Co.
– Limited Company
– Limited Co.
– Ltd. Company
– Ltd. Co.
– LLC
– L.L.C.
– L.C.
– LC

You can choose a 2nd and 3rd choice name as a backup, but I would recommend doing the name search so you are certain the name you want is available.

While this isn’t common, there are some restrictions from using names that include words such as insurance, assurance, surety, fidelity, indemnity, bank, banker, banking, credit union, trust, college, university, etc. If you plan to use one of those words in the name of your LLC, you will need to get approval from the agency that regulates those industries.

Next, you will enter information about what your business will do by including your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code. This code is used by the federal government to classify the different industries in which a business operates.

The dropdown will list the many types of industries. If the specific activity of your business isn’t listed, choose the closest activity. Also, if your business will operate over multiple industries, pick the primary one.

Related: What is my NAICS code?

In step 4, you will enter the physical address of the business.

This may be, but is not required to be, the actual place of the business to the physical street address, or the main location where the business records are kept. A physical address in the State must be used, as P.O. Boxes are not acceptable.

In this section, an email address is required.

I would recommend using an email address that you regularly check as the Georgia Secretary of State will send important information regarding the LLC, especially for the reminder to file the Georgia annual report.

Every Georgia LLC must have a registered agent who is responsible for receiving legal documents on behalf of the LLC. The registered agent must either be a Georgia resident or a business with a physical office in the state of Georgia.

You can either appoint an individual such as yourself as the registered agent or appoint someone else, such as a friend or family member, or an entity such as a professional registered agent service.

The main requirement for being a Georgia registered agent is that the agent be available during normal business hours at the physical address listed in the Articles of Organization.

Related: What is a Georgia registered agent?

Next, enter the name and mailing address of the LLC organizer(s) who are forming the entity. This can be an individual, such as an LLC member or attorney, or a business, such as an LLC formation service.

If you wish to include additional items regarding the governance of the LLC (not common), attach them to this section.

In step 9, someone with the authorization to sign on behalf of the LLC (organizer, member, manager, attorney, etc.) will certify that the information provided is accurate.

Then a selection will need to be made regarding the effective date of the LLC. The effective date is the “birthday” of the business entity.

You can choose an effective date other than the date it is filed by the Georgia Secretary of State’s office. The effective date can be up to 90 days after the filing date.

Then the authorized agent of the LLC will sign and date the Articles of Organization.

Last, review the submitted information to ensure it is correct, pay the state filing fee and submit the Articles of Organization to the Secretary of State.