Are you considering starting a business in Ohio? Before you can get started, you’ll need to make sure that your paperwork is in order. If starting an LLC is in your future, you will need to file the Articles of Organization.
If you want to learn how to file an Ohio LLC yourself, follow along!
Featured LLC Formation Services
Best for beginners
Pricing: $0 + State Fees
Best overall pricing
Pricing: $0 + State Fees
Best privacy protection
Pricing: $39 + State Fees
Steps to Fill Out The Ohio LLC Articles of Organization
The Ohio LLC Articles of Organization is the official document filed with the Ohio Secretary of State to form an Ohio LLC. After the state approves the filing, the business can officially begin operating and register for the necessary business licenses and permits.
To file the Ohio Articles of Organization, you will need to submit the completed Form 610 Articles of Organization for a Domestic Limited Liability Company to the Ohio Secretary of State. The form can be completed and sent by mail or filed online.
To get started, visit the Ohio Secretary of State’s website to download the form or create an account and file online.
After registering, select “Business Filings” and then choose “File a New Business or Register a Name.”
Then, to follow along with this example, choose a Limited Liability Company, which is the most common type of LLC. 
Then, choose your desired processing time. Normal processing for online filings is 3-4 business days. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee if you need them filed faster.
Step 1: Pick a Name for the LLC
The first step in filling out the Ohio Operating Agreement is to pick a business name.
There are some requirements when choosing an Ohio LLC name.
1. The name of your LLC must not be too similar to the name of another business entity already registered with the state of Ohio. If you aren’t ready to file yet, you can verify name availability by doing an Ohio LLC name search in the search box to be sure the LLC name is available.
2. The name of the LLC must include one of the following entity identifiers at the end of the business name:
– Limited Liability Company
– Limited
– LLC
– L.L.C.
– ltd.
– ltd
3. The use of punctuation, contractions, or abbreviations won’t make a name different.
4. Words with profanity or generally considered a slur are not allowed.
See the full list of Ohio entity naming requirements.
To continue, enter the LLC name, including the identifier. If you choose a name that is taken, the Secretary of State will return your application.
Step 2: Choose an Effective Date & Time
The effective date section is optional and provides a choice to delay the start date of the LLC for up to 90 days in the future.
Some will delay the effective date of the LLC if they aren’t ready to start the business but want the filing out of the way or if they are close to the end of a calendar year.
By default, the effective date is the day the Secretary of State files the formation paperwork. Otherwise, enter a different start date and time.
Step 3: Enter the Purpose of the LLC
In this section, you can enter some basic information about the LLC’s activities, but you are not required to.
If any information is provided, it is generally recommended that this statement be somewhat generic so that the Articles of Organization wouldn’t need to be amended should the business change.
Step 4: Appoint a Statutory Agent
One requirement for having an LLC in Ohio is to appoint an Ohio statutory agent (called a registered agent in many states). The registered agent is a party located in Ohio that will receive important notices and service of process (which means accepting papers that start a lawsuit) on behalf of the LLC. The registered office’s address must be a physical street address, as a PO Box isn’t allowed.
Provided the LLC member lives in the state of Ohio, they can be the statutory agent; otherwise, the agent can be an adult resident of the state or statutory agent service.
It is important to have the agent certify they agree to act as the statutory agent for the LLC before filing.
Related: Should you be the statutory agent?
Step 5: Upload Attachments
If you wish to include additional items regarding the formation of the LLC (not common), attach them to this section.
Step 6: Sign the Articles of Organization
At least one person (typically a member or organizer) will review the Articles of Organization and sign the document.
Step 7: Pay and Submit the Articles of Organization
If everything checks out, proceed to checkout, where you will enter the filing fee and submit the Articles of Organization to the Ohio Secretary of State!
- ZenBusiness – Easiest for beginners (starting at $0 plus state fees)
- Bizee – Best prices for additional business services (starting at $0 plus state fees)
- Northwest – Best privacy protection ($39 plus state fees)
Ohio LLC FAQs
How much does an Ohio LLC cost?
The cost to file the Articles of Organization and create a new Ohio LLC is $99.
Do you have to pay yearly for an LLC in Ohio?
Unlike most states, there is no annual report to file, and the annual state fee is $0.
How long does it take to form an Ohio LLC?
It usually takes the state 3-4 business days to process the Articles of Organization when filing online or 2-3 weeks when filing by mail.
Expedited processing is available for an additional filing fee.
Is an operating agreement required in Ohio?
Ohio Revised Code, Section § 1705.081 states that an LLC operating agreement is optional. Although it isn’t required, it is recommended that most LLCs have one, as it can help prevent disputes among members and better protect the LLC’s legal status.
What is a Series LLC?
A traditional LLC is the most common form of LLC; however, some states allow the creation of a Series LLC. A series LLC is comprised of a parent LLC with one or more individual series within the umbrella of the LLC. The individual series are protected from liabilities and losses suffered by the other individual series and the holding company.
Read more: What is a Series LLC?
