MyBizNerd Guide

How to Open an LLC (The Smart, Simple Way)

Starting an LLC doesn’t need to be confusing or expensive. This guide walks you through the real steps — from filing forms to avoiding unnecessary fees — all in plain English. We’ll even link you directly to your state’s official portal.

MyBizNerd Take: Skip the $300 “done-for-you” services. Filing directly through your state often costs under $100 and takes less than 15 minutes. You’ll save money, keep full control, and actually learn how your business works.

Tips & Takes 💡

Fastest approvals: Wyoming, Delaware, and Colorado often process filings same-day online.
Privacy bonus: New Mexico and Wyoming allow anonymous ownership filings.
Registered agent tip: You can be your own agent if you have a physical U.S. address.
Banking shortcut: Most business accounts just need your LLC certificate + EIN — no fancy extras.

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Alabama

Alabama SOS – LLC / Business Entities

Check name availability.
File Certificate of Formation with the Alabama SOS.
Appoint a registered agent (must have physical address in AL).
Draft Operating Agreement.
Obtain EIN from IRS.
File annual reports / renewals.

Alaska

Alaska Dept. of Commerce – Corporations & Business Licensing

(Optional) Reserve name.
File Articles of Organization with Alaska Division of Corporations.
Appoint statutory agent.
Draft Operating Agreement.
Obtain EIN.
File biennial report every 2 years.

Arizona

Arizona Corporation Commission – Business Entities

Check name availability.
File Articles of Organization with AZCC.
Designate statutory agent.
Draft Operating Agreement.
Get EIN.
File periodic reports / renewals.

Arkansas

Arkansas SOS – Business & Commercial Services

Check name availability.
File Articles of Organization via SOS.
Appoint registered agent.
Draft Operating Agreement.
Get EIN.
Submit yearly report / renewal.

California

California SOS – Business Entities / LLC Filings

Check name availability via business search.
File Articles of Organization (LLC-1) via bizfileOnline or by mail.
Designate registered agent.
Draft Operating Agreement.
Obtain EIN.
File Statement of Information (LLC-12) within 90 days, then every 2 years.

Colorado

Colorado SOS – LLC / Business Info

Check name availability.
File Articles of Organization online via Colorado SOS.
Select registered agent.
Draft Operating Agreement.
Obtain EIN.
File periodic reports / renewal.

Connecticut

Connecticut DRS – Business Structures

Check name availability.
File Certificate of Organization via CT Secretary or portal.
Appoint statutory agent.
Draft Operating Agreement.
Obtain EIN.
File annual reports / renewals.

Delaware

Delaware Division of Corporations – LLC

Search name availability.
File Certificate of Formation with Delaware.
Appoint registered agent in DE.
Draft Operating Agreement.
Obtain EIN.
Pay franchise tax / file annual reports.

Florida

Florida Sunbiz – LLC Formation

Check name availability on Sunbiz.
File Articles of Organization online.
Select registered agent in Florida.
Draft Operating Agreement.
Obtain EIN.
File annual report / renewal.

Georgia

Georgia State – Register an LLC

Check name availability.
Register LLC (online / mail).
Designate registered agent.
Draft Operating Agreement.
Obtain EIN.
File annual registration / renewal.

Hawaii

Hawaii DCCA – Business Registration

Check name availability.
File Articles of Organization with Hawaii DCCA.
Appoint registered agent.
Draft Operating Agreement.
Obtain EIN.
File annual reports / renewals.

Idaho

Idaho SOS – Business Entities

Check name availability.
File Certificate of Organization.
Designate registered agent.
Draft Operating Agreement.
Obtain EIN.
File annual reports / renewal.

Illinois

Illinois SOS – Business & Incorporation / LLC

Check name availability.
File Articles of Organization online. (Illinois incorporates / LLC via Business Services)
Designate registered agent.
Draft Operating Agreement.
Obtain EIN.
File periodic reports / renewal.