Articles of Organization is the document you file with the Alabama Secretary of State to officially create your LLC. The filing fee is $200. File online at sos.alabama.gov for 3–5 business day processing, or by mail for 2–3 weeks. This is the most important step in forming your Alabama LLC.
What are Articles of Organization?
Articles of Organization is the official formation document for an LLC. Filing it with the Alabama Secretary of State is what legally creates your LLC. Before filing, your LLC does not legally exist — you're just a person with a business idea. After filing and approval, you have a legal entity with its own rights and protections.
What to include in Alabama Articles of Organization
Alabama's Articles of Organization form requires:
- LLC name — must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" and be unique in Alabama
- Registered agent — name and physical Alabama address
- Principal office address — where the LLC's main office is located
- Management structure — member-managed or manager-managed
- Member/manager information — names and addresses
- Organizer signature — the person filing the articles
How to file
Online: File at sos.alabama.gov — fastest option, 3–5 business days. You'll create an account, complete the online form, and pay the $200 fee by credit card.
By mail: Download Form LLC-1 from the Alabama Secretary of State website, complete it, and mail with a $200 check to: Alabama Secretary of State, Business Services, P.O. Box 5616, Montgomery, AL 36103. Allow 2–3 weeks for processing.
Common mistakes: Name not including "LLC" — name already taken — P.O. box listed as registered agent address — incomplete member information. Double-check everything before submitting. Errors cause rejections and delays.