How to File an Arkansas LLC Certificate of Organization

Step 1: Get Your Certificate of Organization Forms

You can download and mail in your Arkansas Certificate of Organization, OR you can file online. For this first step, choose your preferred method below.

Step 2: Fill Out the Certificate of Organization

In this step, we will help you complete the Arkansas Certificate of Organization form.

You will need to know the following information to complete each section:

1. Entity Name and Address
2. Registered Agent Name and Registered Office Address
3. Governing Authority Type

Entity Name and Address

Having a creative and smart business name is important but not as important as having a legally correct name.

When you choose a name for your business, you have to make sure the name:

• Meets Arkansas naming guidelines. 
• Is not already in use by another business in Arkansas

Follow the Alabama Naming Guidelines:

• Your name must contain the words "Limited Liability Company” or "Limited Company” or the following abbreviations: L.L.C., L.C., LLC, or LC. The word "Limited” may be abbreviated as "Ltd.,” and the word "Company” may be abbreviated as "Co.”
• The name of an LLC that performs a professional service must contain the words "Professional Limited Liability Company" or "Professional Limited Company" or the following abbreviations: P.L.L.C., P.L.C., PLLC, PLC.
• Your name cannot include words that could confuse your LLC with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
• Your name must be distinguishable from any existing business in the state. This includes Arkansas’s reserved names.

Check Name Availability:

Is your name available in Arkansas? Make sure the name you want isn't already taken by doing a name search on the Arkansas Secretary of State website.

To learn more about naming your business, including best practices and creative branding, visit our How to Name a Business in Arkansas guide.

Not sure what to name your business? Check out our Business Name Generator.

Register Your Domain Name:

We recommend checking to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don't plan to make a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.

Step 3: File the Certificate of Organization

To register your LLC, you will need to file the Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of State.

There are two ways to file your Certificate of Organization:

• Complete the form online.
• Submit a hard copy by mail or in person.

Create an Operating Agreement

An Arkansas LLC Operating Agreement is a legal document that outlines the ownership structure and member roles of your LLC.

In Arkansas, you aren't required to have an operating agreement to officially form an LLC, but it's still a good idea to have one. You can start your operating agreement before, during, or after you file your Certificate of Organization.

Your operating agreement will be kept in your LLC's private business records; you do not file it with the state.

Use our free Operating Agreement Tool to draft a customized operating agreement for your LLC.

Get an EIN

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is like a social security number for your LLC. You will need an EIN if you want to hire employees or open business bank accounts.

You can get your EIN for free through the IRS website, via fax, or by mail. If you would like to learn more about EINs and how they can benefit your LLC, read our What is an EIN article.

Open a Business Bank Account

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential to protect your business's corporate veil. When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your LLC is sued.

For reviews on some of our most trusted business banks, visit our Best Banks for Small Business review.

Get Licenses and Permits

When you are registering an LLC, you need to determine if your business needs any licenses or permits to remain compliant. On the federal level, there are a handful of business activities that require licenses or permits.

Find out how to obtain necessary licenses and permits for your business or have a professional service do it for you:

• Federal: Use the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) guide to federal business licenses and permits.
• State: Apply for or learn more about licenses, permits, and registration with The State of Arkansas Owning a Business website.
• Local: Contact your local county clerk and ask about local licenses and permits.

Brand Your Business

The strongest and most memorable businesses are built on a solid brand. When developing your brand, think about what your business stands for. Customers and clients are looking for companies that have a compelling brand, as much as they are shopping for high-quality products and services.

Creating a logo for your business is vital for increasing brand awareness. You can design your own unique logo using our Free Logo Generator. Our free tool can help you design your own unique logo for your new business idea.