How to Start an LLC in Oklahoma

Last Updated: by the TRUiC Team

To start an Oklahoma LLC you'll need to file the Articles of Organization with the Oklahoma Secretary of State, which costs $100. You can apply online, by mail, or in-person.

Follow our step-by-step How to Start an LLC in Oklahoma guide to get started today.

  1. Name Your Oklahoma LLC
  2. Choose a Registered Agent
  3. File the Articles of Organization
  4. Create an Operating Agreement
  5. Get an EIN
  6. File the Annual Certificate
  7. Keep Your Company Compliant

Or Simply use a professional service:

four point seven out of five Northwest ($29 + State Fees)

Learn more about LLCs and their benefits in our What is an LLC guide. To form an LLC in any state, visit our How to Set Up an LLC guide.

Oklahoma State map icon with filing cost

Step 1: Name Your Oklahoma LLC

Choosing a company name is the first and most important step of starting an LLC in Oklahoma. Be sure to choose a name that complies with Oklahoma naming requirements and is easily searchable by potential clients.

1. Follow the naming guidelines:

  • Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
  • Your name cannot include words that could confuse your LLC with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
  • Restricted words (e.g. Bank, Attorney, University) may require additional paperwork and a licensed individual, such as a doctor or lawyer, to be part of your LLC.
  • Your name must be distinguishable from any other Oklahoma limited liability company, corporation, limited liability partnership, or limited partnership.

2. Oklahoma LLC Name Availability: Make sure the name you want isn't already taken by doing an Oklahoma LLC search on the Secretary of State's website.

To learn more about searching for an Oklahoma LLC name, read our full guide.

3. Is the URL available? We recommend that you check online 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.

Find a Domain Now

Once you have verified your name is available, you may now select a professional service to complete the LLC formation process for you.

We reviewed and ranked the best LLC services. Find out which is best for you.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent in Oklahoma

You are required to nominate an Oklahoma registered agent for your LLC.

What is a registered agent? A registered agent is an individual or business entity responsible for receiving important tax forms, legal documents, notice of lawsuits, and official government correspondence on behalf of your business. Think of your registered agent as your business's point of contact with the state.

Who can be a registered agent? A Registered Agent must be a resident of Oklahoma or a corporation, such as a registered agent service, authorized to transact business in Oklahoma. You may elect an individual within the company including yourself.

Recommended: Northwest provides the first year of registered agent service free with LLC formation ($29 + State Fees)

Step 3: File Your Oklahoma LLC Articles of Organization

To register your Oklahoma LLC, you will need to file the Articles of Organization with the Oklahoma Secretary of State. You can apply online, or by mail.

Now is a good time to determine whether your LLC will be member-managed vs. manager-managed.

File the Articles of Organization

OPTION 1: File Online with the State of Oklahoma

File Online

- OR -

OPTION 2: File by Mail or In-Person

Download Form


State Filing Cost: $100, payable to the Oklahoma Secretary of State (Nonrefundable)

Mail to:
Oklahoma Secretary of State
421 N.W. 13th Suite 210
Oklahoma City, OK 73103

For help with completing the form, visit our Oklahoma Articles of Organization guide.

Oklahoma LLC Formation Document

If you’re expanding your existing LLC to the State of Oklahoma, you will need to form a foreign LLC.

Step 4: Create an Oklahoma LLC Operating Agreement

An operating agreement is not required in Oklahoma, but it's a good practice to have one.

What is an operating agreement? An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

Why are operating agreements important? A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

For more information on operating agreements, read our Oklahoma LLC operating agreement guide.

Recommended: Download a template or create a Free Operating Agreement using our tool.

Step 5: Get an Oklahoma LLC EIN

You can get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for free. It is used to identify a business entity and keep track of a business’s tax reporting. It is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for the company.

Why do I need an EIN? An EIN number is required for the following:

  • To open a business bank account for the company
  • For federal and state tax purposes
  • To hire employees for the company

Where do I get an EIN? An EIN is obtained from the IRS (free of charge) by the business owner after forming the company. This can be done online or by mail.

FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS: You do not need an SSN to get an EIN. Learn more here.

Get an EIN

Option 1: Request an EIN from the IRS

Apply Online

- OR -

Option 2: Apply for an EIN by Mail or Fax

Download Form

Mail to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999

Fax: (855) 641-6935

Fee: Free

Step 6: File the Annual Certificate

Oklahoma requires LLCs to file an annual certificate with the Secretary of State. This is referred to in other states as an annual report.

File your Annual Certificate

OPTION 1: File Online with the State of Oklahoma

File Online

- OR -

OPTION 2: File by Mail

Download Form


Fee: $25, payable to the Oklahoma Secretary of State (Nonrefundable)

Mail to:
Oklahoma Secretary of State
421 N.W. 13th
Suite 210
Oklahoma City, OK 73103

Due Date: Due each year by the end of the anniversary month in which the LLC was formed.

Late Filings: Oklahoma does not charge late fees if you miss your filing deadline. After 60 days, Oklahoma will revoke your “good standing”. Oklahoma may dissolve or revoke your LLC after 3 years for failure to file an annual certificate.

Steps After LLC Formation

Read all the steps you’ll need to maintain your LLC’s personal liability protection, open a business bank account, get business insurance, and stay up to date with state reporting requirements.

Visit our After Forming an LLC guide to learn more.

Step 7: Keep Your Company Compliant

Oklahoma LLC Business Permits & Licenses

Does my Oklahoma LLC need business licenses and permits?

To operate your Oklahoma LLC you must comply with federal, state, and local government regulations. For example, restaurants likely need health permits, building permits, signage permits, etc.

The details of business licenses and permits vary from state to state. Make sure you read carefully. Don't be surprised if there are short classes required as well.

Fees for business licenses and permits will vary depending on what sort of license you are seeking to obtain.

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

Recommended: If you are a first-time entrepreneur, consider having a professional service research your business’s licensing requirements. Read our best business license services review on Startup Savant.

Oklahoma LLC Tax Filing Requirements

In order to keep your business in good standing, it's important to stay up to date on your Oklahoma LLC taxes.

Depending on the nature of your business, you may be required to register for one or more forms of state tax.

Oklahoma Sales Tax

If you are selling a physical product, you’ll typically need to register for a seller's permit through the Oklahoma Taxpayer Access Point website.

This certificate allows a business to collect sales tax on taxable sales.

Sales tax, also called "Sales and Use Tax," is a tax levied by states, counties, and municipalities on business transactions involving the exchange of certain taxable goods or services.

Read our Oklahoma sales tax guide to find out more.

Oklahoma Employer Taxes

If you have employees in Oklahoma, you will need to register for Unemployment Insurance Tax through the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission. You will also need to sign up for Employee Withholding Tax through the Oklahoma Tax Commission.

Register for Oklahoma State Taxes

Sales Tax | Unemployment Insurance Tax | Withholding Tax

Federal LLC Tax Filing Requirements

Most LLCs will need to report their income to the IRS each year using:

How you pay yourself as an owner will also affect your federal taxes. Visit our guide to learn more about how to pay yourself from your LLC.

Read our LLC Tax Guide to learn more about federal income taxes for LLCs.

Hiring Employees in Oklahoma

If you plan to hire employees for your Oklahoma LLC, stay compliant with the law by following these steps:

Find more information at the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission page.

Recommended: Check out our Hiring for your Small Business Guide for resources like sample job descriptions, payroll service reviews, and more.

Common Questions About Oklahoma LLCs

What is an LLC?

LLC is short for Limited Liability Company. It is a simple business structure that offers more flexibility than a traditional corporation while providing many of the same benefits. An LLC is one of several business structures, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporation (C corp and S corp). For more information, read our What is an LLC guide.

Watch our video: What is an LLC?

How do I name my Oklahoma LLC?

You must follow the Oklahoma LLC naming guidelines when choosing a name for your LLC:

  • Include the phrase "limited liability company" or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
  • Do not use words that could confuse your business with a government agency (FBI, State Department, CIA, etc.).
  • Receive the proper licensing when using the words such as lawyer or doctor.

If you are having trouble coming up with a name for your LLC use our LLC Name Generator. That will not only find a unique name for your business but an available URL to match.

After you get your business name, your next step is getting a unique logo. Get your unique logo using our Free Logo Generator.

Do I need to get a DBA or Trade Name for my business?

Most LLCs do not need a DBA. The name of the LLC can serve as your company’s brand name and you can accept checks and other payments under that name as well. However, you may wish to register a DBA if you would like to conduct business under another name.

To learn more about DBAs in your state, read our How to File a DBA guide.

Can I be my own Registered Agent?

Yes. You or anyone else in your company can serve as the registered agent for your Oklahoma LLC.

Read more about being your own registered agent.

Is a registered agent service worth it?

Using a professional Registered Agent service is an affordable way to manage government filings for your Oklahoma LLC. For most businesses, the advantages of using a professional service significantly outweigh the annual costs.

For more information, read our article on Oklahoma registered agents.

How long does it take to get an LLC in Oklahoma?

Filing the Articles of Organization takes 2 business days online and 7 to 10 business days by mail.

What is the difference between a domestic Oklahoma LLC and foreign LLC?

An LLC is referred to as a "domestic LLC" when it conducts business in the state where it was formed. Normally when we refer to an LLC we are actually referring to a domestic LLC. A foreign LLC must be formed when an existing LLC wishes to expand its business to another state.

Read our What Is a Foreign LLC article to learn more.

How much does it cost to start an Oklahoma LLC?

The cost to start an Oklahoma LLC is $100.

To learn more, read our guide on the cost to form an Oklahoma LLC.

Do I need to file my operating agreement with the state?

No. The operating agreement is an internal document that you should keep on file for future reference. However, many states do legally require LLCs to have an operating agreement in place.

How do I get an EIN if I don’t have a Social Security number?

An SSN is not required to get an EIN. You can simply fill out IRS Form SS-4 and leave section 7b blank. Then call the IRS at (267) 941-1099 to complete your application. Learn more here about applying as an international applicant.

What tax structure should I choose for my Oklahoma LLC?

When you get an EIN, you will be informed of the different tax classification options that are available. Most LLCs elect the default tax status.

However, some LLCs can reduce their federal tax obligation by choosing the S corporation (S corp) status. To learn more, read our LLC vs. S Corp guide.

Do I need an EIN for my LLC?

All LLCs with employees, or any LLC with more than one member, must have an EIN. This is required by the IRS.

Learn why we recommend always getting an EIN and how to get one for free in our Do I Need an EIN for an LLC guide.

What is the minimum wage in Oklahoma?

The minimum wage in Oklahoma is $7.25 per hour.

How often do I need to pay employees in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma requires wages to be paid regularly at least twice per month.

Oklahoma Business Resources

Get Help Starting a Business in Oklahoma

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