The actual steps you take to form an Oklahoma limited liability company are pretty simple. You can, if you want, follow the instructions below. (These instructions are up-to-date as of August 5, 2020.)
We’ve also got a free, downloadable “do it yourself” kit you can use. In other words, the price you pay to purchase equals “zero.” That kit provides more information about LLCs and includes a couple of free LLC operating agreements. (We used to sell the kit but since the Covid-19 pandemic have simply given the kit away.)
1. Check if the LLC name you want is available
Your first step in setting up an LLC is to check if the name you want to use is even available.
To do this, you can call (405) 521-3912 or use the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s corporations search form at:
https://www.sos.ok.gov/corp/corpInquiryFind.aspx
By entering the name you want to use in the search form, you’ll be able to see if there’s another business already using the name that you want. You can’t use a name, by the way, that’s the same or deceptively similar to another existing corporation’s name.
Names can be reserved for up to 60 days for a $10 application fee.
Your first step in setting up an LLC is to check if the name you want to use is even available.
By researching the name you want to use in the search form, you’ll be able to see if there’s another business already using the name that you want. You can’t use a name, by the way, that’s the same or deceptively similar to another existing corporation name.
Names can be reserved for up to 60 days for a fee at:
https://www.sos.ok.gov/corp/filing.aspx
2. Download the Articles of Organization form from the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s web site, then print this form
The URL, or web page address, for this form is as shown below.
https://www.sos.ok.gov/forms/FM0074.PDF
Note: You may also file online at:
https://www.sos.ok.gov/corp/filing.aspx
When on this page, scroll to the bottom of the page and in the left hand column, click “Domestic Limited Liability Company”. The questions for the on-line version are the same (not in the exact same order) as for the print/mail-in form.
3. Identify the name you want to use for your new LLC
After you download and print the LLC application form, you’re ready to fill the form out.
Enter your business or investment name onto the top line labeled, “Name of Limited-Liability Company.” The name must include one of the phrases or acronyms, “Limited Liability Company,” “Limited Company,” “Limited Liability Co.,” “LLC,” “LC,” “L.C.,” or “L.L.C.” For example, all of the following names should be acceptable:
- Acme Explosives Limited Liability Company
- Acme Explosives Limited Liability Co.
- Acme Explosives LLC
- Acme Explosives L.L.C.
4. Give the address of the LLC’s principal office
In the next line indicate the office where the principal office is located. It is not required that this address be within the state of Oklahoma.
5. Identify the resident agent
Oklahoma state wants to know the name and contact information for a real person within the state of Oklahoma whom can act as the contact person should the state have questions or concerns about an LLC’s operation. You can pay someone else to be this resident agent, but it’s really easiest and cheapest to just be your own resident agent.
Accordingly, enter your name and address information onto the line labeled “Name and Address of Resident Agent.”
6. Term of existence
The term of existence is the life span of your LLC. Some LLCs are created for a specific purpose and are intended to exist for a specific period of time. You can list a specific number of years, or simply write “perpetual” on this line to indicate an ongoing status.
7. Accept appointment of registered agent
Sign and date the form to accept the appointment as registered agent for the limited-liability company listed. Also print your name and list your address.
The downloadable kit shows an example, a completed Oklahoma LLC application.
8. Mail in the application
After you complete the application to form a limited liability company, mail the completed form and a check for $100 to:
Oklahoma Secretary of State
421 N.W. 13th, Suite 210,
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73103
Processing lead times vary, but in general, it takes several weeks to get your LLC certificate back from the Secretary of State’s office.