Deal alert! Northwest will form your LLC for $39 (60% discount). See details.
You can file your Articles of Organization by mail or online. The filing fee is $110.
Note: The “LLC filing fee” (the fee to create a Georgia LLC) is the same thing as the “Articles of Organization fee”. The Articles of Organization is the document, that once approved by the Secretary of State’s office, creates your Georgia LLC.
We recommend filing your Articles of Organization online because the approval time is quicker and it’s easier to complete.
How long does it take to get an LLC in Georgia?
If you file by mail, the approval time is 15 business days (plus mail time).
If you file online, the approval time is 7-10 business days.
Note: Filing times may take longer due to government delays. For the most up-to-date LLC processing times, check how long does it take to get an LLC in Georgia.
You will find instructions below for both filing by mail and filing online.
If you want to hire a company to form your LLC instead, we’ve reviewed the Best LLC Services in Georgia, so you can select the best service for your LLC’s needs.
Tip: Before acting on this lesson, make sure you have searched your desired LLC name and selected your Georgia Registered Agent.
Need to save time? Hire a company to form your LLC:
Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee)
(We recommend Northwest. We've reviewed all the top companies in the industry. And Northwest is our #1 pick for prices, customer support, and address privacy. Check out Northwest vs LegalZoom to learn more.)
How to file Georgia Articles of Organization by Mail
When forming your LLC by mail, you need to submit the Articles of Organization as well as a Transmittal Form.
Download Articles of Organization (Form CD030):
Georgia Articles of Organization
Download Transmittal Form (Form 231):
Georgia Transmittal Form
For help filling out the Articles of Organization and Transmittal Form, you can reference our online instructions below as they are very similar.
Note: The Transmittal Form can seem repetitive if you’re the LLC member, the person filing the paperwork, and you’re the LLC’s Registered Agent. If that is the case, you will be repeating your contact information a few times.
Your mail filing must include:
- 2 copies of the Articles of Organization (1 original and 1 copy)
- Transmittal Form
- Filing Fee
Filing Fee: $110
Accepted Forms of Payment: Check or Money Order
If sending a check, the check must have a pre-printed full street address on it. The state does not accept starter or temporary checks.
Made Payable To: “Georgia Secretary of State”
Mailing Instructions: Send your $110 filing fee, 2 copies of your Articles of Organization, and your Transmittal Form to:
Corporations Division
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SE
Suite 313, West Tower
Atlanta, GA 30334
Wait for Approval: The state will approve your LLC in 15 business days (plus mail time).
They’ll send back the following by mail:
- a receipt,
- a stamped and approved copy of your Articles of Organization, and
- a Certificate of Organization (which has a state seal and can be used when opening a bank account).
How to file Georgia Articles of Organization Online
Create an online account:
1. Visit this link: Georgia Corporations Division: Customer Login
2. Click the “Create a User Account” button.
3. Enter your contact information and email address. Then click “Continue”.
4. Create a User ID, a password, and a security question. Then click “Create My Account”.
Your User ID needs to be at least 8 characters long.
Your password needs to be at least 8 characters long. It must also contain 1 uppercase letter, 1 lowercase letter, 1 number, and 1 special character (ex: $, #, etc.).
5. You will see a confirmation message on the next page displaying your User ID and password. Please print this page or save your login information. Click “Login” to proceed.
Filing your Articles of Organization online:
Click the “Create or Register a Business” button to get started.
1. Create Business
Select “I am creating a new domestic business”.
Then in the “Business Type” drop down list, select “Domestic Limited Liability Company”.
Note: We don’t teach foreign LLC registration (out-of-state LLCs registering in Georgia). If you need to register a foreign LLC in Georgia, the steps will be slightly different.
2. Business Name
Enter your LLC name exactly as you would like it, including your preferred capitalization, as well as the designator “LLC” or “L.L.C.” (the abbreviation “LLC” is the most common).
Note: You can use a comma or you can leave it out. (Example: “ABC Widgets, LLC” and “ABC Widgets LLC” are both acceptable). For more information on the comma in your LLC name, watch this video.
Entering a 2nd choice and 3rd choice name is optional. Fill those in as “backups” in case your desired LLC name is not available.
3. Business Purpose
In this section you have the option to list your business industry or you can choose not to share this information.
To list your business industry, select a “NAICS Code” from the drop down list and then select a “NAICS Sub Code” from the 2nd drop down list.
Note: A NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) Code is used by government agencies to identify your LLC’s line of business and business activities.
If you prefer not to share this information (or aren’t sure), just click the “NAICS Code” drop down list and select “Any legal purpose”.
Need to save time? Hire a company to form your LLC:
Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee)
(We recommend Northwest. We've reviewed all the top companies in the industry. And Northwest is our #1 pick for prices, customer support, and address privacy. Check out Northwest vs LegalZoom to learn more.)
4. Principal Office Address
Enter the principal street address of your LLC (PO Boxes aren’t allowed).
The state will use this address to send you normal correspondence (not legal documents). You can use any street address, as long as it is located in Georgia. It can be a home address, an office address, or the address of your Registered Agent.
Click the “Continue” button at the bottom to proceed to the next step.
5. Business Email
Enter your preferred email address (twice). This is where your approval will be sent back to.
I know it’s called “Business Email”, but it doesn’t have to be an actual business email address. You can just use your personal email address.
6. Registered Agent Information
Before proceeding, make sure you’ve read these articles:
If you (or a friend or family member) will be your LLC’s Registered Agent:
Click the “Create Registered Agent” button.
If the button is grayed out, you’ll need to enter your/their name in the “Registered Agent Name” box and click “Search”.
You’ll either see a list of similar names or a popup box that says “No data found”. Close whichever box/window appears and now the “Create Registered Agent” button will be clickable.
Now click the “Create Registered Agent” button.
Enter your/their contact information and click the “Create Registered Agent” button to save.
Commercial Registered Agent:
If you hired a Commercial Registered Agent, like Northwest Registered Agent, enter their name in the “Registered Agent Name” box and click the “Search” button.
A popup window will appear. Find your Commercial Registered Agent in the list and click the “Select” circle to the right. Then click the “OK” button at the bottom to save.
Note: If you see your Commercial Registered Agent listed dozens of times, that’s normal. Just select any one that has the correct address.
7. Organizer Information
The Organizer is the person (or people) submitting the LLC paperwork to the state. This will most likely be you (and or another LLC member).
We explain more about the Organizer’s role in LLC Organizer vs LLC Member and Registered Agent vs LLC Organizer.
Enter the 1st Organizer’s contact information and click the “Add” button to save.
Add any additional Organizers (this is optional, you only need to enter 1 Organizer).
8. Optional Provisions
This section is used to add additional rules and regulations to your LLC.
This section is not required, and will most likely not apply. If that’s the case, you can leave it blank.
9. Filer’s Certification (Signature)
Check off the box agreeing to the terms.
Then select your “Effective Date”. Most people choose today’s date. This means your LLC will be officially formed on the date it’s filed with the state.
If you need to forward date your filing, you can do so up to 90 days.
Pro tip: If you’re forming your LLC in October, November, or December, and you don’t need your business open during those months, forward date your filing to January 1st. This will save you the hassle of doing unnecessary taxes. For more information, please see LLC effective date.
Then enter your full name in the “Authorizer Signature” box.
In the “Authorizer Title” drop down list:
- select “Member” if you own the LLC, or
- select “Organizer” if you’re filing LLC for someone else.
Click the “Continue” button at the bottom to proceed.
10. Review Page
Review all of the information you entered and check for typos.
- If you need to make any changes, click the “Edit Info” or “Back” button.
- If everything looks good, click the “Continue” button at the bottom to proceed.
11. Processing Time
In the “Would you like to expedite the filing” drop down list, select your desired processing time.
Your options are:
- “Regular Process” for the standard processing (7-10 business days). The total filing fee will be $110.
- “24-48 Hours” for an expedited 2-day processing. The total fees will be $210.
- “Same Day” for an expedited same-day processing. The total fees will be $360. Note: for same-day processing, you must file before noon.
Click the “Click to Pay” button to proceed and make payment.
12. Make Payment
Enter your contact and billing information, then click the “Pay With Your Credit Card” button to submit your payment.
Congratulations, your Georgia LLC has been filed for processing! Now you just need to wait for approval.
Georgia LLC Approval
Online: 7-10 business days
By Mail: 15 business days (plus mail time)
Whether you filed online or by mail, you’ll receive back the following 3 items:
- Receipt
- Stamped and approved copy of your Articles of Organization
- Certificate of Organization (which has a state seal and can be used when opening a bank account)
If you filed by mail, your documents will be returned in the mail.
If you filed online, your documents will be emailed to you as attachments (in 2 separate emails).
Video Instructions
Note: The Articles of Organization used in this video doesn’t match the Articles of Organization download link below. Management can be determined via your Operating Agreement. Duration and Purpose aren’t required. Thank you for your understanding.
Georgia Secretary of State Contact Info
If you have any questions, you can contact the Georgia Secretary of State (8am – 5:30pm) at 404-656-2817.
Search your domain name
If you plan on building a website, you can quickly register your domain name. Creating a website with your business name as the domain name can help people find your business online. You can easily search and purchase a domain name through GoDaddy.
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Georgia LLC Articles of Organization FAQs
How much does an LLC in Georgia cost per year?
All Georgia LLCs need to pay $60 per year for the Annual Registration Fee. These state fees are paid to the Secretary of State to keep your LLC in good standing. This is the only state-required annual fee.
If you hired a Registered Agent Service, you’ll have an annual subscription fee to pay each year. This is usually about $125 per year.
Some LLCs may need a business license in Georgia. This depends on your industry and where your LLC is located. You’ll need to check with your municipality to see if there are any annual renewal fees for the business permit.
We explain all of the Georgia LLC fees in How much is an LLC in Georgia.
Is Georgia a good state to start an LLC?
Whether Georgia is a good state to start an LLC depends on where you live – and where you’re doing business.
Meaning, if you live in or do business in Georgia, then you should start your LLC in Georgia. While many websites talk about tax rates and advantages of certain states, none of that applies if it’s not the state where you live and do business.
For example, if you form an LLC in Delaware, but live in and conduct business in Georgia, you’ll also need to register your Delaware LLC in Georgia (and pay extra fees). And you’ll end up paying Georgia taxes anyway. This ends up leading to more costs and more headaches with no advantages.
In summary, if you live in and conduct business in Georgia, then yes, Georgia is a good state to start a business. If you don’t live in and do business in Georgia, then no, Georgia isn’t a good state to start a business.
Real estate exception: If you’re purchasing real estate outside of Georgia, you should form your LLC in the state where the property is located.
For more information, please see Best State to Form an LLC.
References
Georgia SOS: Paperless Filing
Georgia SOS: Business Division FAQ
Alston & Bird: The Georgia LLC Act Comes of Age
Georgia SOS: Filing Procedures for Forming an LLC
Georgia SOS: Which Legal Entity is Right for Your Business
Georgia SOS: Filing Fees and Expedited Processing of Document Filings
Georgia.gov: How Do I Register an LLC with the Georgia Secretary of State
Information verified on October 27, 2026
Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.