How to Register an LLC in Oklahoma
To register an Oklahoma LLC, you’ll need to submit LLC Articles of Organization to the Oklahoma Secretary of State and pay the $100 state filing fee. Below, we’ve created a step-by-step guide on how to start an LLC in Oklahoma.
Or skip the reading and let Oklahoma Registered Agent LLC register your LLC for you for $149 plus state fees! When you hire us, you can get free domain registration for the first year, along with a pre-built business website, email, and phone service at no upfront cost. Everything you need to launch your business, all in one place.
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Our Oklahoma LLC Registration Package
Our agents in Oklahoma City are experienced local experts who know Oklahoma business requirements inside and out. Here’s what you get with your LLC registration:
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Here’s Where Your Money Goes
Many Oklahoma incorporation services hide what they charge instead of showing exactly what you get for your money. But we believe in honesty at Oklahoma Registered Agent LLC, and we’ll never surprise you with hidden fees.
| Service | Fee |
| 1 Year of Registered Agent Service | $49 |
| Our LLC Formation Service Fee | $100 |
| State Filing Fees | $105 |
| Total | $254 |
After the first year, you can renew your registered agent service for just $49 per year, and that price never goes up. Unlike many registered agents, we don’t lure customers in with a low price just to raise the rate the next year.
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Ready to get started? Use our free business tool to easily complete the Articles of Organization on your own. When you’re done, download and print the document to file yourself, or hire us to file for you. If you need a break, you can save your progress at any point and come back later.
How to Start an LLC in Oklahoma
Starting an LLC is a popular option for Oklahoma business owners who want flexibility combined with strong liability protection. To start an LLC in Oklahoma, you just need to choose an LLC name, appoint a registered agent, and submit Oklahoma Articles of Organization with a $100 filing fee. We take you step by step through the process.
1. Name Your Oklahoma LLC
Before you settle on an LLC name, you need to make sure it’s available. The state will reject the name if it’s too similar to the name of another registered business name. You can check if a business name is available by searching the state’s Corporate Entity Database or calling the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s office.
Your LLC name must also include “limited liability company,” “limited company,” or the abbreviation “LLC,” “LC,” “L.L.C.” or “L.C.” “Ltd.” for “Limited” and “Co.” for “Company” are also acceptable abbreviations.
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Pro Tip: Reserve a Domain Name Before you settle on an LLC name, find out if the same business name is available as a website domain. Even if you don’t start a business website right away, it’s smart to reserve the domain name you want before your register your LLC. Otherwise you may not be able to get a domain that matches your LLC name when you’re ready to launch your website. When you hire us to form your LLC, you get a free domain for the first year. (After the first year, domains start at $25 per year.) |
2. Appoint an Oklahoma Registered Agent
By law, every Oklahoma LLC must have a registered agent and registered office. A registered agent can be a person (like you or your business partner) or a business entity (like us!). Either way, your Oklahoma registered agent must:
- Live in Oklahoma.
- Be physically present at the registered office during regular business hours.
- Accept state and legal mail on behalf of your business and forward it to you promptly.
- Be willing to list their name and address on the public record.
Note: The registered office must be a physical street address in Oklahoma. A P.O. box will not be accepted.
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Can I be my own registered agent in Oklahoma? Yes. However, it’s important to know that if you list yourself as the registered agent for your LLC, your name and address will go on the public record, where they can easily be looked up online. Once your name and address are in a state database, it’s very difficult to scrub this information from the internet. For privacy protection and peace of mind, most savvy business owners in Oklahoma hire a registered agent. Our registered agent service is just $49 per year, and we never raise our rates. |
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3. File Oklahoma LLC Articles of Organization
To make your LLC official, you need to submit LLC Articles of Organization to the Oklahoma Secretary of State. This is the information required on the form:
- LLC name. Must include “limited liability company,” “limited company,” or an abbreviation thereof.
- Street address of principal place of business. Doesn’t have to be in Oklahoma. However, it can’t be a P.O. box.
- Email address. Where you’ll be emailed a reminder that your Annual Certificate is due.
- Term of existence. How long you want your LLC to last. If you don’t have a planned expiration date for your business, write “perpetual.”
- Name and signature. The person who files your Articles of Organization needs to sign. This doesn’t have to be a member of your LLC.
Optional: Fill out the Request to Receive Documents Electronically, attached to the Articles form, if you wish to receive your documents by email instead of physical mail.
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How to Submit Articles of Organization You can submit the Articles of Organization by mail, in person, or online. Don’t forget to include the $100 state filing fee. By mail or in person: Online: OK Secretary of State website |
4. Receive LLC Registration Documents
After the Secretary of State processes your Articles of Organization, they’ll send you a copy of your Articles, a certificate showing that your LLC has been filed, and a receipt. These documents will be mailed to you unless you requested to receive them by email.
It can take anywhere from one day to over a week to receive your registration documents, depending on how you filed:
| Filing Method | Average State Processing Time |
| In person | Same day ($25 extra) |
| Online | 1-2 business days |
| By mail | 3-5 business days (Add additional time for mailing) |
How to Maintain Your Oklahoma LLC
Now you have an LLC, but you’re not done yet! LLCs need to be maintained in order to remain in good standing with the state. Here are some next steps to tackle after you form your LLC.
1. Create an LLC Operating Agreement
An operating agreement is a legally binding document that governs how an LLC is run. You’re not required to have an operating agreement in Oklahoma, but it’s a good idea. A well-written operating agreement could help your LLC avoid a messy legal battle down the road.
Your operating agreement can be customized for your LLC, but most include:
- Each member’s name, address, and percentage of membership interest
- Each member’s initial contributions
- Members’ decision-making powers and rights
- Voting procedure
- Management structure
- Distribution of profits and losses
- Process for adding or removing members
- Process for amending operating agreement
- Dissolution procedure
Our LLC registration package includes free operating agreement templates, membership certificates, and other internal documents you can customize to your business needs.
2. Get an FEIN
An FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number, also called an EIN), is a tax ID number issued to businesses by the IRS. You’re required to have an FEIN if your LLC has multiple members, employees, or will be taxed as a corporation. You can apply for an FEIN for free on the IRS website. International applicants without a Social Security number must apply using the paper SS-4 form or by calling the IRS.
3. Open a Business Bank Account
Your LLC needs its own bank account to keep business finances separate from the owners’ personal finances. Why? An LLC’s liability protection depends on the LLC being a legally separate entity. If a court finds that you’ve been mixing personal and business finances, it could rule that your LLC isn’t entitled to limited liability protection.
Before you open a bank account for your LLC, it’s a good idea to call the bank and find out what documents they require. Typically, you’ll need a copy of your Articles of Organization, operating agreement, FEIN, proof of identification, and a Resolution to Open a Bank Account (for multi-member LLCs).
4. Obtain Required Licenses and Permits
Oklahoma doesn’t have a general business license, but some businesses require specific licenses and permits. For example, plumbers and electricians need to be licensed by the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board. Some cities and counties also have local licensing requirements. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce website offers more information on business licensing requirements by industry.
Businesses that sell taxable goods and services must also apply for a Sales Tax Permit from the Oklahoma Tax Commission.
5. Start a Business Website
While not specific to LLCs, nearly every business will benefit from having an online presence. Starting a website helps new customers discover your business and gives you a platform to tell your story.
The idea of creating a website can be intimidating for people who aren’t tech-savvy, but with the right website builder, anyone can create a customized, professional-looking website. With our LLC formation package, you can get a pre-built, customizable website totally free for the first 90 days (just $9/month after that).
7. File the Oklahoma Annual Certificate
In order to remain in good standing, Oklahoma LLCs need to submit a form to the Secretary of State every year called the Oklahoma Annual Certificate. The purpose of the Annual Certificate is to confirm that the LLC is still active and update your contact information with the state.
The due date for the Annual Certificate is your LLC’s anniversary date (when your LLC was registered with the state). The state fee is $25.
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How to file the Oklahoma Annual Certificate You can submit the Annual Certificate online, by mail, or in person, along with the $25 fee. Online: Oklahoma Secretary of State By mail or in person: |
Worried you’ll forget? Add Annual Certificate Compliance to your LLC registration order. We’ll send a reminder 90 days before the due date and file your Annual Certificate 60 days before it’s due.
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Oklahoma LLC FAQs
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Oklahoma?
It costs $100 to file Articles of Organization with the Oklahoma Secretary of State, which creates your LLC.
How long does it take to start an Oklahoma LLC?
Between 1 and 5 business days on average, depending on whether you file your Articles of Organization online, by mail, or in person. Once your Articles have been approved and sent back to you, you officially have an LLC. However, depending on your industry, you may need additional licenses and permits before you start doing business.
How do I reserve my LLC name in Oklahoma?
The Oklahoma Secretary of State lets you reserve a business name for up to 60 days. You can reserve the name online through the Oklahoma Secretary of State website, or by submitting the Application for Reservation of Name by mail or in person. The filing fee is $10.
Do you have to register a DBA in Oklahoma?
Yes, if you want to do business under a name other than your LLC’s legal name, you need to register the name as a trade name (aka DBA). You can register your trade name by submitting a Trade Name Report to the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s office by mail, in person, or through the OK SOS website. There’s a $25 fee per trade name.
What are the taxes for LLCs in Oklahoma?
LLCs are taxed as pass-through entities by default. This means the LLC itself doesn’t pay taxes. Profits and losses pass through the business to the LLC members, who pay individual income tax on their share. Oklahoma has a graduated income tax rate ranging from 0.25% to 4.75%. The state also has a 4.5% sales tax.
Does Oklahoma require an operating agreement for an LLC?
Oklahoma law doesn’t explicitly require LLCs to adopt an operating agreement. However, it’s a good idea to do so, since your operating agreement establishes the policies and procedures of your LLC, which can help you prevent future legal disputes.
Do I need a business license in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma doesn’t have a general state business license. However, some cities and counties require local licenses and permits. Businesses in government-regulated industries may also need a license from their state industry board.
Do you have to renew your LLC every year in Oklahoma?
Yes. In order to keep your LLC in good standing, you’ll need to file the Annual Certificate with the Oklahoma Secretary of State and pay $25 each year. The deadline is the LLC’s anniversary date. The Annual Certificate can be filed by mail, fax, online, or in person.