How To File Articles Of Organization In Louisiana As An LLC (Jul. 2026)

To officially form your Louisiana Limited Liability Company (LLC), you must file your Articles of Organization and Initial Report with the Louisiana Secretary of State (SOS). You can do this online via the geauxBIZ portal or submit Form 365 by mail, fax, or in person. Regardless of your filing method, you need to pay a $100 one-time filing fee.

I will discuss how to file your Articles of Organization in Louisiana using the online and paper submission methods in this article. Alongside this, you’ll learn how to create your geauxBIZ account and correctly link your business for future filings.

An Overview Of The Initial Report And Articles Of Organization In Louisiana

Under Louisiana RS §12:1304, you must file your Louisiana Articles of Organization and Initial Report with the Louisiana SOS to legally form your LLC as a separate entity. These documents officially form your Louisiana LLC.

1. Filing Methods

You’ll need to pay $100 to complete your filing regardless of your chosen processing method. I’ve discussed the different filing methods and their respective processing times in the table below.

2. Expedited Filing Options

You can use two main expedited filing options if you want to shorten your processing time. However, these require you to pay an additional fee on top of your standing processing costs.

• 24-hour processing: $30 expedited fee.
• Priority processing: $50 expedited fee.

How To File Your Louisiana LLC Articles Of Organization Online

You should already have a geauxBIZ account when filing online. This is because you need to complete your name reservation filing beforehand.

If you don’t have an account yet, I’ll discuss how to open your account later on in my article.

1. Access The GeauxBIZ Portal

To begin, go to the geauxBIZ portal and log in to your account. 

2. Find Your Articles Of Organization Form

Next, find your Articles of Organization form.

If you’ve already reserved your desired business name, you can change your name reservation to a new business name registration (if required).

To do this:

1. Go to the “My Businesses” tab.
2. Click “View” on the name reservation that you wish to convert to a new business registration.
3. Click “Convert to New Business Registration” on the business’s details page.

3. Choose Your Tax Type

Next up, select your business tax type. This is based on your chosen business activities.

Select one and the online system generates additional questions. This is done once you’ve completed your main formation filing sections.

The Sales Tax is the most common state tax type. I’ve written a separate article explaining how to get a Sales Tax Certificate: Louisiana Sales Tax Certificate.

Click “Next” to continue to the next section.

4. Select Your LLC Owner Type

Under your tax type, choose your LLC owner type. Your ownership type depends on your tax election in Louisiana.

• Single-member LLCs are taxed by default as disregarded entities.
• Multi-member LLCs are taxed by default as partnerships.

If you have filed the appropriate forms with the IRS to be elected as a C-corporation or an S-corporation, you can choose those from the dropdown.

5. State Your LLC Purpose And Duration

After selecting your LLC owner type, state your business purpose and operating duration.

Here’s what you need to do for each question.

• “The company is formed for the purpose of”: Choose “Engaging in any lawful activity for which limited liability companies may be formed” if you want maximum flexibility. Otherwise, choose “Other” and type your own purpose.
• “The duration of the limited company is”: Leave this field blank if you want a perpetual (ongoing) existence. Otherwise, specify a specific date that you want your LLC to be closed.
• “Other provisions”: Select “Yes” if you need to add additional provisions. Otherwise, click “No.”

Click “Next” to continue. 

6. Enter Your EIN

Next, provide your EIN. This is a 9-digit federal identifier used for federal tax purposes and several important business functions.

Enter your “Doing Business As (DBA)” if you have one. Otherwise, leave this field blank.

Click “Next” to continue. 

7.Add Your Business Addresses

a. Registered Office Address

Your registered office is your physical company address. This can NOT be a P.O. box.

Include the following information:

• Your registered office address.
• Your contact phone number and email address.
• You can leave the other fields blank.

b. Mailing Address

Next, provide your business mailing address and telephone number. You can use a P.O. box if needed. This also doesn’t need to be the same as your registered office address.

You can leave the other fields blank.

Once everything is completed, click “Next” to continue.

8. Provide Your Registered Agent Information

Your Louisiana Registered Agent needs to meet the requirements below, regardless of whether they’re an individual or a business entity.

1. They have to be available during normal operating hours.
2. They need to have a physical street address in Louisiana.

You can choose the following agent types when operating in Louisiana:

• An individual.
• A service company.
• A law firm.

a. Appointing An Individual As Your Registered Agent

If you’re appointing an individual as your agent, follow these steps:

• Choose “Person” for the agent type section.
• Enter your agent’s first name and last name.
• State their email address and re-enter it in the verification field.
• Provide their physical Louisiana street address (you can NOT use a P.O. box).
• Add their contact phone number.

Scroll down to the next section once you’ve completed the required fields. You do NOT need to click “Add agent” since the state only requires one Registered Agent.

b. Appointing A Service Company As Your Registered Agent

Follow these steps if you want to add a Registered Agent who is a service/company:

1. Choose “Service Company” as your agent type.
2. Find your Registered Agent’s name from the dropdown list.
3. Click “Get Agent Info” to automatically populate their details.

The online system should auto-populate your agent’s email address, business address, and contact information. Make sure you review these details with your chosen service company to ensure they’re accurate.

Scroll down to the next section once you’ve completed the required fields. You do NOT need to click “Add agent.”

c. Appointing A Law Firm As Your Registered Agent

This option is very similar to the process outlined when appointing a service company as your Registered Agent. However, you must complete all sections.

9. State Your LLC Management Type

Select “Manager-managed” or “Member-managed” for this section.

If you’re unsure which structure is best for your business, read my detailed comparison guide: Member-Managed LLC Vs. Manager-Managed LLC. 

10. Provide Your LLC Members’ Information

You need to enter your LLC members/managers’ information in this section. Make sure you add at least one person or Corporation.

a. An Individual As Your LLC’s Member/Manager

Follow these steps to add an LLC member or manager:

1. Choose “Person” for the role type.
2. Enter their first name and last name.
3. Add their Social Security Number (SSN).
4. Choose their role from the dropdown menu. This is either “Member” or “Manager.”

Next, complete their contact details:

• Enter their email address and confirm it again.
• Add their full residential address (you can NOT use a P.O. box).
• Provide their contact phone number.

If you need to add more LLC members/managers, click “Add Role” to complete the process.

b. A Corporation As Your LLC’s Member

Follow the steps below if you’re adding a Corporation as your LLC member/manager:

• Choose “Corporation” for the role type.
• Enter the corporation’s name (exactly as registered).
• Add their EIN.
• Choose their role by selecting either “Member” or “Manager” from the dropdown menu.

Following this, complete the corporation’s contact details:

• Add their email address and confirm it again.
• Provide their business address.
• State their phone number.

Click “Add Role” if you need to add more LLC members once you’ve completed the required fields.

Then, click “Next” to go to the next filing section.

11. Complete The Signature Field

Provide your full legal name and title (e.g., Owner) in the required fields. The filing date field should be automatically populated.

Click “Next” to continue to the review step. 

12. Review Your Filing

Carefully review your filing and check for any errors or typos. If you notice any errors, click “Previous” or click the yellow icon next to each section to make an edit.

You must review 2 pages, one with basic information and one with your Registered Office, Registered Agent, and LLC members’ information.

Click “Next” to continue once everything is correct.

After that, you should see a pop-up notification:

“In order for your order to be processed, an email will be sent to your designated registered agent(s) and they must complete the electronic agent acceptance process within 7 days.

Failure by your registered agent to complete the agent acceptance process within this time frame or if they decline the agent assignment will require you to re-file the application.”

You should notify your registered agent to check their email and complete the acceptance process. They have 7 days to accept the appointment. Your application will be rejected if not.

Click “Ok” to continue to the business activity section.

13. Complete The Business Activity Section

Next, you need to complete the business activity section. This requires you to enter your NAICS code to describe your chosen business activity. You may add several codes, but you need to clarify the percentage of your business that each code represents.

First, click the magnifying glass button to find a NAICS code.

a. Search For Your Code

Enter a suitable keyword and click “Search.”

Click the eye icon to see the full description of each code once the results appear. Then, click “+” to add the code.

b. Validate

If your first code doesn’t equal 100% of your business activities, click “+” to add more codes. 

Once you’ve entered every code and your total percentage equals 100%, click “validate” then “Next” to go to the application summary section.

14. Application Summary

You should now be able to review your stated info in the application summary section. Simply click “Previous” if you notice errors. You can also click the little yellow icon next to the corresponding section to perform edits.

Click “Next” once everything is in order to move on.

15. Articles Of Organization Filing Fees

You can choose between 2 filing fee options for this section:

• Normal filing ($100): Click “No.”
• Expedited filing ($150): Click “Yes” for expedited filing. This costs an additional $50 on top of the standard $100 fee. Approval will be granted in approximately 3 hours.

Click “Next” to continue.

16. Select Your Payment Method

Again, choose between 2 options when making your payment:

1. Credit card: A $5 state fee will be added.
2. Bank account: No additional fee.

Choose your desired payment option and click “Checkout & File” to continue.

Provide your payment details based on the choice you made above.

Once you’ve submitted your completed Articles of Organization to the Louisiana SOS, you will get an immediate receipt and email updates regarding your filing status. Your application should be approved in 3-5 business days. Once approved, you will get another email allowing you to download your official documentation.

Creating Your GeauxBIZ Account

1. Access The GeauxBIZ Portal

To begin your account creation process, go to the geauxBIZ login page. Then, click “Create an Account” on the right-hand side of the screen.

2. Enter Your Email & Password

State your email address and enter your password twice in the applicable fields.

After entering your password, complete the reCAPTCHA security code (if it appears).

Then, check the “Terms and Conditions” box to agree to the terms and click “Create Account.”

3. Add Your Contact Information

Next, add your current address information. You can use a home, office, or mailing address.

Despite this, I recommend using an office address to speed up your document filing procedures.

Complete the following steps:

1. Select an appropriate address.
2. Pick your country.
3. Complete address line 1 (required).
4. Add your city.
5. Choose your state and enter your ZIP code.

After completing these details, add your contact phone number. You can streamline future filings if you use a business phone number.

1. Choose your phone type.
2. Select your country.
3. Provide your contact phone number.

Click “Create Account” to proceed once you’ve completed the required fields.

You should see the following message on the next page:

“Your account has been created successfully! A confirmation email has been sent to the email address you provided. Please follow the instructions in this email to complete your registration.”

Complete The Email Verification Process

Navigate to your email inbox and locate the email from the state. The subject line should be “Welcome to Louisiana Secretary of State / geauxBiz.”

Click the verification link to be redirected to a page saying that “Your email has been verified!”

Click “Sign In” to proceed.

4. Log In To Your Account

Provide your email and password on the login page.

Then, click “Sign In.”

5. Create Your GeauxBIZ Profile

Log in to your newly created account.

You must select your account type as either “Individual” or “Organization” before completing any documents on the online portal:

• Individual: Choose this if you’re forming an LLC on your own.
• Organization: Choose this if you’re part of an existing company and want to register the new LLC under that business.

a. Account Type As An Individual

To make an individual account type:

• Account Type: Choose “Individual.”
• Name: Provide your first name and last name.

Check the “Disclaimer” box and click “Save.”

b. Account Type As An Organization

Follow these steps to make an organization account type:

• Account Type: Choose “Organization.”
• Company name: Provide your business’s name.
• Contact Name: Enter your full name.

Check the “Disclaimer” box and click “Save.”

How To File Your Louisiana Articles Of Organization By Paper

If you prefer to file by paper, you can use the Louisiana Articles of Organization (Form 365) to form your LLC.

To begin, download the form by clicking the above link or using the “Download” button on the right-hand side of the screen.

File your completed form using one of these methods:

• Mail: Processing takes longer due to the added delivery time.
• Fax: This requires a cover sheet or letter with your contact details and mailing address.
• Walk-in: You must arrive at the office before 4:00 P.M.

There are 3 parts to your PDF form. These must be completed as detailed below and filed together:

1. Transmittal Information Form: This is used to choose your processing speed and provide any required contact information.
2. Articles of Organization Form: This is used to officially form your LLC.
3. Initial Report Form: You must complete this form and file it alongside your Articles of Organization.

1. Transmittal Information Form

To select your processing speed, choose one of the following options:

• Routine: The standard processing time is 3 to 5 days. Your total fee is $25.
• Expedite ($30): Your filing will be processed within 24 hours. Your total fee is $55.
• Priority expedite ($50): Your filing should be processed within 2 to 4 hours. Your total fee is $75. 

Once you’ve chosen your processing speed, indicate your payment method by checking “Check or Money Order Enclosed.”

Next, enter your desired business name in the applicable field and provide your contact information using the steps below:

• State your full name (first name and last name).
• Add your full mailing address (street, city, state, and ZIP code).
• Complete your address details.
• Add your daytime phone number, fax number (if applicable), and email address.

2. Articles Of Organization Form

Complete your main LLC formation details as follows:

• State of: Write “Louisiana.”
• Parish/County of: State the parish where your formation documents have been notarized (e.g., East Baton Rouge Parish).
• LLC Name: Add your full LLC name (this must include LLC, L.L.C., or L.C.).
• Purpose: Choose “any lawful activity” (most common) or a specific business purpose. 
• Duration: Leave blank if you want your LLC duration to be perpetual (ongoing), or specify an end date.
• Management Structure: Choose “Member-managed” or “Manager-managed.”
• Other Provisions (optional): Add special rules if required. Otherwise, leave this field blank.

Once you’ve completed the required fields:

• Sign your completed document.
• Ensure that the notary signs, prints their name, and includes their notary number.

3. Initial Report Form

You must file your Initial Report form alongside your Articles of Organization:

1. State your LLC name.
2. Add your registered office address (you can NOT use a P.O. box).
3. Provide your Registered Agent’s details (full name and address).
4. List the names and addresses of your LLC members or managers.

Following this:

• Get your Registered Agent to sign the acceptance affidavit.
• Ensure the completed document is notarized.

4. File Your Completed Form

To file your completed form, prepare a check or money order payable to the Louisiana SOS. It must be for the total filing fee chosen at the beginning.

Put it with your required documents and file it using one of the following methods:

Once approved, you should receive an email with your approved documentation. Alongside this, you may get additional instructions from the Louisiana SOS. These will be sent to the email provided in your Transmittal Form.

How To Associate Your Business With Your Online Account

Good news if you’ve filed your formation docs online. Your LLC should already be linked with your account which makes things simple. If you’ve chosen to file by mail, you’ll unfortunately need to create and online account and link it to your business once its up and running.

Don’t forget this. It’s needed for future ongoing filings such as the Annual Report.

Need help? Scroll up to the previous section to learn everything that you need to know about creating a geauxBIZ account.

1. Access The “Businesses” Section

Click “Businesses” in the menu section on the main dashboard.

Then, click “Add Existing Business.”

2. Search For Your LLC And Add It To Your Account

Next, you need to search for your LLC. You can do this using three main search methods:

1. Entity name.
2. Entity number.
3. Officer/agent name.

Click “Search” once you’ve entered your query into the relevant field.

Following this, your business name should appear in the search results. Click the green plus icon to add your LLC. Your business is now associated with your geauxBIZ account for future filings.

The Importance Of Filing Your LLC Articles Of Organization

Your LLC is officially formed and recognized as a separate business entity once your Louisiana Articles of Organization filing has been approved by the Louisiana SOS. You face several legal and operational challenges if you don’t complete your filing.

1. Your LLC Doesn’t Legally Exist

As I’ve said above, you need to complete and submit your Articles of Organization and Initial Report to the Louisiana SOS to officially form your LLC. This is set under Louisiana RS §12:1304.

Failing to complete these required formation filings means that you have NO limited liability protection and will be held personally responsible for business debts and liabilities.

2. Operating Without Registration Is Seen As Deceptive

Under Louisiana RS 51:1405, your business activities may be viewed as “deceptive” and “illegal” if you attempt to operate your LLC without the required registrations.

If you violate this law, your business may face the following serious consequences:

• Injunctive relief: A court may issue an order asking your LLC to stop the unfair/deceptive practices immediately.
• Restitution: You may be ordered to return money/property to the victims or restore them to their “original financial state.”
• Civil penalties: A court may fine you up to $2,500 per violation.
• Business sanctions: In the case of extreme violations, your business license, charter, or franchise may be revoked or suspended.

3. It Creates Operational Risks

Your business lacks the proper legal recognition without any approved formation documents or an official EIN. This creates operational uncertainty and exposes your LLC to serious legal and financial risks.

These may include:

• Your business contracts may be “legally unenforceable.”
• Some banks may decline to open and/or maintain your business bank account.
• Partners, landlords, and vendors may not want to work with you.
• Your personal assets could be at risk without limited liability protection.

Louisiana SOS Contact Information

Got questions or issues regarding your LLC formation procedures? Speak with the Louisiana SOS using the following details.

• Phone: 225.925.4704.
• Fax: 225.932.5314.
• Contact page: Louisiana contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions