How To Start an Oklahoma LLC

I also like to provide a few business ideas based on what other Oklahoma LLC businesses have done in the past. Who doesn’t love great business ideas!?

Oklahoma is known for it’s booming energy industry so anything you’re doing with energy or agriculture is right up your alley to setup a Limited Liability Company in Oklahoma!

Now let’s get started on our journey to a Oklahoma LLC!

Name Your Oklahoma LLC

The first step is pretty simple, you need to name your LLC. You’ll want to make sure the name of your LLC is available in Oklahoma and not being used by another business.

To do a quick search of business names in Oklahoma, you can go here – https://www.sos.ok.gov/forms/business/UCC-1.pdf

You’ll also want to make sure your LLC name meets the Oklahoma LLC naming guidelines (see below):

• The name must contain the words “Limited Liability Company” or “Limited Company” or the abbreviations “L.L.C.”, “LLC”, “L.C.”, or “LC”
• The name must not contain language stating or implying that the LLC is organized for a purpose other than permitted by state law
• The name must not be the same as the name of any other business entity existing in this state

If you’re going to setup a business name with the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s office you’re going to need to do a name search. The PDF above does work well but I would also recommend you take a look at the Business Name search portal which you can find here:

https://www.sos.ok.gov/corp/corpInquiryFind.aspx

It’s pretty easy to do a look up and you’ll be able to see if there are existing business entities that you’ll need to consider before you name your Oklahoma LLC.

After you’ve gone through the name search and figured out what you’re going to use, I highly recommend you secure your digital name using GoDaddy. If you can get the business name with the ‘.com’ domain – you’re going to be much happier in the long run. This is going to be a great business of yours and with the right legal business entity name and feeling like you’ve got the right digital name – you’re going to do extremely well.

Choose your registered agent

The next step in the process is to choose your registered agent. A registered agent service is a person or business that agrees to accept service of process notices and other official communications on behalf of your LLC. The phrase “service of process” refers to the delivery of legal papers notifying an individual or business entity that it is being sued.

The registered agent must have a physical address in Oklahoma. The term “physical address” means an address where the registered agent can be found during normal business hours. A mailing address or post office box cannot be used as a physical address.

You can act as your own registered agent service, but I recommend using Northwest Registered Agent because you’re in good hands, they know exactly what they’re doing and have done this for 1000s of other business owners just like you. They will also give you their first year of registered agent services included in the cost of an Oklahoma LLC formation.

If you’re not into that or would like to have a local connection vs. a national provider, there are law firms in each state that provide a registered agent service. You’ll need to search them out and make sure the Oklahoma Secretary of State office is ok with that but I would recommend using them as your Oklahoma Registered Agent if that’s what you’re in need of.

Once you’ve selected your registered agent, you’ll want to let them know as soon as possible so that they can be on the lookout for any official correspondence or service of process notices on behalf of your LLC.

You can find the contact information for Northwest Registered Agent here:

https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/oklahoma/

Now that you’ve chosen your registered agent, it’s time to move on to the next step in setting up your Oklahoma Limited Liability Company.

Prepare and File Articles of Organization

The next step is to prepare and file your Articles of Organization with the Oklahoma Secretary of State. The Articles of Organization is a document that contains basic information about your LLC, including the name and address of your LLC, the name and address of your registered agent, and the purpose of your LLC.

You can find the filing fee and the Articles of Organization form on the Oklahoma Secretary of State website:

https://www.sos.ok.gov/business/forms.aspx

The filing fee for an LLC in Oklahoma is $100, and you can file online, by mail, or in person.

Once you’ve filed your Articles of Organization, you’ll want to keep a copy for your records. The Oklahoma Secretary of State will also provide you with a file-stamped copy of the Articles of Organization, which you should also keep for your records.

Create an operating agreement

The next step is to create an operating agreement for your LLC. An operating agreement is a legal document that sets forth the ownership and operating procedures of your LLC.

While an operating agreement is not required by Oklahoma law, it is highly recommended that you have one in place. An operating agreement can help prevent disagreements between members and provides a roadmap for how your LLC will be run.

You can find a sample operating agreement on the Oklahoma Secretary of State website that will help you operate your business.

Once you’ve created your operating agreement, you’ll want to keep it in a safe place. This is a document that you could track your business structure, if you put in personal assets and any business debts that may have been incurred as investments prior to starting it.

You’re going to use a professional registered agent service and setup an Oklahoma LLC, you’re going to want operating agreements that you’ll be able to keep track of everything related to your business and how you’re working with your LLC members on it.

Get an EIN

The next step is to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. An EIN is a nine-digit number that is used to identify your LLC for tax purposes.

You can apply for an EIN online, by mail, or by fax. The IRS website has more information on how to apply for an EIN.

Once you have your EIN, you’ll want to keep it in a safe place. You’ll need it when you file your taxes and when you open a business bank account. There are a few options for setting up an Oklahoma LLC business bank account but it’s going to be important that you set one up.

Open A Business Bank Account

The next step is to open a business bank account. This will allow you to keep your personal and business finances separate and will make it easier for you to track your expenses.

It’s important to use a business bank account because it will help you build business credit and could make it easier for you to get loans in the future.

When you’re ready to open a business bank account, you’ll need your EIN and Articles of Organization. You may also need a business license, depending on the bank you choose.

The best option is to get setup with an online business bank account using lili.co. It works well and is really simple for you to get setup. Go setup an account today.

Get Small Business Insurance

The next step is to obtain small business insurance. This will protect your business from liability in the event that someone is injured on your property or if you are sued.

You can get a free quote for small business insurance from commercialinsurance.net. I recommend using them because they’ll give you want you need at reasonable rates. Go check them out today.

Get a Business License

The final step is to obtain a business license from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

A business license is required if you will be selling products or services in Oklahoma. The license must be renewed annually.

You can apply for a business license online, by mail, or in person. The application fee is $25.

Once you have your business license, you’ll want to keep it in a safe place. You’ll need it whenever you file your taxes or renew your business license.

There are a few things to remember when starting an LLC in Oklahoma:

1) You’ll need to file your Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State.

2) You’ll need to create an operating agreement.

3) You’ll need to obtain an Employer Identification Number from the IRS.

4) You’ll need to open a business bank account.

5) You’ll need to get small business insurance.

6) You’ll need to get a business license from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

If you follow these steps, you’ll be well on your way to starting a successful LLC in Oklahoma. Good luck!

FAQs

How much does it cost to start an LLC in Oklahoma?

The filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $100. The annual business license fee is $25.

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

It usually takes about 2-3 weeks to form an LLC in Oklahoma.

Do I need a business license to start an LLC in Oklahoma?

Yes, you will need a business license if you plan on selling products or services in Oklahoma.

How can I get a business license in Oklahoma?

You can apply for a business license online, by mail, or in person. The application fee is $25.