Real Documents You’ll Need for a Georgia LLC

Starting a business in Georgia is exciting! If you’ve chosen to form an LLC (Limited Liability Company), you’ve made a smart move. An LLC protects your personal property, gives your business a legal structure, and helps build trust with banks, customers, and partners.

But before your business is official, you need to file some important Georgia LLC documents.

This guide will walk you through the real documents you need to start and run your Georgia LLC. You’ll see what a sample Georgia certificate of formation looks like and how Georgia compares to states like Texas, Delaware, and Wyoming. Plus, we’ll help you find a local registered agent if you need one.

What Is an LLC and Why Are These Documents Important?

An LLC (Limited Liability Company) is a popular type of business in Georgia and across the U.S. It keeps your personal money and property safe if something goes wrong in your business, like a lawsuit or debt.

But to make your LLC official in Georgia, you need to file certain papers with the state. These are the documents we’ll talk about today.

You need these documents to:

• Prove your business is legal
• Open a business bank account
• File taxes
• Sign contracts
• Protect your assets

Document #1: Articles of Organization (Certificate of Formation)

This is the first and most important form you’ll file with the Georgia Secretary of State. It officially creates your LLC.

Some states call this form the “Certificate of Formation” or “Certificate of Organization.” In Georgia, it’s usually called the Articles of Organization.

What’s Included:

• Name of your LLC (make sure it’s available!)
• Name and address of your registered agent
• Your business address
• Name and signature of the organizer

What It Looks Like:

Sample Georgia Certificate of Formation Example

Let’s say you’re starting a cleaning business called Peachy Clean Services, LLC. After you file your Articles of Organization, you’ll get a document from the Georgia Secretary of State that looks like this:

Certificate of Organization
State of Georgia
Filed: January 3, 2024
Control No.: 24000321
LLC Name: Peachy Clean Services, LLC
Registered Agent: Rapid Registered Agent LLC
Status: Active

This stamped certificate proves that your LLC is registered and recognized by the state.

Document #2: Operating Agreement

Georgia does not require an operating agreement by law, but we highly recommend it.

An Operating Agreement explains how your LLC works. It’s like a rulebook for your business.

What’s in It:

• Who owns what part of the business
• Who makes decisions
• What happens if someone leaves the company
• How profits are shared

Even if you’re the only person in your LLC, having an operating agreement helps show banks and courts that your business is real.

Document #3: EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Once your LLC is formed, you’ll need an EIN. This is like a Social Security Number for your business. The IRS gives it to you for free.

Why You Need an EIN:

• To open a business bank account
• To pay business taxes
• To hire employees
• To apply for business licenses

You can get your EIN online at the IRS.gov website.

Document #4: Georgia Annual Registration

Every year, Georgia requires you to file something called an Annual Registration for your LLC. It keeps your business information up to date with the Secretary of State.

What’s Included:

• Your business address
• Name of your LLC
• Registered agent info

This form is usually due between January 1 and April 1 each year. The filing fee is low—around $50—but don’t skip it. If you forget, the state may cancel your LLC.

Document #5: Registered Agent Appointment

Every LLC in Georgia must have a registered agent. This person or company receives official mail and legal documents on behalf of your business.

What Makes a Good Agent?

• Has a physical address in Georgia (not a P.O. box)
• Is available during business hours
• Can handle legal and government mail quickly

You can be your agent, but many people choose a professional service so they don’t miss important mail, or have legal papers sent to their home.

Need a local Georgia agent? See our Rapid office hours
We’re based right here in Georgia and ready to help!

Georgia vs. Other States: What’s Different?

Let’s see how Georgia compares to other popular states for forming LLCs: Texas, Delaware, and Wyoming.

Key Differences:

• Delaware is popular for big companies and investors, but has more fees.
• Wyoming is known for privacy and low costs.
• Texas has strong business protections but requires extra forms.
• Georgia is a good choice for locals, with simple steps and easy online filing.

Other Helpful Georgia Business Documents (Optional but Smart)

Business License or Local Permits

Depending on your city or county, you might need a local business license. For example, a coffee shop in Atlanta needs a business tax certificate.

Banking Resolution

Some banks ask for this when opening a business account. It says who’s allowed to use the account.

LLC Membership Certificate

This is a certificate you give to members (owners) of the LLC. It’s not required but looks professional and helps track ownership.

Stay Organized: Your Georgia LLC Document Checklist

Here’s a simple Georgia LLC documents checklist you’ll need to start and manage your LLC in Georgia:

• Articles of Organization (filed with the state)
• Operating Agreement (keep it with your records)
• EIN (get it from the IRS)
• Registered Agent (must have a Georgia address)
• Annual Registration (file it every year)
• Local licenses (if required by your city)
• Banking documents (if needed by your bank)

Final Thoughts: Start Your Georgia LLC the Right Way

Setting up an LLC in Georgia is not hard, but you do need the right documents. Each one has a purpose, whether it’s making your LLC legal, helping you open a bank account, or keeping your business in good standing.

Starting off the right way will save you stress, money, and legal trouble later.

Need help with your Georgia LLC documents? Talk to our Rapid Registered Agent team. We’re local, fast, and here when you need us.