How to create a Maryland LLC in 6 steps

Forming a limited liability company in Maryland involves several key steps. Here’s what you need to do to become a business owner in Maryland:

Step 1: Choose your business name

The first step in starting your Maryland LLC is choosing a unique name for your business. Maryland requires your LLC’s name to include “Limited Liability Company” or the abbreviations “LLC” or “L.L.C.” This helps identify your business entity as a limited liability company and makes it distinct from other entities.

To ensure your name is unique, do a Maryland LLC search using the Secretary of State’s business name search tool. This database allows you to search for business names that are already registered, which means they’re not available. Make sure your name doesn’t conflict with any existing businesses, and avoid restricted terms like “bank” or “insurance,” unless you have the proper licenses to use those words. If you’re not ready to file your LLC formation paperwork yet, you can reserve your business name for 30 days for a $25 fee.

Step 2: Appoint a resident agent

Every LLC in Maryland is required to appoint a resident agent, also known as a registered agent. This person is responsible for receiving important legal documents and official government notices on behalf of your business. The resident agent must have a physical address in Maryland—P.O. boxes aren’t allowed—and must be available during normal business hours.

You can act as your own agent, appoint another individual, or hire a professional resident agent service. For example, registered agent services from LegalZoom provide you with automatic alerts when you get mail along with digital copies you can access from anywhere. If you do decide to use a resident agent service, make these arrangements before you file, as you’ll need to include their name and address on your LLC formation paperwork.

If you need to change your resident agent in the future, you can file a Resolution to Change Principal Office or Resident Agent with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT), which charges a $25 filing fee for the update.

Step 3: File the articles of organization

To officially create your Maryland LLC, you’ll need to file articles of organization with SDAT. You can start by creating an account with Maryland Business Express and filling out the paperwork online. You can also mail in a paper filing with a check or money order. The fee for both online and paper filings is $100. The articles of organization provide key information about your LLC, such as:

• The LLC’s name and Maryland business address
• The purpose of the LLC
• The resident agent’s name and address
• The signature, name, and address of the person filing the paperwork

Standard review of your LLC application takes six to eight weeks. You can pay an additional $50 for review within 7 to 10 days. You can also pay a fee for same-day expedited service: $325 for online filings and $425 if you deliver the documents to the SDAT office in Baltimore.