How to File Articles of Amendment and Make Changes to an LLC

An amendment document is used to modify a business’ original formation document. LLCs can make changes to their articles of organization by filing articles of amendment with the relevant state agency.

Here’s a breakdown of how to file articles of amendment to make changes to your LLC. 

What are articles of organization?

To form an LLC, members file articles of organization—also called a certificate of formation or a certificate of organization—with the state's business filing office.

This is usually the Secretary of State's office, but it can vary. For example, in Maryland, the office that regulates businesses is called the State Department of Assessments and Taxation, while in Arizona, it is called the Arizona Corporation Commission.

The articles of organization is a document that sets out basic information about the business. 

You typically need the following information to file articles of organization:

• The name and principal address of the LLC
• The name and address of the registered agent
• Information about the owners, managers, and officers
• A description of the business
• Signature or signatures of the organizer or organizers of the LLC and the manager or managers, if named

Because this information varies by state, always check with your state's filing office for your state's specific requirements. Once the document is approved, the LLC is legally created and registered as a new entity.

What are articles of amendment?

LLCs file articles of amendment—also sometimes called a certificate of amendment or a certificate of change—to make modifications to their LLC. Articles of amendment help ensure state records accurately reflect a business’ current information and activities. 

While LLCs often use articles of amendment to report major changes, you may be able to update some minor changes through an annual report or other state-specific form, depending on your jurisdiction.

For example, LLCs that do business in Wyoming that want to change their name must complete and mail an Amendment to Articles of Organization document to the Wyoming Secretary of State, but if they want to change their address, they can fill out an Update Form and submit it by mail or email. 

The articles of amendment document is easy to prepare. Information typically required includes:

• The business name as it appears on the articles of organization
• The date of organization
• The information being changed, such as a new LLC name or a change of business address
• The exact text of the articles that the LLC is changing
• The name and address of the registered agent
• Signature of the person authorized to sign off on all paperwork

Be sure to check with your state's filing office regarding the specific information and forms required.

Reasons to file articles of amendment 

The reasons for filing articles of amendment depend on business type and can include the following:

• Business name change. Articles of amendment can often be used to record an LLC’s new name. If you’re changing your LLC name, make sure the new name fulfills state naming requirements (such as being distinguishable and including “LLC” or “limited liability company” within the name).
• Change in business address. Businesses that need to change their principal office or mailing address can update business address information on an articles of amendment form.
• Modification of business activities. LLCs that are expanding operations can use articles of amendment to change the business purposes or duration of the company stated in their original articles of organization.
• Alteration in share structure. Corporations can file articles of amendment to change share information such as the amount of authorized shares or value of the shares.
• Changes in management or membership. LLCs can file articles of amendment to add or remove members or managers.

How to file articles of amendment in 6 steps

Follow these six steps to file your articles of amendment.

Step 1. Consult legal professionals

Talking to a lawyer or using an online articles of amendment service like LegalZoom’s can help you understand the implications of any changes you make to your LLC and ensure your articles of amendment are filed correctly and comply with state law.

Step 2. Obtain necessary approvals

Before you make any major changes to your LLC, you should get approval from LLC members or managers. If you have an LLC operating agreement, be sure to update the document to reflect agreed-upon changes.

Step 3. Determine the required form

Check with your state to find out whether you can make all changes on a single form or if you need to use separate forms for specific updates. You can contact your state’s business filing agency (typically the Secretary of State) to determine the exact forms you need—and any associated filing fees—to make changes to your LLC. 

For example, Kentucky LLCs are required to file a Statement of Change form with the Kentucky Secretary of State and pay a $10 filing fee if they want to change their registered agent and/or registered office address. 

Step 4. Complete the form accurately

Next, you’ll need to ensure the form is filled out correctly. The information required for an articles of amendment form varies by state but usually includes your business’ current name, the specific amendments you are making, and supporting details.

For example, Michigan requires LLCs to include the following information on their certificates of amendment:

• Name
• Mailing address
• Present LLC name
• identification number
• Original articles of organization filing date
• Article number to be amended
• Description of the amendment
• How the amendment was approved
• Preparer’s name, dated signature, and business phone number

Step 5. Submit the form and pay fees 

The submission process and associated fees for articles of amendment depend on the state. LLCs can typically submit an articles of amendment form via their state’s Secretary of State (or equivalent agency) website. However, some states may require businesses to file articles of amendment by mail.

For instance, LLCs in Montana can file articles of amendment online through the Montana Secretary of State website, but Wyoming LLCs must mail an Amendment to Articles of Organization form along with a $60 filing fee to the Wyoming Secretary of State. 

Step 6. Confirm acceptance and update records

Once you’ve submitted your articles of amendment, it’s a good idea to verify that the state has accepted the document. After you’ve confirmed state acceptance of your articles of amendment, make sure to update business records and accounts (such as business bank accounts, tax records, and business licenses and permits) with your new information. 

File your articles of amendment with LegalZoom 

LegalZoom’s articles of amendment service makes it easy to file articles of amendment. Answer a few questions about your LLC and the changes you want to make and we’ll file the paperwork for you and send you a copy of the filed articles of amendment. 

Need your articles of amendment fast? We also offer expedited service for an additional fee. Get expedited processing and delivery of your filed articles of amendment within two to three business days after we receive it from the state. 

FAQs

When should you file restated articles of organization?

You can file restated articles of organization after you file articles of amendment. Restated articles of organization can be used to consolidate multiple amendments or make additional changes to your articles of organization.

The restated articles of organization can include both the changes made by the articles of amendment and any new changes.

Check your state’s business filing agency to find out whether filing restated articles of organization makes sense for your LLC. 

What are the consequences of not filing articles of amendment?

If you make changes to your LLC without filing articles of amendment, the changes you make may not be considered legally binding and you run the risk of having your business administratively dissolved if you don’t comply with state reporting requirements.

Are articles of amendment public? 

Articles of organization are public record. Any amendments you make will be reflected in your updated articles of organization. States may redact confidential information, but you will need to check with your state to find out what information about your business is publicly accessible. 

What are articles of correction?

Businesses file articles of correction to correct a document submitted to their state’s business filing office that is incomplete, contains a factual error, or was improperly executed.

Roberta Codemo contributed to this article.