Are you in the process of opening a business bank account and wondering “where can I find my articles of organization?”
Well, you’ve come to the right place.
As you’ve probably recently come to realize, your company’s articles of organization are required to open a business bank account. So if you’ve misplaced them at some point in time and can’t remember where they are, don’t worry you can always recover them.
Read on below for how to request a new copy of your articles of organization. That way, you’ll be able to set up your business bank account as soon as possible.
Articles of Organization
If you’re wondering “where can I find my articles of organization?”, the first step is to find out whether or not you need a certified copy. Read on in this article to find out how to get either a certified or uncertified copy of your articles of organization.
In fact, here’s everything we’ll cover in this article…
Table of Contents:
- How to Get an Uncertified Copy of Your Articles of Organization
- How to Request a Certified Copy of Your Articles of Organization
- What Are Your Articles of Organization?
- Do you Need Articles of Organization to Open a Bank Account?
But, before diving in, if this is your first time visiting GlobalBanks, don’t forget to download your FREE USA Banking Starter Guide. This guide will help you open accounts in the US for your foreign and non-resident business.
When setting up a US LLC you must file your articles of organization with the state in which you choose to register your business in. In fact, the only way your business can operate is by submitting this specific document for approval.
This means, to get a new copy of your articles of organization you’ll have to request it from the state. More specifically, the state in which your business is registered.
Note, that how you go about this depends on the bank you’re applying to. And, whether or not it requires a certified copy of your articles of organization.
So, with that said, let’s look at the two ways you can find and obtain your articles of organization…
How to Get an Uncertified Copy of Your Articles of Organization
If you’re looking for an uncertified copy of your articles of organization, you can simply go to the state’s secretary of state website. Here, you will need to search your LLC’s name in the business directory section.
The search fields required include company type, name, and the registered agent’s name. In most cases, you’ll have the option to search a keyword related to your LLC. This can help you to locate your articles of organization more easily.
Of course, all state websites can differ.
So, depending on where your LLC is registered, there will be a slightly different process to download your articles of organization.
With that said, after receiving your search results, you can then download your articles of organization directly to your desktop. Or, print the file immediately.
Now, your state may not offer the option to retrieve your articles of organization by searching their business database. In which case, you’ll have to contact the secretary of state’s office directly.
And of course, note that if you choose to locate your company’s articles of organization through the online portal of the sectary of state website, it is not a certified copy.
So, if you’ve misplaced the document and require a certified copy for legal purposes or to open a business bank account, here’s how…
How to Request a Certified Copy of Your Articles of Organization
Knowing where you can find your articles of organization is important. To do so, you first need to know whether or not a certified copy is a requirement.
If a certified copy is required, you’ll need to take a different approach than if you were looking for an uncertified copy.
In this case, you’ll still need to visit the secretary of state’s website. But, instead of searching for your LLC in the businesses database, you’ll need to locate the option where you can request certified copies of your company’s articles of organization.
So, once you’ve located the option to do so, you’ll need to download or print the request form. More specifically, the Business Entities Records – Order Form.
Then, you’ll need to complete the form and answer all the necessary questions concerning your business.
Once completed, you can usually choose to submit it directly online or via mail.
If you have the option, we recommend that you submit the form online to save some time. Already, it can take several weeks for the state to approve your request. And on top of that, a couple of weeks more before you receive the certified copy.
So, if you’re caught in a situation where you need to find your articles of organization immediately, it’s important to check first whether or not a certified copy is required.
Because if an uncertified copy is acceptable, you can find your articles of organization on the secretary of state’s website and download a copy immediately.
Now, if you’re in the process of registering a new business and are wondering what exactly a company’s articles of organization form is, keep on reading. We detail this and more below.
What Is a Company’s Articles of Organization?
Answering the question “where can I find my articles of organization?” is important to understand if you’ve misplaced your copy.
But, if you’ve yet to register your US LLC, you’ll first need to know what a company’s articles of organization are. And, why it’s a requirement to submit them to the state in which you register your business in.
So, with that in mind, let’s look at what articles of organization are…
First of all, articles of organization can also be referred to as a certificate of organization or a certificate of formation.
But more importantly, it’s a specific document that outlines the basic details of your business. Specifically, the company name, the purpose of the business, mailing address, registered agent information, and much more.
And, when you form a US LLC, you’ll need to submit your completed articles of organization form through the secretary of state office.
However, depending on which state you’re registering your business in, the process of submitting the document can vary. For instance, some states only accept submission by mail. Whereas some states allow you to complete and submit your articles of organization 100% online.
So, before filling out the form, it’s important to understand the state’s process. That way, you can determine the expected timeline.
Now, an articles of organization is not only used or required to register an LLC. In fact, it’s also a requirement when applying to open a US business bank account. More on this below.
Do you Need Articles of Organization to Open a Bank Account?
Articles of organization are required when opening a US business bank account for a US LLC. In fact, it’s an important document that allows the bank to verify a business’s operations. But also, its owners and other specific details relating to the company.
But, before applying and submitting your articles of organization, there are a few factors you need to consider first.
For instance, as a foreign-owned US LLC, you need to find a bank that offers low-cost payment processing, reasonable financing, and attractive business credit cards. Not to mention, a bank that accepts your client profile.
Now, although US banks don’t require foreign non-residents to have US residency or show proof of US ties to open a business bank account, opening accounts as a foreign business owner can be difficult to navigate.
Fortunately, we help our GlobalBanks USA members open business bank accounts for their US LLCs in the US on a regular basis.
But, that’s not all.
Our GlobalBanks USA members get direct support from our team of banking experts where we answer the difficult banking questions and suggest specific banks that match your specific client profile.
We also make direct introductions to banks in the USA. Helping you start the process of opening a bank account for your US LLC.
So, if you’re ready to start, here’s how…
Ready to Start Opening Accounts?
Whether you’re ready to open a bank account in the US today or you’re just starting to explore your options, we can help.
GlobalBanks USA is our dedicated US bank account opening service.
GlobalBanks USA gives you everything you need to start finding and opening US bank accounts for you and your business.
When you join GlobalBanks USA, you receive a dedicated account manager to help you navigate your US account opening options.
Plus, you receive access to our library of premium (members-only) US banking reports. This includes proven account opening strategies, client-specific lists of banks, and successful tactics to make the most of US banking.
Of course, you’ll receive direct introductions to US bankers who are ready to help you navigate the account opening process at top US banks.
To get started, click here to see if GlobalBanks USA is the right choice for you to start accessing the benefits of US banking today.
