What is a Delaware LLC Certificate of Formation?
The Delaware Certificate of Formation is the document you receive from the state of Delaware once your LLC is filed and approved by the Delaware Secretary of State, Division of Corporations.
Called the "Articles of Organization" in many other states, the Delaware LLC Certificate of Formation is akin to a birth certificate for your newly-created Delaware LLC. This LLC formation document should not be confused with a Certificate of Incorporation, which is what a corporation (as opposed to an LLC) receives when filed.
Your approved and original LLC Certificate of Formation, which will be emailed to you, is a black and white document with a time-stamp and date-stamp in the corner that indicates it has been approved by the Delaware Secretary of State.
Certificate of Formation Requirements
This Certificate of Formation is the only document you are required to file in order to create a Delaware LLC. The Delaware LLC Certificate of Formation remains on file with the Delaware Secretary of State, and is required to contain only three items:
- the name of the Delaware LLC
- the address of the Delaware LLC's registered office
- the name and address of the Delaware Registered Agent
The ownership, operation and management of the LLC are set forth in the company's LLC Operating Agreement, which is not required to be filed with the state and can therefore be changed without the company ever having to pay a fee to file an amendment.
Should I Add Information to my Delaware LLC Certificate of Formation?
You can, if you so desire, elect to add additional information to your Delaware LLC's Certificate of Formation. This is a personal choice with advantages and disadvantages.
Some people want the LLC's members' names listed on the Certificate, or the titles of the LLC's members, or perhaps the physical business address. These people typically feel more secure in knowing their name has been filed with the state as a member of the LLC, in case a dispute over ownership should arise at any point.
One of the disadvantages of listing extra information on the LLC formation documents is that in order to make any changes, an amendment must be filed with the state. Not surprisingly, the state charges a hefty fee to file an amendment; the thought of this superfluous fee is unappealing to many clients, which is why most people choose not to list any additional information on their Certificate of Formation.
If you are preparing your own Delaware LLC Certificate of Formation, your name will be listed on the Certificate as the Delaware LLC's authorized person, this is why many people opt to have us act as their Delaware Registered Agent.
We can prepare the Delaware LLC Certificate of Formation for you, which allows you to take full advantage of the privacy offered by the Delaware LLC Act. Form your Delaware LLC and have our team serve as your Delaware Registered Agent today.
You might also be interested in this related article:
*Disclaimer*: Harvard Business Services, Inc. is neither a law firm nor an accounting firm and, even in cases where the author is an attorney, or a tax professional, nothing in this article constitutes legal or tax advice. This article provides general commentary on, and analysis of, the subject addressed. We strongly advise that you consult an attorney or tax professional to receive legal or tax guidance tailored to your specific circumstances. Any action taken or not taken based on this article is at your own risk. If an article cites or provides a link to third-party sources or websites, Harvard Business Services, Inc. is not responsible for and makes no representations regarding such source’s content or accuracy. Opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Harvard Business Services, Inc.
There are 12 comments left for What is a Delaware LLC Certificate of Formation?
AURA MARIA LOPEZ said: Wednesday, February 2, 2022Hello, I’m interested in creating an LLC specially to being able to use Stripe to sell my coaching services to other countries. My services will be sold virtually. Could you please help me to know how the process is I am Spanish citizen and Colombian citizen operating from Colombia. - How does the taxes work with this type of LLC if I live in Bogota Colombia? - how long does it take to create it and what information do I have to prepare? - what are the costs of an LLC? Many than for your help. -
HBS Staff replied: Thursday, February 3, 2022Hi Aura, Thank you for visiting our blog. We will have a member of our sales team reach out to you today!
ted ogunbanjo said: Tuesday, September 22, 2020We want to include the names of the shareholders and their shareholding on the certificate. please advise costs
HBS Staff replied: Tuesday, September 22, 2020Unfortunately, we cannot assist with this specific request. Shareholders are not typically noted in the Ceritificate of Incorporation. Please feel free to contact us via live chat, phone, or email for additional information.
kozak Investment Fund LLC said: Wednesday, April 1, 2020Request a training certificate stating my name as the sole owner. graciously
HBS Staff replied: Thursday, April 2, 2020Please contact our Filings team at filings@delawareinc.com and they can assist you with your document needs.
Alameen said: Wednesday, April 10, 2019Is a Delaware LLC owned by a non US resident is eligible to lease equipments and services from the US financial market worth few millions ??.
HBS Staff replied: Thursday, April 11, 2019Alameen, a Delaware LLC is allowed to conduct lawful business activity any where in the world it would choose. It would be best to reach out to the company or organization offering the leases and inquire about the requirements to work with them.
Ivaylo Velkov said: Saturday, January 20, 2018Hello, I want to make a personal LLC but I dont want to show in the Certificate of Formation in position address of the Delaware LLC's registered office my real address in Bulgaria from where I will operate with the company. Can I use some your let say virtual address to fill in this position ?
HBS Staff replied: Wednesday, January 24, 2018By default, we do not share any of your personal information with the state. The only address listed on the Certificate of Formation is typically our Registered Agent Address.