The Washington LLC Certificate of Formation is the legal document that officially creates your limited liability company in Washington State, filed with the Washington Secretary of State Corporations Division under RCW Chapter 25.15. Without this filing, your business has no legal existence, no liability shield, and no right to operate under your chosen LLC name.
Washington processes more than 60,000 new LLC formations each year, and the Secretary of State reports that roughly 1 in 7 paper filings is rejected on the first pass for missing or inconsistent information. A single typo in your registered agent line or a missing executor signature can delay your formation by 2–3 weeks and cost you the bank account opening date you planned around.
Here is what you will learn in this guide:
- 📋 How to complete every box on the Certificate of Formation, line by line
- 💵 The exact fees, payment methods, and processing times for each filing channel
- 🧑💼 How to choose a registered agent and avoid the most common rejection reason
- ⚠️ The 10 mistakes that cause the most rejections and how to dodge each one
- ✅ Three full filled-out examples for the most common Washington LLC scenarios
What the Certificate of Formation Is and Who Must File It
The Certificate of Formation is the founding document of a Washington limited liability company, authorized by RCW 25.15.071. When the Secretary of State accepts and date-stamps your Certificate, your LLC legally exists, gains a separate legal personality from its owners, and starts the clock on its first annual report obligation.
Anyone forming a domestic Washington LLC must file this form. That includes single-member LLCs owned by one person, multi-member LLCs owned by partners or family members, manager-managed LLCs run by an outside manager, and series of holding LLCs used by real estate investors. Out-of-state businesses do not file the Certificate of Formation; they file a Foreign Registration Statement instead.
Licensed professionals who want to form a Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) — such as physicians, attorneys, architects, and CPAs — file a slightly different version of the Certificate that names the licensed profession and confirms each member holds a valid Washington license under RCW 25.15.046. The base form and walkthrough below still apply; the PLLC simply adds the profession field and a license-verification step.
The agency that receives the form is the Corporations and Charities Division of the Washington Secretary of State. The statute that requires the form is the Washington Limited Liability Company Act. The deadline is the date you intend to begin operating, since you cannot legally do business as an LLC before formation. The penalty for operating without filing is the loss of your liability shield and possible personal exposure for business debts.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Filing goes faster and rejections drop sharply when you gather everything before you open the form. The Corporations and Charities Filing System (CCFS) times out after 30 minutes of inactivity, and lost work is the #2 complaint to the agency’s help desk. Treat the checklist below as your launch pad.
- Proposed LLC name with required designator. Your name must end in Limited Liability Company, L.L.C., LLC, Limited Liability Co., or Ltd. Liability Co. per RCW 25.15.011. If the designator is missing, the system rejects the filing.
- Name availability check. Run your name through the Washington Business Name Search to confirm no active or reserved entity uses it.
- Principal office street address. This must be a physical street address in any state, not a P.O. Box. The agency uses it for service of legal documents and tax mailings.
- Registered agent name and Washington street address. Your agent must have a physical Washington address (no P.O. Boxes) and must consent in writing.
- Registered agent’s signed consent. Washington requires the agent to sign a Consent to Serve as Registered Agent form, attached to paper filings or e-signed online.
- Executor (organizer) name, address, and signature. The executor is the person who signs and submits the Certificate; this can be a member, a manager, an attorney, or a formation service.
- Effective date choice. You can have the LLC begin on the filing date or set a future date up to 90 days out, useful for tax-year planning.
- Management structure decision. You must declare whether the LLC is member-managed or manager-managed; this drives who has authority to bind the company.
- Governors’ names and addresses (optional but common). “Governors” is Washington’s term for managers or managing members; listing them on the Certificate makes proof of authority easier at banks.
- Payment method and funds. $200 online or $180 by mail for the formation fee; expedited service adds $50 (24-hour) or $100 (same-day in-person).
- Plan for an Operating Agreement and EIN. Neither is filed with the state, but you will need both for banking and taxes after the Certificate is approved.
If any of these items is missing, the most common consequence is a rejection notice that forces you to refile and pay again. Gathering them up front turns a 45-minute filing into a 15-minute one.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The current Certificate of Formation (revision date 07/2023 at the time of writing — confirm the date printed at the bottom of your downloaded copy) is available three ways. The fastest is the online CCFS filing wizard, which walks you through each field and validates entries in real time. The agency strongly prefers online filings because they auto-populate the entity record and cut processing from weeks to days.
The paper version of the Certificate of Formation (Form CR-LLC) is downloadable as a fillable PDF. Use the paper form when you need wet-ink signatures from out-of-state members, or when your bank requires a stamped paper certificate for an account opening. The paper form ships with a cover sheet and a registered agent consent page that must travel with it.
In-person filings are accepted at the Corporations Division’s office at 801 Capitol Way South, Olympia, WA 98504. In-person is the only channel that supports same-day expedited service. Walk-ins should arrive before 3:30 p.m. with a check or money order; the office does not accept credit cards at the counter for same-day service.
Whichever channel you use, the Certificate fields are identical. The difference is only the wrapping: online prompts you box-by-box, while paper requires you to type or print legibly inside fixed-width fields. Mixing channels — for example, downloading the PDF, filling it out, and uploading it through CCFS — is not allowed and triggers an automatic rejection.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the Washington Certificate of Formation Line by Line
Below is every field on the Certificate of Formation in the order it appears. Each subsection covers what the field asks, how to answer it, an example entry, a nuance, the most common mistake plus its consequence, and a misconception to drop before you type.
Box 1: UBI Number (if previously issued)
This box asks for your nine-digit Unified Business Identifier if Washington’s Department of Revenue or Employment Security has already issued you one for a sole proprietorship or other prior registration. Most first-time filers leave this blank because the Secretary of State assigns a UBI on approval.
If you already have a UBI from a prior business, type the number with no dashes or spaces; for example, Maria Chen enters 604-123-456 as 604123456. The system will link the new LLC to your existing tax history.
A common nuance is the sole proprietor converting to an LLC. If Maria operated Chen Consulting as a sole prop and already has a UBI, she should enter it so her business license, tax accounts, and reseller permit transfer cleanly to the new entity.
The most common mistake is guessing or recycling an EIN in this field. The consequence is a mismatch flag with the Department of Revenue that freezes your business license for 4–6 weeks while staff investigate.
A frequent misconception is that the UBI and the federal EIN are the same. They are not. The UBI is a state-issued number from the Department of Revenue Business Licensing Service; the EIN comes from the IRS.
Box 2: Name of the Limited Liability Company
This field asks for the exact legal name of your new LLC, including the required designator. The name must be distinguishable from every other active or reserved entity on file with the Secretary of State.
Type the full name in mixed case, ending in one of the allowed designators. For example, Jacob Reyes enters Cascade Ridge Holdings LLC for his real estate company.
The nuance most filers miss is “distinguishable on the records.” Adding the word Washington or changing LLC to L.L.C. is not enough to clear a conflict — substantive word changes are required. Run the Business Name Search before filing.
The common mistake is omitting the designator entirely, writing only Cascade Ridge Holdings. The direct consequence is rejection and a refiling fee, since Washington statute requires the designator on the founding document.
A misconception is that filing the Certificate also reserves your trade name or DBA. It does not. To use a name different from your registered LLC name, file a separate trade name registration through the Business Licensing Service.
Box 3: Effective Date of Formation
This field controls when your LLC legally comes into existence. You can choose the date the Secretary of State files your Certificate, or you can pick a specific future date up to 90 days after filing.
To select the filing date, leave the date line blank or check the box marked Date of Filing. To pick a future date, write it as MM/DD/YYYY; for example, Aisha Patel writes 01/01/2027 to start her LLC on the new tax year.
The nuance here is tax-year planning. Forming on December 15 means you owe a partial-year federal return and a full Washington annual report cycle; forming on January 1 keeps your books cleanly aligned with the calendar year.
The common mistake is choosing a future date and then trying to open a bank account or sign a lease before that date arrives. The consequence is that the LLC has no legal existence yet, so contracts signed in its name are personally binding on the signer.
A misconception is that the effective date can be backdated. It cannot. Washington does not allow retroactive formation; any date you choose must be the filing date or later.
Box 4: Period of Duration
This field asks how long the LLC will exist. The default is perpetual, which means the LLC continues until its members vote to dissolve it.
Most filers select or write Perpetual. If you want a fixed end date — common in single-project joint ventures or estate-planning structures — write the specific termination date as MM/DD/YYYY; for example, Marcus and Linda Tran enter 12/31/2035 for their 10-year solar farm LLC.
A nuance worth noting is that a fixed term does not lock you in. You can amend the Certificate later to extend or shorten the duration by filing a Certificate of Amendment.
The common mistake is leaving the field blank on the paper form. The consequence is a rejection notice, since the field requires an explicit answer even when the answer is perpetual.
A misconception is that a perpetual LLC pays more taxes or fees than a fixed-term one. It does not. Annual report fees are identical regardless of duration.
Box 5: Registered Agent Name
The registered agent is the person or company designated to receive lawsuits, tax notices, and official mail on behalf of the LLC. The agent must be either a Washington resident over 18 or a business entity authorized to do business in Washington.
Enter the agent’s full legal name; for example, Northwest Registered Agent LLC for a commercial agent, or David Okonkwo if a member is serving as agent. Use the exact name on file with the Secretary of State if the agent is a business.
A nuance is that the LLC itself cannot be its own registered agent under RCW 23.95.410. A member can serve as agent in his or her individual capacity, but only if that member maintains a Washington street address.
The common mistake is naming a spouse or relative who travels frequently. The consequence is missed service of process — if a lawsuit is delivered and no one is home, the LLC can be defaulted without ever knowing it was sued.
A misconception is that the agent is a figurehead. The agent has real legal duties, including accepting service during business hours and forwarding documents promptly to the LLC.
Box 6: Registered Agent Address
This field requires the agent’s physical Washington street address — the registered office — and a separate mailing address if different. P.O. Boxes are not accepted for the physical address.
Write the street number, street name, suite, city, and ZIP; for example, 711 Capitol Way S, Suite 204, Olympia, WA 98501. If the mailing address is the same, check the box that confirms it.
The nuance is that the registered office must be open during normal business hours. A home address works only if the agent is present during the day to accept service.
The common mistake is using a UPS Store or virtual mailbox address. The consequence is rejection, because the Secretary of State cross-checks the address against commercial-mail-receiving agency lists.
A misconception is that you can change the agent or address by simply telling the IRS or your bank. You cannot. Any change requires a Statement of Change of Registered Agent filed with the Secretary of State.
Box 7: Registered Agent Consent
Washington requires the registered agent to consent in writing before being listed. Online filings collect a digital signature; paper filings require a separate signed Consent to Serve form.
Have the agent print and sign full name and date. For example, Sara Beckett signs Sara Beckett, 03/14/2026 on the consent line.
The nuance is that commercial registered agents handle this automatically when you hire them, but DIY filings often forget. The agent must sign before the form is submitted.
The common mistake is checking the consent box on the online form without actually obtaining the agent’s permission. The consequence can be removal of the agent and administrative dissolution if the agent later resigns and no replacement is named within 60 days.
A misconception is that consent is a one-time formality. It is not. The agent must continue to consent each year by remaining willing to serve; resignation requires a separate filing.
Box 8: Principal Office Address
This is the physical street address where the LLC’s main business is conducted. Like the registered office, it cannot be a P.O. Box, but it can be in any state or country.
Enter the full street address. For example, Cascade Ridge Holdings LLC enters 1500 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102.
The nuance is that the principal office and the registered office can be the same address but do not have to be. Many LLCs use a commercial agent in Olympia and a principal office at the owner’s home or business location.
The common mistake is leaving this field blank because the registered office is already listed. The consequence is rejection, since both addresses are required even if identical.
A misconception is that the principal office must be in Washington. It does not. A Washington LLC can have its principal office anywhere; only the registered office must be in Washington.
Box 9: Principal Office Mailing Address
This field captures where the LLC receives general mail, which can differ from the physical principal office. P.O. Boxes are allowed here.
Write the mailing address; for example, PO Box 1234, Seattle, WA 98101. If the same as the physical address, check the matching box.
The nuance is that this is the address the Department of Revenue and the Secretary of State will use for annual report reminders and tax notices. Choose an address you check regularly.
The common mistake is using an old address from a prior business. The consequence is missed annual report deadlines, which after 60 days triggers administrative dissolution under RCW 25.15.295.
A misconception is that updating your USPS forwarding fixes a wrong address on file. It does not. The Secretary of State only uses the address on the Certificate and any later Annual Report.
Box 10: Management Structure (Member-Managed or Manager-Managed)
This field declares who runs the LLC. Member-managed means all owners share authority to bind the company; manager-managed means only designated managers have that authority.
Check one box. For example, a single-member consulting LLC owned by Janet Liu checks Member-Managed; a real estate fund with passive investors checks Manager-Managed.
The nuance is that this choice changes how outside parties — banks, landlords, the IRS — verify signing authority. Manager-managed LLCs need a manager listed in the records or in the Operating Agreement before banks will open accounts.
The common mistake is checking manager-managed without naming a manager anywhere. The consequence is bank delays and disputes among members about who can sign checks.
A misconception is that this choice locks in tax treatment. It does not. Both structures default to pass-through taxation; an S-corp or C-corp election is a separate IRS filing.
Box 11: Governors (Members or Managers)
Washington uses the term Governors to mean either members (in member-managed LLCs) or managers (in manager-managed LLCs). Listing them on the Certificate is technically optional but strongly encouraged because it speeds up bank account openings and proof of authority.
Enter each governor’s full name and address; for example, Janet Liu, 4421 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103. Add additional pages if more space is needed.
The nuance is privacy. Listed governors become public record on the Secretary of State’s website, searchable by anyone. Filers who want privacy can leave this blank and document governors only in the internal Operating Agreement.
The common mistake is listing only one governor when there are several owners. The consequence is that omitted owners have a harder time proving authority later, especially after a member death or buyout.
A misconception is that listing a person as a governor makes that person a tax owner. It does not. Tax ownership is set by the Operating Agreement and IRS filings, not the Certificate.
Box 12: Executor Signature and Title
The executor is the person who signs and files the Certificate. The executor does not need to be a member; it can be an attorney, an accountant, or a formation service acting as organizer.
Sign and print the executor’s full name, title, and date. For example, Jacob Reyes, Organizer, 03/14/2026.
The nuance is that the executor’s signature is the legal attestation that the information is true. False statements are punishable as a gross misdemeanor under RCW 9A.72.040.
The common mistake is signing with initials or a nickname. The consequence is rejection, since the Secretary of State requires a full legible signature matching the printed name.
A misconception is that the executor becomes personally liable for LLC debts by signing. The executor does not — the signature is only an attestation about the form’s contents, not a personal guarantee.
Box 13: Return Address (for the Filed Certificate)
This is where the Secretary of State will mail the stamped, approved Certificate back to you. The system also emails a PDF copy when filed online.
Enter the name and address that should receive the approved copy. For example, Cascade Ridge Holdings LLC, 1500 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102.
The nuance is that this address is also used for any rejection notices or correction requests from the agency. Use an address checked daily during the filing period.
The common mistake is listing the registered agent here when you’d rather receive the document yourself. The consequence is that your agent gets your founding document and may charge a forwarding fee.
A misconception is that the return address has any legal weight. It does not. It is purely administrative and never appears on the public record.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Scenario 1: Janet Liu, Solo Consultant Forming a Single-Member LLC
Janet is leaving a corporate marketing job to start a brand strategy consultancy from her Seattle home.
| Form Section | What Janet Enters |
|---|---|
| UBI Number | Leaves blank (no prior UBI) |
| Name of LLC | Liu Brand Strategy LLC |
| Effective Date | Date of filing |
| Period of Duration | Perpetual |
| Registered Agent | Janet Liu |
| Registered Office | 4421 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103 |
| Principal Office | Same as registered office |
| Management Structure | Member-Managed |
| Governors | Janet Liu, 4421 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103 |
| Executor Signature | Janet Liu, Member, 03/14/2026 |
Scenario 2: Marcus and Linda Tran, Multi-Member Real Estate Holding LLC
Marcus and Linda are buying a duplex together and want a holding LLC for liability protection.
| Form Section | What the Trans Enter |
|---|---|
| UBI Number | Leaves blank |
| Name of LLC | Tran Family Holdings LLC |
| Effective Date | 01/01/2027 (start of next tax year) |
| Period of Duration | Perpetual |
| Registered Agent | Northwest Registered Agent LLC |
| Registered Office | 711 Capitol Way S, Suite 204, Olympia, WA 98501 |
| Principal Office | 2200 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144 |
| Management Structure | Member-Managed |
| Governors | Marcus Tran and Linda Tran, both at 2200 Rainier Ave S |
| Executor Signature | Marcus Tran, Member, 03/14/2026 |
Scenario 3: Dr. Aisha Patel, Forming a Professional LLC for Her Medical Practice
Aisha is a licensed physician in Spokane opening a solo dermatology clinic.
| Form Section | What Aisha Enters |
|---|---|
| UBI Number | 604123456 (from her prior sole prop) |
| Name of LLC | Patel Dermatology PLLC |
| Effective Date | Date of filing |
| Period of Duration | Perpetual |
| Registered Agent | Aisha Patel, MD |
| Registered Office | 420 W Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA 99201 |
| Principal Office | Same as registered office |
| Management Structure | Member-Managed |
| Governors | Aisha Patel, MD, 420 W Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA 99201 |
| Executor Signature | Aisha Patel, MD, Member, 03/14/2026 |
A fourth example deserves a mention even outside the tables: David Okonkwo, an investor based in Lagos forming a Washington LLC to hold U.S. e-commerce assets, lists himself as executor, hires a commercial registered agent, and uses his attorney’s Seattle address as the principal office.
How to File the Completed Form
Washington offers three filing channels, and each has different fees, processing times, and proof-of-filing.
Online via CCFS is the fastest and cheapest. Visit the Corporations and Charities Filing System, create a free account, and select Form a Washington Limited Liability Company. The fee is $200, payable by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express. Standard processing is 2 business days; expedited 24-hour service is included free with online filings during most of the year. Save the system-generated PDF and confirmation email as your proof of filing.
By mail uses the paper Certificate of Formation and a check or money order for $180 made payable to Secretary of State. Mail the original Certificate plus the registered agent consent to Corporations Division, PO Box 40234, Olympia, WA 98504-0234. Standard mail processing runs 5–8 weeks; for $50 extra you can request expedited 2-day handling by writing EXPEDITE in red on the envelope.
In person is the only same-day option. Bring two copies of the signed Certificate, the registered agent consent, and a check or money order for $280 ($180 base plus $100 same-day expedite) to 801 Capitol Way South, Olympia, WA 98504. Arrive before 3:30 p.m. The clerk hands back a stamped copy that day, which is your proof of filing.
Whichever channel you choose, keep at least two copies of the stamped Certificate. Banks typically require an original or certified copy to open an account, and a certified copy costs $20 each through the same office.
What Happens After You File
Within hours of online approval, the Secretary of State emails the stamped Certificate, assigns your UBI number, and posts the LLC to the public business search. For mail filings, the same packet arrives by U.S. mail. The LLC now legally exists and can sign contracts, open bank accounts, and hold property.
Within 120 days, you must file your first Initial Report — a free filing that confirms governors and addresses. Skipping this step leads to administrative dissolution under RCW 25.15.295, even though the fee is zero. Calendar this deadline immediately.
You also need to apply for a Washington Business License through the Department of Revenue ($90 application fee), obtain a federal EIN from the IRS (free), and adopt an Operating Agreement among the members. The Operating Agreement is not filed with the state but is your most important internal document for resolving member disputes.
Annual reports are due each year by the end of the LLC’s anniversary month, with a $60 fee. Missing the report by 60 days starts the administrative dissolution clock; reinstatement after dissolution costs $140 plus all back fees.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
- Using a P.O. Box for the registered office. Washington rejects the filing immediately because service of process requires a physical address.
- Omitting the LLC designator. A name without LLC, L.L.C., or a permitted variant is rejected on intake.
- Not running a name search first. Filing a name that conflicts with an existing entity wastes the fee and forces a refile.
- Forgetting the registered agent consent. Paper filings without the signed consent page are returned unprocessed.
- Mixing personal and business addresses inconsistently. Listing different addresses on the Certificate, business license, and IRS EIN application triggers manual review and delays.
- Choosing a future effective date and then operating before it. Pre-formation contracts can be enforced against the signer personally rather than the LLC.
- Listing the LLC as its own agent. RCW 23.95.410 forbids this; the filing is rejected.
- Skipping the management structure box. Banks will not open accounts without a clear member-managed or manager-managed declaration.
- Signing with initials instead of a full signature. The Secretary of State requires a legible full signature matching the printed name.
- Forgetting the Initial Report within 120 days. Even though the report is free, missing it leads to administrative dissolution.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Do check name availability through the Business Name Search before you fill out anything else; a 30-second search prevents the most common rejection.
- Do file online whenever possible because the system validates fields in real time and approves in 1–2 business days.
- Do save the stamped PDF in at least two places; banks and lenders ask for it for years.
- Do confirm registered agent consent in writing before listing the agent so the agent has no surprises later.
- Do calendar your Initial Report (120 days) and Annual Report (anniversary month) the same day you file.
- Do match the LLC name letter-for-letter across the Certificate, EIN application, and business license to avoid mismatches.
- Don’t use a virtual mailbox or UPS Store address for the registered office; it will be flagged.
- Don’t sign on behalf of someone else without written authorization, since the executor signature is a sworn attestation.
- Don’t list a manager-managed structure without naming a manager somewhere in your records.
- Don’t assume the Certificate also gets you a business license; that is a separate filing with the Department of Revenue.
- Don’t ignore a rejection notice. Notices have a 30-day response window before the filing is closed and the fee forfeited.
- Don’t backdate the effective date; Washington forbids retroactive formation.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Filing pro se saves money but costs time. Hiring a formation service or attorney costs more but reduces error risk. The best choice depends on the complexity of your ownership and your comfort with state forms.
Pros of DIY filing:
- Saves $150–$500 in service fees because you only pay the $200 state fee.
- Forces you to learn the LLC structure, which helps in later decisions about taxes and operations.
- Full control over timing and field choices, since no third party is in the loop.
- Direct receipt of the stamped Certificate without forwarding delays from a service.
- Privacy, because no service company name appears on your public record.
Cons of DIY filing:
- Higher rejection rate; the agency reports 15% of pro se paper filings get returned the first time.
- No registered agent service unless you list yourself, which exposes your home address publicly.
- No reminders for the Initial Report or annual report deadlines, so missed deadlines are more common.
- Steeper learning curve on terms like governor, executor, and UBI.
- No legal advice on whether an LLC is even the right structure compared to a corporation or sole proprietorship.
FAQs
Can I file the Washington Certificate of Formation online?
Yes. Online filings through CCFS cost $200, process in 1–2 business days, and include free expedited handling.
Do I need a registered agent in Washington?
Yes. Every Washington LLC must name a registered agent with a physical Washington street address under RCW 23.95.410.
Can I be my own registered agent?
Yes. A Washington resident over 18 with a physical Washington address can serve as agent, but the address becomes public record.
Is the principal office address required if it’s the same as the registered office?
Yes. Both addresses must appear on the Certificate even when identical, or the form is rejected.
What if I write LLC without periods — is that allowed?
Yes. LLC, L.L.C., Limited Liability Company, and Ltd. Liability Co. are all accepted designators in Washington.
Can I list a P.O. Box as my mailing address?
Yes. A P.O. Box works for the mailing address, but never for the registered office or principal office street address.
Do I have to list the members on the Certificate?
No. Listing governors (members or managers) is optional, though recommended for banking and proof of authority.
Is the Operating Agreement filed with the state?
No. The Operating Agreement is an internal document; only the Certificate of Formation is filed publicly.
Can I backdate the effective date of formation?
No. Washington only allows the filing date or a future date up to 90 days out.
Do I need an EIN before filing the Certificate?
No. Apply for the EIN from the IRS after formation, since the IRS asks for the formation date.
What goes in Box 1 if I have never had a UBI?
No. Leave it blank; the Secretary of State assigns a UBI when the Certificate is approved.
Should I check member-managed or manager-managed for a single-owner LLC?
Yes. Single-owner LLCs almost always check member-managed unless an outside manager will run the business.
Do I sign Box 12 even if I’m not a member?
Yes. The executor signs as organizer; this can be a non-member such as an attorney or formation service.
Will the state mail me a paper copy if I file online?
No. Online filings receive only an emailed PDF unless you order a certified copy for $20.
Can I change my registered agent after filing?
Yes. File a Statement of Change of Registered Agent with the Secretary of State for $10.
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