Maryland lesson 3 of 6
File the Articles of Organization
Maryland's formation document is short: the Articles of Organization filed with SDAT for a $100 state fee.
What the Articles ask for
The form covers the LLC's name, an optional purpose statement, the Maryland address of the principal office, and the name and Maryland address of the resident agent. The resident agent must sign to accept the appointment, alongside the signature of the person authorized to form the LLC.
Fee, filing route and speed
The base filing fee is $100. Non-expedited paper filings can take several weeks to review. Filing online through Maryland Business Express is typically the fastest standard route, and SDAT also offers expedited service for documents hand-delivered or dropped off, for an extra $50, generally reviewed within about 7 to 10 business days.
Online filings through Maryland Business Express carry an additional service or technology fee on top of the state charge. That fee funds the portal, not SDAT's review of your filing.
After approval
Keep the certified Articles of Organization on file; banks and later SDAT filings reference it. Draft an operating agreement even though Maryland does not file it with the state. It sets out ownership, voting and profit shares, and banks generally ask to see it.
Key takeaways
- The base filing fee is $100.
- Expedited hand delivery costs an extra $50.
- The resident agent must sign the Articles to accept the appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to live in Maryland to form a Maryland LLC?
No. Members and managers can be anywhere. Only the resident agent and principal office must be in Maryland.
Is an operating agreement required in Maryland?
It is not filed with SDAT, but it is the document that sets your internal rules on ownership and management. Banks commonly ask for it when opening an account.
Official sources
Or let us file your Maryland LLC for you
Everything above is yours to use for free. If you would rather hand it over, we prepare and file the Articles of Organization, act as your registered agent, and track your ongoing deadlines.
Last reviewed: September 2026 - reviewed by Gullia Filing Legal & Formation Team