Missouri lesson 3 of 6
File the Articles of Organization
Missouri's formation document is the Articles of Organization, Form LLC-1. Filing online through the Secretary of State's business filing system is both faster and cheaper than mailing a paper form.
What Form LLC-1 asks for
The Articles cover the LLC's name, its purpose, the registered agent and registered office, whether it will be managed by members or by managers, and the organizer's name and address. RSMo 347.039 sets out exactly what must be included.
Fee and filing route
Filing online costs $50. Filing the same Form LLC-1 on paper by mail costs $105, as printed directly on the form. There is no reason to pay the higher paper fee unless you have a specific reason to file by mail.
Electronic payments carry a small additional convenience fee that is not kept by the state. That is a payment processing charge, not part of the filing fee itself.
After approval: the operating agreement
Missouri is one of the few states that requires an operating agreement by statute. RSMo 347.081 says the member or members shall adopt one, even though it is never filed with the Secretary of State. Skipping it leaves the LLC technically noncompliant with state law, and it also leaves you without your own rules for profit splits, voting and what happens if a member leaves.
Key takeaways
- Form LLC-1 costs $50 online or $105 by mail.
- The organizer, registered agent and management structure all go on the form.
- An operating agreement is required by statute even though it is not filed with the state.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to live in Missouri to form a Missouri LLC?
No. There is no residency requirement for members or managers. Only the registered agent needs a Missouri address.
Is the operating agreement filed with the state?
No. RSMo 347.081 requires the members to adopt one, but it stays with the LLC's own records rather than going to the Secretary of State.
Official sources
Or let us file your Missouri 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 (Form LLC-1), act as your registered agent, and track your ongoing deadlines.
Last reviewed: September 2026 - reviewed by Gullia Filing Legal & Formation Team