How to Start an LLC in Oklahoma (Step-by-Step Guide)

Forming an LLC in Oklahoma requires filing Articles of Organization with the Oklahoma Secretary of State and paying a $100 filing fee (plus a 4% online processing fee, totaling $104). Online filings are processed in just 1-2 business days, making Oklahoma one of the faster states for LLC formation.

Oklahoma offers an affordable LLC formation process with low ongoing costs. The state’s $25 annual certificate fee is among the lowest in the country, and LLCs are exempt from the Oklahoma franchise tax. Here’s your complete step-by-step guide to forming an Oklahoma LLC.

Follow these steps to start your Oklahoma LLC in 2026.

How to Start an LLC in Oklahoma (6 Steps)

Step 1: Name Your Oklahoma LLC

Your LLC name must be distinguishable from other business names registered in Oklahoma. The name must include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” or an abbreviation of these terms. Your name is the public face of your business, so take time to choose something that represents you well.

Search the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s business name database to check availability. You can reserve a name for 60 days by filing a Name Reservation ($10 fee), which can be renewed once for another 60 days.

Oklahoma naming rules:

• Must be distinguishable from any existing business entity registered in Oklahoma
• Cannot include words suggesting it’s a bank, insurance company, or government entity without proper authorization
• Must include an LLC designator (“Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.”)
• Cannot contain language implying a purpose the LLC is not authorized to pursue

Tips for choosing your LLC name:

• Check domain name availability for your business website
• Search the USPTO trademark database to avoid trademark conflicts
• Choose a name that’s easy to spell, pronounce, and remember
• You don’t need to include “LLC” when searching the database — just use the main words of your name

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent

Oklahoma requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a physical street address in Oklahoma. The registered agent accepts legal documents, tax notices, and government correspondence on behalf of your LLC. The agent must be available at their registered address during normal business hours.

You have three options:

Option 1: Be your own registered agent. If you have an Oklahoma address and are available during business hours, you can serve as your own agent. This is free but puts your personal address on public record.

Option 2: Appoint someone you trust. Any Oklahoma resident with a physical address can serve as your registered agent.

Option 3: Use a professional service. Our top recommendation is Northwest Registered Agent ($39/year), which also handles LLC formation for $39 + the $104 state fee. A professional service keeps your address private and ensures reliable document handling.

Step 3: File Your Articles of Organization

File Articles of Organization with the Oklahoma Secretary of State. You can file online through the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s online filing portal or by mail. Online filing is recommended for faster processing and immediate confirmation.

Filing details:

• Filing fee: $100 (plus 4% online processing fee = $104 total for online filing)
• Online filing: Oklahoma SOS portal at sos.ok.gov (recommended — faster processing)
• Processing time: 1-2 business days (online), 7-10 business days (mail)
• Payment: Credit card or eCheck for online filings

Information required on the Articles of Organization:

• LLC name
• Duration (perpetual is standard)
• Principal office address
• Registered agent name and Oklahoma street address
• Name and address of each organizer
• Whether the LLC is member-managed or manager-managed

Member-managed vs. manager-managed: In a member-managed LLC, all owners share in running the business. In a manager-managed LLC, specific managers (who may or may not be members) handle daily operations. Choose member-managed unless you have passive investors.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

Oklahoma doesn’t legally require an operating agreement, but having one is strongly recommended. This internal document establishes the rules for how your LLC operates and defines each member’s rights and responsibilities.

Your operating agreement should cover:

• Ownership percentages and capital contributions
• How profits and losses are distributed among members
• Voting rights and decision-making procedures
• Rules for admitting new members or handling departures
• What happens if a member dies or becomes incapacitated
• Management structure and authority
• Procedures for dissolving the LLC

Even single-member LLCs should have an operating agreement. It helps demonstrate that your LLC is a separate entity from you personally, reinforcing your liability protection. Most banks also require one to open a business account.

Step 5: Get an EIN

Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the IRS website. It’s free and takes about 15 minutes online. Your EIN is your business’s federal tax identification number and is needed to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file federal taxes.

Get your EIN even if you don’t plan to hire employees right away. Using your EIN instead of your Social Security number on business documents protects your identity.

Step 6: File Your Annual Certificate

Oklahoma LLCs must file an Annual Certificate with the Secretary of State each year. This is Oklahoma’s version of an annual report, and it costs just $25 — one of the lowest annual filing fees in the country.

Annual certificate details:

• Due on the anniversary date of your LLC’s formation
• Filing fee: $25
• File online through the Secretary of State’s portal (recommended) or by mail
• You have a 60-day grace period from your anniversary date to file
• Failure to file for three consecutive years can result in administrative dissolution

The annual certificate is a brief filing that confirms your LLC’s basic information with the state. It takes only a few minutes to complete and is much less detailed than annual reports in some other states.

Oklahoma LLC Costs

Total first-year cost: $104-$428 (depending on whether you use a registered agent service). Oklahoma’s ongoing costs are quite low, with only a $25 annual certificate fee. See our complete guide to LLC costs by state.

Ongoing annual costs: After formation, expect to pay $25/year for the annual certificate plus any registered agent fees. If you serve as your own registered agent, your only annual cost is the $25 filing — making Oklahoma one of the cheapest states for ongoing LLC maintenance.

Oklahoma LLC Taxes

Oklahoma has a state income tax with moderate rates. A key advantage for Oklahoma LLCs is that they are exempt from the state franchise tax, which saves money compared to corporations. LLC profits are passed through to members’ personal tax returns by default.

• State income tax: 0.25% to 4.75% (graduated rates based on taxable income)
• Franchise tax: LLCs are exempt from the Oklahoma franchise tax (only corporations pay it)
• Sales tax: 4.5% state rate, plus local taxes that can bring the total to approximately 11% in some areas (Oklahoma has some of the highest combined sales tax rates due to local additions)
• Corporate income tax: 4% (only if your LLC elects corporate taxation)
• Self-employment tax: 15.3% federal (12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare)
• Federal income tax: Standard pass-through taxation — profits pass to members’ personal returns

How Oklahoma LLC taxation works: By default, Oklahoma LLCs use pass-through taxation. The LLC doesn’t pay state income tax at the entity level. Instead, all profits and losses pass through to each member’s personal tax return. Single-member LLCs report on Schedule C; multi-member LLCs file Form 1065 and issue K-1 forms.

Sales tax note: Oklahoma’s combined state and local sales tax rates can be among the highest in the country. While the state rate is a moderate 4.5%, local sales taxes can add another 2% to 6.5% depending on the city and county. If your LLC sells taxable goods or services, register with the Oklahoma Tax Commission to collect and remit sales tax.

Annual Requirements for Oklahoma LLCs

• Annual certificate: Due on the anniversary of your LLC’s formation each year. Filing fee is $25. Must be filed within 60 days of the due date to maintain good standing.
• State income tax: File and pay Oklahoma individual income tax on LLC profits annually by April 15.
• Sales tax: If selling taxable goods or services, register with the Oklahoma Tax Commission and collect sales tax. File returns monthly, quarterly, or semi-annually.
• Maintain a registered agent: Must have a registered agent with an Oklahoma physical address at all times.
• Business licenses: Check with your city and county for local business license or permit requirements.

Advantages of an Oklahoma LLC

• Low annual costs: The $25 annual certificate fee is one of the lowest in the nation
• No franchise tax for LLCs: Unlike corporations, Oklahoma LLCs are exempt from the franchise tax
• Fast processing: Online filings process in just 1-2 business days
• Reasonable formation fee: $104 (online) is close to the national average
• Simple annual filing: The annual certificate is quick and easy to complete

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to form an LLC in Oklahoma?

Online filings are processed in 1-2 business days, making Oklahoma one of the faster states for LLC formation. Mail filings take 7-10 business days. Online filing is recommended for speed and convenience.

Are Oklahoma LLCs subject to franchise tax?

No. Oklahoma LLCs are statutorily exempt from the franchise tax. Only corporations are required to pay the Oklahoma franchise tax. This is a significant advantage of the LLC structure in Oklahoma.

Can I form an Oklahoma LLC if I live in another state?

Yes. You can form an Oklahoma LLC regardless of where you live. You’ll need a registered agent with a physical Oklahoma address. However, if you primarily do business in another state, you may be better off forming your LLC there instead. See our how to start an LLC guide for more on choosing the right state.

Does Oklahoma require an operating agreement?

No, Oklahoma doesn’t legally require an operating agreement. However, we strongly recommend creating one. It protects your personal liability, clarifies ownership and management structure, and most banks require one to open a business account.

What happens if I don’t file my annual certificate?

If you fail to file your annual certificate within 60 days of the anniversary date, your LLC loses good standing with the Secretary of State. If you don’t file for three consecutive years, your LLC may be administratively dissolved. You can reinstate a dissolved LLC, but it requires additional paperwork and fees.

Why is the online filing fee $104 instead of $100?

Oklahoma charges a 4% processing fee for online filings, bringing the total from $100 to $104. This covers the cost of online payment processing. Mail filings are $100 (paid by check), but they take significantly longer to process (7-10 business days vs. 1-2 days).

Do I need a business license in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma doesn’t have a general state business license, but many cities and counties require local business licenses or permits. You may also need industry-specific state licenses depending on your business type. Check with the Oklahoma Tax Commission and your local government for specific requirements.

Start an LLC in Another State

Click your state below for a step-by-step formation guide with filing fees, requirements, and timelines.