How to Start an LLC in Missouri

Missouri LLCs file Articles of Organization and an annual report. Complete Missouri LLC formation guide with fees.

To start an LLC in Missouri, you file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State's online business filing system.

The filing fee is approximately $50, and online filings are typically processed within a few business days. Fees change frequently, so confirm the current amount on the Missouri Secretary of State website before you file.

Missouri LLC Name Search

Missouri requires LLC names to be distinguishable from other entities on record. You can search the Secretary of State's business database for free. The name must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company," and it cannot imply a business type you are not licensed for.

• Run a free search in the Missouri business database.
• Reserve a name for a short period if you need time.
• Avoid restricted words unless you hold the right license.

Missouri's online system returns availability instantly, so check before you invest in branding. If your first choice is taken, the results will show similar names you can adapt. A name that is easy to spell will be easier for customers to find and for you to protect.

Missouri Registered Agent Requirement

Every Missouri LLC must name a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. The agent accepts legal documents and official notices during business hours. You can be your own agent, choose another person, or hire a commercial service.

The agent's address is part of the public record, so home-based owners often use a commercial agent to keep their home address private. If your agent changes, you must update the Secretary of State so legal notices keep reaching you. If you are weighing your options, our registered agent guide covers the trade-offs.

Filing Missouri Articles of Organization

The Articles of Organization create your LLC. You file them online through the Secretary of State's system or by mail. The form asks for your LLC name, registered agent details, and the organizer's signature.

1. Complete the Articles of Organization form.
2. Pay the filing fee of approximately $50.
3. Submit online for faster processing.
4. Save the confirmation for your records.

Verify every field before submitting. A rejected filing means correcting the issue and waiting through review again, so a few extra minutes of review can save you time. The online system walks you through each required field.

Missouri LLC Fees and Processing Time

Missouri keeps formation costs low. The Articles of Organization fee is approximately $50. Online filings are usually processed within a few business days, while mailed filings take longer. As of 2026, the Secretary of State processes most online LLC filings quickly, though turnaround can vary. For a state-by-state comparison, read our guide on how much an LLC costs.

Plan for the annual report too. It is often free in the first year, then carries a fee of approximately $50 in later years, so budget for it when you plan your yearly expenses.

Post-Formation: EIN, Operating Agreement, and Taxes

Once your LLC is approved, finish the setup:

• Get a free EIN from the IRS for banking and payroll. Our guide on getting an EIN for your LLC walks through it.
• Write an operating agreement covering ownership, profits, and management.
• Register for Missouri state tax accounts, including withholding if you have employees.
• Open a business bank account in the LLC's name.

Missouri also has a sales tax administered by the Department of Revenue. If you sell taxable goods or services, register for a sales tax license before you start collecting from customers.

Missouri Annual Report and Ongoing Compliance

Missouri LLCs file an annual report with the Secretary of State. The report is often free in the first year, then carries a fee of approximately $50 in later years. Confirm the current fee on the Secretary of State website, since it can change. Missing the deadline can put your LLC in bad standing, so set a reminder. You can file the report online in a few minutes through the same system you used to form the LLC.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to start an LLC in Missouri?

The Articles of Organization filing fee is approximately $50. The annual report is often free in the first year and then costs about $50 in later years. Confirm the current fees on the Missouri Secretary of State website.

How long does it take to get an LLC approved in Missouri?

Online filings are typically processed within a few business days. Mailed filings take longer, often one to two weeks depending on the Secretary of State's workload. Filing online is the fastest route to approval.

Does Missouri require a registered agent for an LLC?

Yes. Every Missouri LLC must maintain a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. The agent accepts legal documents and official notices during business hours. You can serve as your own agent or use a commercial service.

Does a Missouri LLC need to file an annual report?

Yes. Missouri LLCs file an annual report with the Secretary of State. It is often free in the first year and then costs approximately $50 in later years. Confirm the current fee on the Missouri Secretary of State website.