Prior to filing your paperwork, you will need to handle a few essential details. Those items are covered in the following sections, and each plays a key role in helping you succeed in setting up your LLC in Oklahoma.
Research and Reserve an LLC Business Name
A new limited liability company’s name must be distinguishable from the names of other Oklahoma businesses. That means the business name you want might not actually be available. You can double-check your desired name’s availability through the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s official search engine.
If your business name is available but you aren’t ready to form your LLC yet, you can reserve the name for 60 days by completing an application. It is relatively cheap to do so, as the fee is just $10.
Purchase Web Domain
A website is a must for many small businesses, and you’ll probably want a domain name that closely matches your business name. While you’re researching and deciding on a business name, it’s a good idea to check whether the domain name you’d want is also available.
If you find an available domain name you like, registration is cheap, and you don’t have to set up a website right away. It’s better to buy a domain now and work with it later than hesitate and find that the domain name is unavailable.
Hire a Registered Agent
Oklahoma requires all LLCs to have a registered agent, or someone who can accept service of lawsuits on the company’s behalf. The LLC can act as its own agent, or the agent can be an Oklahoma resident or another business. The agent must have a “registered office,” which is a street address within the state that is open during normal business hours.
If you don’t assign the role of registered agent to someone within the LLC, you can hire a third-party business. Typically, the pricing ranges from $50 to $300 a year, with many businesses charging an average of about $100. That said, you should think about your Oklahoma LLC’s annual needs; seek out registered agents most likely to cover everything you need at a fair price.
