How to Start an LLC in Maryland

Step 1: Name Your Maryland LLC

Business formation starts with naming your Maryland LLC. There are a few rules outlined in MD § 1-502 you must follow when choosing a name.

First, your business name must include the words “limited liability company” or an approved abbreviation. When you file your LLC formation documents online, you’ll select an acceptable option from a drop-down list.

Second, your business name must be “distinguishable” from other companies operating in Maryland. Check Maryland’s business entity search to see whether the name is already in use.

Finally, avoid a name that may be misleading. A name can’t suggest that you’re conducting a different type of business than the one you intend, and you shouldn’t imply that you’re a government agency or a regulated professional service.

Some additional considerations for choosing a Maryland LLC name include: 

• Is the name available online?
  Your business presence online should be consistent. After you’ve chosen a name that meets Maryland’s requirements, search online for domain name availability. Check social media handles, too—you don’t want your customers confusing you with someone else.
  
  Hire us to form your LLC in Maryland, and we’ll register your domain free for the first year plus give you three free months of website and email services.
• Can you trademark the name?
  If you plan to trademark your business name in the future, you should consider trademark availability from the start. If the name has already been federally trademarked and is connected to goods or services like yours, you may face barriers to trademark registration. When you hire us to form your LLC, you can add on our federal trademark registration service. Our attorneys will perform a clearance search and offer recommendations if they anticipate impediments to registration.

Can I reserve a business name in Maryland before registering my LLC?

Yes. You can reserve the name up to 30 days in advance of filing your Maryland Articles of Organization. This is especially helpful if you don’t plan to expedite your filing.

Step 2: Choose a Resident Agent

LLCs are required by law to appoint and maintain a Maryland resident agent to receive service of process.

Your Maryland resident agent can be:

• an individual adult resident of the state
• a Maryland corporation designated as a resident agent
• a different Maryland LLC designated as a resident agent—your LLC can’t be its own resident agent.

Your resident agent’s name and address, as well as your principal office address, will be listed online once your LLC is registered. When you hire us to form your Maryland LLC, we include Registered Agent service and will list our address instead of yours in formation documents. This protects your privacy and ensures process servers don’t appear in front of your clients and employees.

Is a resident agent different than a registered agent?

A resident agent and a registered agent differ in name only. They have the same responsibility: to accept—and promptly forward—legal mail on behalf of the business they represent.

Step 3: File Articles of Organization

Register your Maryland LLC with the state by filing Articles of Organization. File online for $100 plus service fees (up to 3%) and any expedite fees. You’ll create an account, navigate to the business registrations page, and enter the following information:

1. Company name
   Enter the name you chose, and select a pre-approved suffix from the drop-down list.
2. Principal office location
   Enter the street address where you do business. This can’t be a P.O. box. If your mailing address is different, check the box to enter your mailing address.
3. Contact info & business license
   Provide your email address and phone number. Then, choose an answer for whether your LLC will need a specific business or industry license (like a real estate license or therapist license). You can always choose “uncertain” if you don’t know.
4. Resident agent
   If your resident agent is an individual, list their name, phone, email address, and address. If you’re choosing a Maryland corporation or another Maryland LLC, you’ll confirm your agent from the Business Search results list. You can also enter the information manually, but the information you provide must match exactly the name on file with the state.
5. Alternate contact information
   The person filing the Articles will automatically receive updates about the filing unless an alternate contact is specified here. This step is optional.
6. Certification
   There are a few steps to this section. First, provide at least one name of someone authorized to sign and file the Articles of Organization. Second, check the box to certify that your resident agent has approved their appointment. Finally, provide the name and contact information for the filing party.

Can I file my Maryland Articles of Organization via hard copy?

Yes. You can submit a paper version of your Maryland Articles of Organization by mail or in person when those services are available.

You can mail your filing with a check or money order payable to State Department of Assessments and Taxation for $100 plus any expedite fees to:

State Department of Assessments and Taxation
Corporate Charter Division
700 East Pratt Street, 2nd Floor
Baltimore, MD 21202

To file in person, visit the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation’s Charter Business Services at 123 Market Place, Baltimore, MD 21202. You can make an appointment or use the drop-off box.

How long does it take to get an LLC in Maryland?

Non-expedited Maryland LLC filings take a minimum of two months to approve. They’re reviewed during the second calendar month after the month in which you filed them, so if you file in June, they’ll be reviewed in August.

What expedited filing options do I have when forming my Maryland LLC?

You have multiple options for expediting your Maryland Articles of Organization depending on your filing method and desired turnaround time. Always check processing times online to help you decide which expedite service is right for you. If you’re filing in person or by mail, note that expedite fees must be paid by cash, check, or money order—no credit cards! 

Expedited online filing costs $50. These filings are subject to variable processing times. 3-hour rush processing is available for an additional $325 if you file before 2:30PM during regular business hours. If you file outside that window, your filing will be reviewed the next business day.

Two-hour expedite service costs an additional $425, and is available in person Monday to Friday before 10:00 AM via the rush drop-box. Limited quantities of hand-delivered documents can be processed same-day for $50 as long as you’re in line before 4:15 PM.Mailing in your Maryland Articles of Organization? $50 expedited service gets a response to your request within 7 business days.

Step 4: Establish Business Operations

Your Maryland LLC is registered. Now get your business up and running by taking time to complete these steps:

• Write an operating agreement.
  Your operating agreement outlines the processes and regulations you agree to follow for managing, controlling, and operating your Maryland LLC. Without one, your LLC defaults to the rules as written in the Code of Maryland.
• Apply for an EIN.
  You’ll need an EIN to set up a business bank account and hire employees. This federal tax ID acts like a social security number for your LLC.
• Set up business bank accounts.
  Keeping your business finances separated from your own helps maintain your LLC’s limited liability.
• Get licensed or permitted.
  If your industry or trade requires specific permits or licenses in order to operate legally, obtain those. Check Maryland’s licensing OneStop portal or contact your local Clerk of the Court for more information.

Step 5: File Beneficial Ownership Information Report

A new federal law requires most LLCs to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report. The report identifies the people who directly or indirectly own or control a company.

Qualifying businesses must file this report to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network within 90 days of registration if formed in 2024, or within 30 days of registration if formed in 2025 or later.

Hire us to form your LLC and you can add BOI Report filing services.