Start your LLC the right way —
without paying a lawyer.
Open Legal Aid gives you free, step-by-step guides and tools to form your business yourself. Understand every step, avoid the common mistakes, and only pay a service if you actually want to.
Pick your state
Where you form matters for cost and paperwork. Our tool flags the fees and annual requirements.
Name & file
Check name availability, appoint a registered agent, and file your Articles of Organization.
Stay compliant
Get an EIN, write an operating agreement, and keep up with annual reports.
Filing fees and rules vary by state — find your state's exact fee and step-by-step guide →
Already formed your LLC?
Generate a free, plain-English operating agreement template — even single-member LLCs should have one.
Build my operating agreement →Rather have it done for you?
You can file everything yourself for just the state fee (our guide shows you how). If you'd rather have a service handle the paperwork and registered agent, these are solid options:
Some links below are partner links. If you form your company through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps keep Open Legal Aid free.
Why is this free?
Our guides are free to read and our tools are free to use. When a formation service is a good fit for you, we may earn a small commission if you sign up through our links — that's what keeps the lights on. You never pay us anything, and doing it yourself is always an option we'll walk you through.