The Articles of Organization in New Mexico, also known as the Certificate of Formation, are the foundational documents required to legally establish a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in the state. These documents serve as a formal declaration of the LLC's existence and outline essential details about the company, such as its name, management structure, and registered agent. The governing statutes for LLC formation in New Mexico can be found in the New Mexico Statutes Chapter 53, Article 19.
Yes, filing the Articles of Organization is mandatory for forming an LLC in New Mexico. According to Section 53-19-5 of the New Mexico Statutes, an LLC is not legally recognized until these documents are filed with the New Mexico Secretary of State. Failure to file the Articles of Organization means the LLC does not legally exist, and the business cannot operate under the LLC structure, which includes the benefits of limited liability protection.
The name of the LLC must include the words "Limited Liability Company" or the abbreviations "LLC" or "L.L.C." as per Section 53-19-3 of the New Mexico Statutes. The name must be distinguishable from other registered entities in New Mexico. Certain words, such as "bank" or "university," may require additional approval from relevant state agencies. A name availability search can be conducted through the New Mexico Secretary of State's website.
Every LLC in New Mexico must designate a registered agent and a registered office. The registered agent can be an individual resident of New Mexico or a business entity authorized to do business in the state. The registered office must be a physical address in New Mexico, not a P.O. Box, as specified in Section 53-19-5. The registered agent must consent to their appointment.
The Articles of Organization must specify whether the LLC is member-managed or manager-managed. This choice affects the governance of the LLC and must be clearly stated in the formation documents. Details about the management structure are outlined in Section 53-19-16.
An organizer is responsible for filing the Articles of Organization. There are no residency requirements for organizers in New Mexico, and only one organizer is required. The organizer's name and address must be included in the filing.
New Mexico allows for a general purpose statement, meaning the LLC can engage in any lawful business activity. However, if the LLC is formed for a specific purpose, it should be stated. Special considerations apply to professional LLCs, which may require additional documentation.
The effective date of the Articles of Organization can be immediate upon filing or delayed to a specified date within 90 days of filing, as per Section 53-19-5. During a delayed effective period, the LLC is not considered active.
The New Mexico Secretary of State offers an online filing system called the Business Portal. This system is available 24/7, and filings are typically processed within 1-3 business days. Payment can be made via credit card, and a convenience fee may apply. The step-by-step process includes creating an account, completing the online form, and submitting payment.
To file by mail, send the completed Articles of Organization to:
New Mexico Secretary of State
Business Services Division
325 Don Gaspar, Suite 300
Santa Fe, NM 87501
Include one original and one copy of the form, along with a check payable to the "New Mexico Secretary of State." Processing time for mail filings is generally 5-7 business days.
The filing fee for the Articles of Organization in New Mexico is $50. Additional fees may apply for expedited processing or credit card payments. The fee schedule can be found on the New Mexico Secretary of State's website.
Once the Articles of Organization are filed and approved, the LLC is legally recognized as a business entity in New Mexico. The Secretary of State will issue a Certificate of Organization as evidence of filing. The LLC must then obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. Additionally, the LLC may need to register for state taxes with the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department. While an operating agreement is not required by law, it is recommended for outlining the management and operation of the LLC. New Mexico does not require annual reports for LLCs, but ongoing compliance with state regulations is necessary.
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