How to Add a Member to an LLC
Written by: Carolyn Young
Carolyn Young has over 25 years of experience in business in various roles, including bank management, marketing management, and business education.
Reviewed by: Sarah Ruddle
For over 15 years, Sarah Ruddle has been a noteworthy leader in the business and nonprofit world.
Updated on June 8, 2025
As your limited liability company (LLC) grows, there may come a time when you wish to add a new owner, also known as a member. For example, an investor may want a share, or you can take on a partner to help you run the business.
Whatever the case, if you’re operating as a single-member LLC, the new member addition will turn your business into a multi-member LLC. You must know how to add a member and the implications of changing your business structure.
Fortunately, all the information you need is detailed in this handy guide.
The Operating Agreement
Hopefully, you have an operating agreement in place. If you do and it was drafted correctly, it should specify the process for adding a member. Suppose your LLC currently has more than one member, and you’re adding another member; this is particularly important because it should specify how the addition of a member is voted for and agreed upon in the operating agreement.
Once the procedures in the operating agreement are followed, you should draft a resolution to amend the operating agreement. Hopefully, all members, old and new, agree with the new ownership shares and profit distributions.
If you do not have an operating agreement, you’ll need to follow your state’s laws to add a member. It may involve drafting an operating agreement from scratch and including the approved ownership percentages and other provisions. In some states, however, you may be required to dissolve the LLC and form a new one.
It would be best to involve an attorney to avoid future disputes and issues.
Articles of Organization
In some states, you may be required to amend your LLC’s articles of organization. Every state’s articles of organization are different; some require all member information to be included, while some do not. Therefore, you may need to file an amendment of the articles with your state. Generally, a small fee is involved.
Taxes
Suppose your business has been a single-member LLC using your Social Security number for tax purposes. You’ll need to get an employer identification number (EIN) when you add a member.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) uses your business’ EIN to identify your company, much like a Social Security number is used to identify individuals. An EIN is mainly for tax filing purposes.
The application is Form SS-4, and you can submit it via the IRS website. You can print the form, fax it, or mail it. If you apply online, your EIN will be issued immediately.
Once you become a multi-member LLC, you’ll be taxed as a partnership by default. Income will pass through to all members in amounts based on their ownership percentages and reported on their tax returns.
Implications of Adding a Member to Your LLC
The biggest consequence of adding a member to your LLC will be the reduction of your ownership stake. As a result, you will own less of the company and receive a smaller profit distribution, and if the company is ever sold or required, you’ll receive less of the proceeds.
If your LLC is member-managed, you and the new member will manage operations; you’ll have less control than before. Decisions will have to be made together and sometimes voted upon based on the operating agreement’s provisions.
Finally, removing a member is not easy if the new membership structure does not work out or if you and the new member need help to reach an agreement. You’ll need to follow the provisions of your operating agreement, and if there is a dispute, you may end up in court.
How to Add a Member to an LLC for all 50 States
To add a member to an Alabama LLC, follow these steps:
- Obtain Member Approval – Check your operating agreement for voting or consent rules. Secure the required approval from existing members.
- Amend the Operating Agreement – Draft an updated operating agreement (or addendum) that lists the new member’s name, capital contribution, and ownership percentage. Have all members sign the revised document.
- File an Amendment with the Secretary of State – Complete and submit the “Domestic LLC Amendment to Formation/Organization” form to the Alabama Secretary of State, Business Services Division, along with the filing fee. This updates your Articles of Organization to include the new member.
- Update State and Tax Records – After the amendment is processed, update any Alabama tax accounts. On your next Alabama Tax Account license renewal, provide the new member’s information on the Officers page and submit the executed documents.
Review your LLC’s operating agreement and secure approval from existing members to admit a new owner. Then amend your operating agreement to reflect the new member’s name and ownership percentage. Next, complete and mail in the “Notice of Change of Officials” form to the Alaska Division of Corporations (fee: $25) to officially report the added member. If your biennial report is due soon, you may include the new member information there instead of filing a separate notice.
To add a new member, first obtain unanimous consent from all existing members as required by your operating agreement or Arizona law.
Next, file Articles of Amendment with the Arizona Corporation Commission—list the LLC’s name, the new member’s name and address, and include an authorized signature—paying the $25 filing fee.
Finally, amend your operating agreement to document the membership change, and if your LLC transitions from single-member to multi-member status, notify the IRS to update your tax classification and EIN information.
To add a member to an Arkansas LLC, follow these steps:
- Review the operating agreement. Most Arkansas LLCs have an operating agreement that specifies how new members are admitted. You’ll need to follow that process—usually a vote or written consent of existing members—to approve the new member.
- Amend the operating agreement. Once approved, update the operating agreement to reflect the new member’s name, ownership percentage, capital contribution, and any voting or management rights.
- File a Certificate of Amendment with the Secretary of State. Prepare and submit an Amendment to the Certificate of Organization to the Arkansas Secretary of State, indicating that a new member has been added. This updates your public record.
- Update tax and EIN status (if needed). If you’re converting from a single-member to a multi-member LLC, you’ll need to obtain a new Employer Identification Number (EIN) and change your federal tax classification (e.g., from sole proprietorship to partnership) with the IRS.
To add a member to an LLC in California, follow these steps:
- Amend your Operating Agreement: Update the internal operating agreement to include the new member’s name, address, and ownership percentage. California does not require you to file this amendment with the Secretary of State, as operating agreements are kept internally.
- Update your Statement of Information: On your next biennial Statement of Information (Form LLC-12), include the new member’s name and address. If you file a Statement of No Change, you must instead submit a complete Statement of Information to add new member details.
- Notify the IRS if converting from single-member to multi-member: If your LLC was taxed as a single-member (disregarded entity) and you’re adding a member—thus becoming a multi-member LLC—you must file IRS Form 8832 to elect partnership tax status.
- No need to amend Articles of Organization: California Articles of Organization do not list member information, so you won’t file any changes to your Articles when adding a member.
To add a member to an LLC in Colorado, amend your operating agreement to include the new member’s name, address, and ownership interest. Follow the amendment procedure outlined in the agreement (e.g., hold a members’ meeting, draft and pass a resolution, and update the agreement accordingly).
Since Colorado’s Articles of Organization do not list members, you do not need to file an amendment with the Secretary of State to add a member.
If you’re converting a single-member LLC into a multi-member LLC, file IRS Form 8832 to change your tax classification, and if you wish to change the responsible party on file, submit IRS Form 8822-B within 60 days of the change.
Review your operating agreement and secure any required member approvals to admit a new member. Amend the operating agreement to outline the new member’s capital contribution, ownership percentage, and management rights.
File the “Interim Notice of Change of Manager or Member” (Form BUS-039) with the Connecticut Secretary of the State online or by mail, including the $20 filing fee.
Finally, update your LLC’s internal records and reflect any changes in your next annual report.
To add a member to your Delaware LLC, begin by reviewing your operating agreement to confirm the required consent and procedure (often a majority or unanimous vote of existing members).
Once approved, prepare and adopt an amendment to the operating agreement that specifies the new member’s capital contribution, ownership percentage, and any special rights or duties.
Because Delaware does not require a state‐level filing simply to add members, you only need to update your LLC’s internal records (and issue any new membership certificates), then revise any tax or EIN documentation to reflect the change.
Amend your operating agreement per its terms, then file Articles of Amendment with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations (Form CR2E049) and pay the $25 filing fee.
To add a member, first review your LLC’s Operating Agreement to determine the required consent (often unanimous or majority). Once you have approval:
- Amend the Operating Agreement: Draft and execute an amendment (or restated agreement) that specifies the new member’s capital contribution, ownership percentage, and any special rights or obligations.
- Update internal records: Record the new member in the company’s membership ledger and, if you issue membership certificates, provide the appropriate certificate to the new member.
- No state filing required: Delaware does not require an amendment to the Certificate of Formation for membership changes.
- Notify tax authorities if needed: If the new member affects your federal tax election (e.g., changing from single-member to multi-member status), update your IRS filings accordingly.
Once these steps are complete, the new member will be officially recognized under your Delaware LLC’s governing documents.
Amend your operating agreement per its terms, then file Articles of Amendment with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations (Form CR2E049) and pay the $25 filing fee.
Amend your operating agreement according to its terms. If your original Articles of Organization named members, file Articles of Amendment with the Georgia Secretary of State (online or paper) and pay the $20 filing fee.
Obtain the member consent required by your operating agreement and amend it. Then file Articles of Amendment (Form LLC-3) with the Hawaii Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs’ Business Registration Division and pay the $25 fee.
Secure approval as set out in your operating agreement and amend it to include the new member. Then file a Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Organization with the Idaho Secretary of State and remit the $30 filing fee.
To add a member to an Illinois LLC, begin by reviewing your operating agreement to confirm any approval requirements and determine the new member’s capital contribution, profit share, and voting rights. Once the existing members have agreed to admit the new member, amend the operating agreement to include the new member’s name, address, contribution details, and membership percentage.
Next, file Articles of Amendment with the Illinois Secretary of State using Form LLC-5.25 and check the box for “Admission of a new manager/member,” paying the $50 filing fee and mailing it to the Department of Business Services in Springfield. After the amendment is approved, update any required state filings (for example, notify the Illinois Department of Revenue of ownership changes) and, if the new member will be the responsible party for IRS purposes, file IRS Form 8822-B within 60 days.
Finally, update your LLC’s records—such as bank accounts, licenses, and tax registrations—to reflect the new member’s information.
To add a member to an Indiana LLC, follow these steps:
- Review (or create) your operating agreement to ensure it covers admitting a new member.
- Obtain the required member vote and document written consent.
- Amend the operating agreement to include the new member’s name, contribution, and ownership share, and have all members sign it.
- File a Certificate of Amendment to your Articles of Organization via INBiz, listing the new member’s information.
- If you’re converting from a single‐member to a multi‐member LLC, get a new EIN from the IRS; file any needed tax forms.
- Keep copies of the consent forms, amended operating agreement, and filed amendment in your records.
Review your LLC’s operating agreement and obtain any required vote of existing members. Amend the operating agreement to include the new member, then file a Statement of Change with the Iowa Secretary of State to update membership information (no fee for a Statement of Change). If adding a member converts a single-member LLC into a multi-member LLC, obtain a new EIN.
First, follow the process in your operating agreement and secure consent from existing members. Amend the operating agreement to reflect the new ownership.
Then file a Certificate of Amendment (BEA form) to your Articles of Organization with the Kansas Secretary of State (fee required) to update member information.
Finally, update your IRS filings if adding a member changes your tax classification.
Under KY Rev. Stat. § 275.275, obtain written consent of all (or majority) members as required by statute or your operating agreement. Amend your operating agreement to include the new member.
Kentucky does not require member names in the original Articles of Organization, but if you listed members there, file Articles of Amendment (fee $40) with the Division of Business Filings to update that information.
Update your IRS filings if your tax status changes.
Check your operating agreement for the procedure; if none exists, Louisiana Statutes (Title 12 § 1332) require unanimous written consent of existing members.
Amend the operating agreement to admit the new member, then file the Notice of Change of Member/Manager form (SS983A) online with the Louisiana Secretary of State (or include the change in your next annual report).
Update your IRS records (new EIN if a single-member LLC becomes multi-member).
Amend your LLC’s operating agreement (which lists all members) to add the new member. Maine does not require member names on the Certificate of Formation, so no state-level filing is needed just to update membership. If adding a member changes your tax status (e.g., single- to multi-member), obtain a new EIN and notify the IRS.
Review your operating agreement and secure unanimous member consent to admit the new member. Prepare and execute an amendment to the operating agreement, then file Articles of Amendment with the Maryland Department of Assessments & Taxation and pay the required fee.
Follow your operating agreement’s amendment procedures (member vote and written amendment). Massachusetts does not require a separate state filing for membership changes, but be sure to list the new member on your next annual report with the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Amend your operating agreement according to its terms, then file a Certificate of Amendment (form CSCL/CD-715) with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and pay the filing fee.
Obtain the unanimous (or required) consent of the members under your operating agreement and execute an amendment to it. Minnesota law does not require a separate state‐level filing to update membership.
Secure member approval as set out in your operating agreement (all members unless a different threshold is specified). Amend the operating agreement, and if your certificate of formation imposes limits on membership, file Articles of Amendment with the Mississippi Secretary of State.
Obtain the required member consent under your operating agreement and amend it accordingly. Then file an Amendment of Articles of Organization (Form LLC-12) with the Missouri Secretary of State and pay the $25 filing fee.
Amend your LLC’s operating agreement to reflect the new member, then file Articles of Amendment through the Montana Secretary of State’s Biz portal and pay the associated fee.
Secure approval per your operating agreement, update the agreement, then file an Amended Certificate of Organization with the Nebraska Secretary of State (standard fee $30).
Follow your operating agreement’s voting or consent process, amend it to include the new member, then file your Annual List of Managers/Members with the Nevada Secretary of State via SilverFlume.
Obtain the vote or consent required by your operating agreement and amend it. If your Articles of Organization must reflect membership limits, file a Certificate of Amendment with the New Hampshire Secretary of State.
Obtain the consent required by your operating agreement and amend it to reflect the new member. Then file a Certificate of Amendment (Form DOC-11) with the New Jersey Division of Revenue & Enterprise Services and pay the applicable filing fee.
Secure the written consent of all existing members (per NM Stat § 53-19-36), amend your operating agreement, then log into the New Mexico Secretary of State’s Business Portal to file your Articles of Amendment and pay the $52 fee.
Follow your operating agreement’s approval process, amend it accordingly, then complete and file a Certificate of Amendment with the New York Department of State (Division of Corporations) along with the $60 filing fee.
Obtain the vote or consent required by your operating agreement, amend it, then file Articles of Amendment (Form B-02) with the North Carolina Secretary of State and pay the $50 fee.
Get the member approval called for by your operating agreement and amend it. Then file the amendment through the ND SOS FirstStop Portal and remit the applicable amendment fee.
Amend your operating agreement per its terms, then file a Certificate of Amendment (Form 533A) via Ohio Business Central and pay the $25 filing fee.
Obtain the member consent required by your operating agreement and amend it, then file “Amended Articles of Organization” (Domestic LLC) through the SOS OK Business e- filing portal or by mail (Form: Amended Articles of Organization; fee $100).
Log in to the Oregon Business Registry, choose “Information Change,” update your member list (adding the new member), then submit your update online—no separate paper amendment form is required.
Secure the required consent under your operating agreement, amend it accordingly, then file a Certificate of Amendment with the PA Department of State (Bureau of Corporations & Charitable Organizations) via the One-Stop Shop and pay the $70 fee.
Obtain any member approval specified in your operating agreement and amend it; then file Articles of Amendment (Form 401) with the RI Department of State, Business Services Division, and pay the $50 filing fee.
Hold the vote or obtain the consent required by your operating agreement, amend the agreement to include the new member, then file Articles of Amendment (§33-10-106) with the South Carolina Secretary of State and pay the $10 fee.
Secure any member vote or consent under your operating agreement, amend the agreement accordingly, then file an Amended Articles of Organization with the South Dakota Secretary of State.
Obtain the unanimous (or required) member consent, amend your operating agreement to reflect the addition, and issue new membership certificates—no state filing is required for the change.
Amend your governing documents (operating agreement) per the Texas Business Organizations Code, Chapter 101, then update your internal records—there is no filing requirement with the Texas SOS for membership changes.
Get the consent mandated by your operating agreement, amend it to add the new member, then file an LLC Registration Information Change Form with the Utah Division of Corporations online.
Obtain the approval required by your operating agreement and amend it to include the new member. Then file Articles of Amendment with the Vermont Secretary of State (Business Services Division) online or by mail and pay the $35 filing fee.
Secure the member vote or consent called for by your operating agreement and amend it. Then file Articles of Amendment with the Virginia State Corporation Commission via the CIS portal or by mail and pay the $25 filing fee.
Approve the addition per your operating agreement and amend it. Then file an Amended Certificate of Formation (Certificate of Amendment) with the Washington Secretary of State—online or by mail—and pay the $30 filing fee.
Obtain the member consent required by your operating agreement and amend it. Then file Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Organization with the West Virginia Secretary of State (online, in person, or by mail) and pay the $25 fee.
Follow your operating agreement’s approval process and amend it to include the new member. Wisconsin law treats membership details as internal; no state-level filing is required to update members.
Obtain the required consent, amend your LLC’s operating agreement, and update internal records. Wyoming does not require any state filing for membership changes unless member details were originally in the Articles of Organization.