Free template
Free Articles of Incorporation Template
What Are Articles of Incorporation?
Copy section linkArticles of Incorporation (sometimes called a Certificate of Incorporation, depending on the state) are the founding legal document that creates a corporation. Filing this articles of incorporation document with the state's Secretary of State officially brings the business into existence as a separate legal entity, distinct from its owners.
The document works alongside the company's Articles of Association and internal by-laws, which together outline the corporation's purpose, structure, and governance. While the articles of incorporation form establishes the corporation with the state, the by-laws govern how shareholders and the Board of Directors interact day to day.
Using an articles of incorporation template helps founders capture every field regulators require — corporate name, registered agent, share structure, and incorporator details — without missing a required clause. Because requirements vary, always confirm state-specific rules before filing.
For entrepreneurs, incorporating offers limited liability protection and added credibility with investors, lenders, and partners, which is why many growing businesses choose this structure over a sole proprietorship or partnership.
When to Use an Article of Incorporation Template
Copy section linkYou're forming a new C-corp or S-corp and need to register with the state.
You're converting an existing business (sole proprietorship, partnership, or LLC) into a corporation.
You're raising outside investment and need a formal corporate structure with shares.
You want the limited liability protection a corporation provides.
You're registering as a foreign corporation doing business in a new state.
When not to use this template:
You want a simpler, member-managed structure — use an Articles of Organization to form an LLC instead.
You're forming a nonprofit — most states require a separate nonprofit articles form.
1. Choose a name for your corporation
- Fill in the name of the corporation in the first blank field. The name should be unique and not too similar to other corporations in your state. Make sure it follows your state's naming rules.
"Tech Innovations Inc."
- Indicate the state where the corporation is being established.
"…under the laws of the State of California."
2. Provide the corporation’s address
- Provide the name of your corporation for the second time. If you fill it out with Loio, the system will make it automatic.
- Add the corporation’s address — this is the physical location where the corporation is based, which may be different from your business's operational address.
"The street adress of the initial registered office of the Corporation is 123 Business Blvd, Suite 100, San Francisco, CA."
3. Add registered agent information
- Fill in the name of the registered agent. This person or company will receive legal and official documents on behalf of the corporation.
- Provide the address of the registered agent, which must be within the state of incorporation.
"Registered Agent. The name of the initial registered agent is George Muller. The registered agent’s address is 456 Market Street, San Francisco, CA."
4. List the directors
- Include the names and addresses of the individuals who will serve as the initial directors of your corporation.
"Maria Smith, an individual having their usual place of living at 23 Sunny Blvd, San Francisco, CA."
5. Sign and file the articles of incorporation form
To fill out this blank section of the simple articles of incorporation, follow these steps:
- Incorporator's name. Write the full name of the person who is signing the Articles of Incorporation. This person is responsible for starting the corporation.
- Incorporator's address. Provide the full address where the incorporator lives, including the street, city, state, and zip code.
- Date of execution. Write the date when the incorporator is signing the Articles of Incorporation.
- Signature. The incorporator must sign their name in the space provided.
"... John Miller, an individual having their usual place of living at 123 Business Blvd, San Francisco, CA.
Signature: [John Miller’s Signature]
Date: [Date of Signing]"
