Delaware LLC Operating Agreement Template [PDF]

Outline all the details on how your company will be operated by creating a Delaware LLC operating agreement using our advanced template.

Customized for Delaware This document may be legally binding in Delaware according to your state specific regulations.

Delaware LLC Operating Agreement Template [PDF]

The Delaware limited liability company (LLC) operating agreement is a legal document that defines the status of each member within the LLC and provides details on how the company will be operated on a day-to-day basis.

The LLC operating agreement, or business operating agreement, gives members the freedom to determine the operation of the LLC and their relationship according to their specific business model and their needs.

This is also enabled by federal and state laws that provide a broad framework of rules that regulate the status of LLCs.

Is an Operating Agreement Required in Delaware?

Yes, the operating agreement is a required document when establishing an LLC in Delaware. Section 18-201(d) provides that the operating agreement must be entered into before, after, or at the time of the filing of a certificate of formation.

4 Main Types of Operating Agreements

When drafting an operating agreement in Delaware, there are four main types of agreements you can choose from:

Types of Operating Agreements

Laws and Legal Requirements for LLC Operating Agreements in Delaware

Title 6, Subtitle II, Chapter 18, called the Limited Liability Company Act, regulates the status of LLCs in Delaware.

Moreover, there are a few sections that regulate the status of the operating agreement in particular:

Laws and Legal Requirements

How to Form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Delaware

The easiest way to form an LLC in Delaware is to follow the step-by-step process outlined below:

How to Form a LLC in Delaware

#1. Reserve a Name For Your LLC

When establishing an LLC in Delaware, you should choose a business name. The name must be distinguishable from the names used by other companies registered in Delaware. You can do an entity name search and check if your business name is distinguishable from others.

#2. Choose the Type of LLC

In Delaware, you can choose between two main types of LLCs based on where they are established. Therefore, we have:

#3. Nominate an Agent

Every LLC in Delaware must have a registered agent who can receive documents from the Division of Corporations on behalf of the LLC. The Division of Corporations has provided a list of Delaware registered agents that fulfill the standards.

#4. File the Certificate of Formation

Domestic LLCs must file the Certificate of Formation by filling out the form provided by the Delaware Division of Corporations.

For foreign LLCs, the members must file the Certificate of Registration of a Foreign Limited Liability Company. Here, the Delaware Division of Corporations has also provided a form and instructions for filling it out.

#5. Pay the Required Fee

When submitting your application, you should also attach a check for the application fee.

The fee for forming a domestic LLC is $90, and the fee for a foreign LLC is $200.

#6. Create the Cover Memo

When submitting an application, you are also required to send a cover memo. The Division of Corporations has created a fillable form you can use to create the cover memo.

#7. Create the Operating Agreement

Based on how many members the LLC will have. You can create a single-member operating agreement or a multi-member operating agreement. The operating agreement doesn’t have to be registered with the Division of Corporations.

#8. Apply For an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

This number is necessary if you want to apply for the company bank account or complete certain transactions. You can apply for the EIN on the IRS website or by filling out the SS-4 form.