Jake Lawson here. While I typically recommend online filing for speed, some entrepreneurs prefer the paper trail that comes with mail filing. Here’s how to do it right the first time—because South Dakota doesn’t accept sloppy paperwork.
Why Consider Mail Filing? (And Why You Probably Shouldn’t)
Mail filing makes sense if:
- You want physical documentation from the start
- You’re uncomfortable with online government systems
- You’re filing complex LLC structures requiring detailed review
But honestly, online filing is usually better because:
- $15 cheaper ($150 vs. $165)
- Instant approval vs. 3-5 business days
- Immediate confirmation vs. waiting for mail
- No risk of lost paperwork in transit
My recommendation: Unless you have a specific reason for mail filing, go online. But if you’re committed to mail filing, I’ll show you how to do it perfectly.
Before You Start: Essential Prerequisites
1. Confirm Your LLC Name is Available
Don’t waste $165 on a rejected filing. Search South Dakota’s business database first:
- Use the Secretary of State’s business search tool
- Try variations of your desired name
- Check for exact matches and confusingly similar names
2. Choose Your Registered Agent
Options:
- Yourself (if you have a South Dakota street address)
- Commercial service (if you live outside South Dakota or want privacy)
- Friend/family in South Dakota (free but risky)
My recommendation: Use a commercial registered agent service. It’s professional, reliable, and protects your privacy.
3. Gather Required Information
Have everything ready before starting the form:
- Exact LLC name with designator
- Registered agent details
- Your contact information
- Management structure decision
Step-by-Step: Completing South Dakota Articles of Organization
Article I: LLC Name
Enter your complete LLC name including the required designator.
South Dakota accepts these designators:
- LLC (most popular and professional)
- L.L.C.
- Limited Liability Company
- Limited Liability Co.
- LC, L.C. (less common)
Jake’s naming tip: Use “LLC” unless you have a specific branding reason for something else. It’s universally recognized and professional.
Article IA: Purpose (Optional)
Leave blank for maximum flexibility. This gives your LLC the broadest possible scope to engage in any lawful business activity.
Only specify a purpose if:
- Required by your industry (banking, insurance, etc.)
- Mandated by investors or partners
- You want to limit the LLC’s scope for legal reasons
Example specific purpose: “Real estate investment and property management services”
Article II: Designated Office
Actual Street Address: Where your LLC conducts business
- Can be anywhere in the U.S. (doesn’t have to be South Dakota)
- Home address is perfectly acceptable
- Must be a physical address (no P.O. boxes)
Mailing Address: Only fill this if different from your street address
- Use if you want mail sent elsewhere
- Most people leave this blank
Email Address: Optional but recommended
- Use a business email if you have one
- You’ll receive state notices and reminders here
Article III: Registered Agent
If using an individual person:
- Enter their full legal name
- Provide their South Dakota street address
- Include email if desired (optional)
- Leave section (b) blank
If using a commercial service:
- Leave section (a) blank
- Enter company name and CRA number in section (b)
- Get the CRA number from your registered agent service
Jake’s note: Commercial registered agents handle this paperwork daily. They’ll provide their CRA number when you sign up.
Article IV: Organizer(s)
Who is the organizer? The person filing the paperwork (probably you).
Key points:
- Organizer ≠ Owner (though they can be the same person)
- Only one organizer required
- Use your legal name and current address
- The organizer signs the document
Article V: Duration
Leave blank for perpetual existence. This means your LLC continues until you formally dissolve it.
Only specify an end date if:
- You’re forming a project-specific LLC
- Required by partnership agreements
- You have unusual tax planning needs
Article VI: Management Structure
Member-managed (most common):
- All owners can bind the LLC in contracts
- All owners participate in management decisions
- Simpler structure for small businesses
Manager-managed:
- Only designated managers can bind the LLC
- Other members are passive investors
- Better for larger or investment-focused LLCs
My recommendation: Choose member-managed unless you specifically need the manager structure for investor or operational reasons.
Article VII: Beneficial Owners (Optional)
Leave blank to maintain privacy. There’s no requirement to list LLC members publicly.
Only list members if:
- Required by business partners
- Mandated by funding sources
- You want public transparency
Privacy consideration: Anything you put here becomes public record searchable by anyone.
Article VIII: Additional Provisions
Leave blank unless specifically advised otherwise by an attorney or accountant.
Common additions might include:
- Specific voting requirements
- Transfer restrictions
- Dissolution triggers
Warning: Don’t add provisions you don’t understand. They can create unexpected legal consequences.
Signing and Submitting Your Articles
Signature Requirements
- Only organizers sign (from Article IV)
- Use today’s date (no forward or back-dating)
- Title: Write “Organizer”
- Black ink pen for signatures
Preparing Your Submission
Required documents:
- Original signed Articles of Organization
- One copy of the signed Articles
- Check or money order for $165 payable to “Secretary of State”
Jake’s submission tips:
- Print both copies on standard white paper (8.5″ x 11″)
- Sign both documents (don’t just photocopy signatures)
- Use certified mail with tracking
- Keep photocopies for your records
Mailing Address
Secretary of State
500 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501-5070
Timeline and What to Expect
Processing Timeline:
- Mail delivery: 1-3 days (depending on your location)
- Processing time: 3-5 business days
- Return mail: 2-4 days
- Total timeline: 7-12 days typically
Approval Confirmation:
You’ll receive a stamped Certificate of Organization by mail showing:
- Your LLC’s official formation date
- State filing number
- Official state seal and signatures
Keep this document safe—it’s proof of your LLC’s legal existence.
Alternative Filing Options
Walk-in Filing (Pierre Only)
If you’re near Pierre, South Dakota:
- Cost: $210 (more expensive than mail)
- Processing: Same-day approval
- Location: State Capitol Building, 500 East Capitol Avenue
- Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM, Monday-Friday
Best time to visit: Early morning to avoid lines
Online Filing (Recommended)
Advantages over mail:
- $15 cheaper ($150 vs. $165)
- Instant approval
- No mailing delays
- Immediate downloadable documents
Common Mail Filing Mistakes
Mistake #1: Incomplete Payment
Problem: Wrong amount or payment method
Solution: Exactly $165, check or money order only
Consequence: Rejected filing and delays
Mistake #2: Missing Signatures
Problem: Unsigned documents or copying signatures
Solution: All organizers must sign both originals in ink
Consequence: Rejected filing
Mistake #3: P.O. Box Addresses
Problem: Using P.O. boxes for registered agent
Solution: Must use street addresses for registered agents
Consequence: Rejected filing
Mistake #4: Unavailable Names
Problem: Filing with name already in use
Solution: Always search availability first
Consequence: Rejected filing and lost time
After Your LLC is Approved
Immediate Next Steps:
- Get your EIN from the IRS
- Open a business bank account
- Create an Operating Agreement
- Obtain necessary business licenses
Keep Your Documents Organized:
- Certificate of Organization (your proof of formation)
- Operating Agreement (internal governance document)
- EIN confirmation letter
- Bank account opening documents
Costs and Budgeting
South Dakota Filing Costs:
- Articles of Organization: $165
- Certified mail: $5-10
- Total mail filing cost: ~$175
Additional Startup Costs to Consider:
- Registered agent service: $100-300/year
- EIN application: Free (direct with IRS)
- Operating Agreement: $0-500 (depending on complexity)
- Business bank account: $0-25/month
When to Get Professional Help
DIY makes sense for:
- Simple single-member or family LLCs
- Standard business purposes
- Straightforward ownership structures
Consider professional help for:
- Complex multi-member structures
- Specialized industries (finance, healthcare, etc.)
- Tax planning considerations
- Multiple entity formations
Frequently Asked Questions
“Can I file amendments by mail too?”
Yes. South Dakota accepts amendments by mail using the same process and similar fees.
“What if my paperwork gets lost in the mail?”
Use certified mail with tracking to prove delivery. If lost, you can refile without penalty.
“Do I need an attorney to file by mail?”
Not required. The Articles of Organization form is straightforward for most businesses.
“Can I expedite mail processing?”
No. South Dakota doesn’t offer expedited mail processing. For speed, file online instead.
The Bottom Line: Mail Filing Can Work
Mail filing is perfectly valid—just slower and more expensive than online filing.
My systematic approach:
- Double-check everything before mailing
- Use certified mail for tracking
- Keep copies of everything you send
- Plan for 7-12 days total processing time
When mail filing makes sense: You want physical documentation from day one, or you’re uncomfortable with online government systems.
When to choose online instead: You want faster, cheaper formation with immediate confirmation.
Ready to start your South Dakota LLC? Check out my complete South Dakota formation guide and state comparison reviews. I’ve guided over 1,200 entrepreneurs through U.S. business formation—including helping them choose the right filing method for their situation.
Jake Lawson
LLC Formation Strategist
Independent. Unbiased. No upsells. Ever.
P.S. South Dakota is actually one of the most business-friendly states for LLCs. No state income tax, minimal annual requirements, and straightforward formation process. You picked a good state for your business.