1. What ORC 1706.16 requires
Section 1706.16(A) says the articles shall set forth:
- The name of the company.
- The name and street address of the statutory agent, and a written acceptance signed by the agent.
- If applicable, a statement as provided in section 1706.761(B)(3). This page does not summarize that section.
- Any other matters the organizers or the members determine to include.
Under 1706.16(C), the fact that the articles are on file is notice of the matters required by (A)(1) through (A)(3). It is not notice of any other fact. Optional matters under (A)(4) are not in that notice.
2. Where to read the articles
The Ohio Secretary of State business search is linked in the sources. On October 22, 2026 that page returned a verification challenge and did not show a search form, so this guide does not describe the screen. Read the articles on the official record rather than a summary of a page this check could not see.
- Use the company name as the county record prints it.
- Read the articles for the statutory agent, the street address, and the written acceptance.
- Note any people the organizers chose to include under (A)(4), and the dates on those documents.
3. When the articles name no members
- Recorded documents. A deed or mortgage for the property may be signed by a person in a stated capacity for the LLC. Read the county recorder’s copy.
- The statutory agent. The agent receives legal papers. The articles do not say the agent is a member. See is the registered agent the owner.
- Court papers. A case about the property or the company may name a person. The case caption is the source.
- Another company. If a document names a second company, read that company’s articles the same way.
4. How to read a signature
Because 1706.16(C) limits notice to (A)(1) through (A)(3), anything else in the filing is what the organizers or members chose to say. A signature shows that someone signed in the capacity the document states. It does not prove that person owns the company.
Arizona’s articles do require members or managers. See who owns an Arizona LLC.
5. How Locate Next fits
Before treating an Ohio filing as an owner list, read the LLC owner lookup page. It says: “State filings list the people a company named. They don’t prove who owns or controls it, and we don’t claim they do.” The same page says: “We search available state records for the owner name on your list, including former names when the source provides them, and keep the plausible companies in view.” And: “Where Locate has a working state source, we show its official record or search link.” This guide does not claim an Ohio search path.
Common questions
Must Ohio articles name the members?
No. ORC 1706.16(A) requires the company name, the statutory agent with a written acceptance, a statement under 1706.761(B)(3) if it applies, and any other matters the organizers or members choose to include.
Where are Ohio LLC articles searched?
The Ohio Secretary of State business search. This guide does not describe that screen, because it did not render on October 22, 2026.
Where else can a person’s name appear?
In documents the company chose to file, and in recorded deeds, mortgages, and court papers for the property. A signature is the capacity stated on that document, not proof of ownership.
Is the Ohio statutory agent the owner?
The articles name the agent for service and require the agent’s written acceptance. They do not say the agent owns the company.
Sources
- Ohio Revised Code 1706.16, articles of organization. Read October 22, 2026.
- Ohio Secretary of State, business search. On October 22, 2026 the page returned a verification challenge, so this guide does not describe the search screen.
This page is general information, not legal advice.