What Secretary of State paperwork will a bank accept to show a family member was the sole member of an LLC?

Short answer: A Nevada Secretary of State certified document that proves the LLC’s formation (for example, a certified Articles of Organization) plus internal LLC records (most commonly a certified Operating Agreement, a membership ledger or membership certificate) are what banks typically rely on. A Certificate of Good Standing from the Nevada Secretary of State shows the company exists, but it usually does not show who the members are. If the member is deceased, banks generally also require a death certificate and documentation showing who has authority to act for the deceased’s estate (for example, Nevada probate letters or a small-estate affidavit when allowed).

Detailed answer — Nevada law and practical steps

This section explains what different documents show, where to get them from the Nevada Secretary of State (SOS), and what banks typically require. This is educational information only — not legal advice.

1. What Nevada Secretary of State records show ownership?

• Articles of Organization (certified copy): These are the documents filed to form an LLC in Nevada. They prove the company was formed and the organizer who filed them. In Nevada, the public Articles of Organization do not always list members. You can obtain a certified copy from the Nevada Secretary of State, which confirms the filing and filing date. (See NRS Chapter 86 for Nevada LLC law: https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-086.html.)
• Certificate of Good Standing / Certificate of Existence: Issued by the Nevada SOS, this certificate shows the LLC is properly registered and in good standing with the state. It does not list the members or their ownership percentages. SOS certificate info and requests: https://www.nvsos.gov/sos/businesses.
• Public record searches / SOS printouts: A certified printout of the entity status from the SOS business search shows filing history (formation, periodic lists, amendments) but usually will not disclose private member identities unless they appear in a filed document. Use the business search: https://esos.nv.gov/EntitySearch/OnlineEntitySearch.

2. What documents actually show who the sole member is?

• Operating Agreement (certified copy): The operating agreement is the primary internal document that identifies members and ownership shares. This is not filed with the SOS in Nevada, but a bank will accept a certified copy (signed and notarized) of the operating agreement showing the family member as the sole member.
• Membership ledger or member certificates: Many LLCs keep a membership ledger or issue member certificates. A ledger or certificate showing a single owner is strong proof.
• Filed Amendments or Statements that list members: Occasionally an LLC files an amendment or a statement (for example, a change of registered agent or managers) that includes names. If a member’s name appears in a filed document certified by the SOS, that helps establish ownership publicly.

3. If the sole member is deceased: what extra documents will banks ask for?

Banks generally require proof of the member’s death plus proof that the person seeking access has legal authority:

• Death certificate (certified copy).
• Decedent’s estate documents — for example:
• Letters testamentary or letters of administration issued by a Nevada probate court (showing appointment of a personal representative).
• A copy of the will if it nominates an executor, along with probate court papers.
• If the estate qualifies, a Nevada small estate affidavit or other streamlined procedure may allow transfer without full probate. Check Nevada courts for self-help resources: https://nvcourts.gov/Self_Help/Probate/.
• Assignment, buy-sell, trust documents: If the LLC interest passed by contract, trust, or beneficiary designation, provide certified copies of the trust, assignment, or beneficiary paperwork showing the transfer.

4. Why a bank may still ask for additional proof

Even with SOS-certified documents, banks follow internal policies and federal regulations (like anti-money-laundering and customer-identification rules). Expect banks to ask for:

• Current government ID for the person requesting account access;
• A certified copy of the Operating Agreement or membership ledger;
• A bank-specific affidavit of authority, sometimes notarized;
• Probate court documents if the member is deceased; and
• Legal opinion letters in complex cases (banks may request an attorney’s letter confirming authority).

How to get the relevant Secretary of State documents in Nevada

1. Search the Nevada SOS business database to find the entity and review what filings exist: https://esos.nv.gov/EntitySearch/OnlineEntitySearch.
2. Order certified copies of the Articles of Organization or filed amendments through the SOS website or by mail. SOS business services: https://www.nvsos.gov/sos/businesses/certificates.
3. Request a Certificate of Good Standing (Certificate of Status) from the SOS if the bank requests confirmation the LLC is in good standing.
4. Provide internal documents (operating agreement, membership ledger, member certificates) as certified copies or originals notarized when the bank requires it.

Practical checklist to take to the bank

• Certified copy of the Articles of Organization from Nevada SOS (if the articles list any relevant names).
• Certificate of Good Standing or SOS entity status printout.
• Signed and notarized Operating Agreement showing the sole member.
• Membership ledger or member certificate showing sole ownership.
• If the member is deceased: certified death certificate and probate letters or small-estate paperwork establishing who may act for the estate.
• Photo ID for the person requesting access and any bank-specific forms or affidavits the bank requires.

When you may need a lawyer

Consider consulting an attorney if:

• The LLC records are incomplete or missing;
• Ownership disputes arise among family members;
• The bank refuses access despite providing typical documents; or
• The decedent’s ownership interest is contested or must move through probate or trust administration.

Helpful Hints

• Ask the bank early what specific documents they require — different banks have different policies.
• A Certificate of Good Standing proves existence and compliance but rarely proves who the members are.
• Operating Agreements and membership ledgers are usually the best proof of sole ownership; keep originals and obtain certified copies when needed.
• If records are missing, check with the Nevada Secretary of State for any filed amendments or statements that could help.
• If a member is deceased, prepare death certificate and probate paperwork in advance; some banks accept limited access with an affidavit for small accounts, but policies vary.
• Certified copies from the SOS often carry more weight than uncertified printouts; order certified copies when possible.
• When in doubt about legal authority or complex estate issues, consult a Nevada attorney or the probate self-help resources at the Nevada courts website: https://nvcourts.gov/Self_Help/Probate/.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Nevada law and common banking practices. It is not legal advice. For advice about your particular situation, consult a licensed Nevada attorney.