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Last Updated: July 30, 2025

In many states, corporations are required to create company bylaws. But even if your state doesn’t require corporate bylaws, it’s still vitally important to create them — this document can help prevent ownership disputes and other issues across the lifespan of your business.

Unfortunately, creating corporate bylaws can be a hassle. And when you do create them, you might feel a lot of pressure to get them just right; after all, it’s an important legal document that will affect your business for years to come. That’s why hiring a corporate bylaws service can be beneficial to get help with this crucial document.

Many of the same companies that offer reputable online business incorporation services will also help you create your corporate bylaws. But how do you decide which service to use?

In this article, we’ll compare the best corporate bylaw services and templates so you can tackle this business management task as smoothly as possible. Whether you want someone to create bylaws on your behalf or you want to use a customizable template, you can find a good service option here.

Compare the Best Company Bylaws Service Providers

Service ProviderPriceHow the Service WorksBest For
ZenBusiness$99 standalone or included in $199/$299/year plansUser-customized template; downloadable and editableLLC owners who want a customizable bylaws document and bundled business services
Swyft Filings$35Bylaws generated by Swyft from questionnaire answers; user customizes final versionBudget-conscious users who want a drafted template to personalize
Bizee (Incfile)$30 add-on with Basic plan, included in $199/$299 packagesCustomizable template included with business formationNew corporations using Bizee for business formation
Rocket LawyerFree 7-day trial, then $39.99/month or $239.88/yearFill-in-the-blank template; customizableUsers needing access to a full legal document library and some legal support
Northwest Registered AgentFreeSimple fill-in-the-blank PDF; not customizableCorporations needing a simple, no-cost bylaws document
LegalZoom$99 standard, $199 expeditedDrafted by service team via questionnaire; no customizationCorporations wanting a done-for-you solution without customization
Attorney$150–$400/hour (varies by firm)Professionally drafted and fully customized on your behalfCorporations with complex structures or strict legal requirements

What are company bylaws?

Company bylaws (also called corporate bylaws) are a large document that outlines how a corporation operates; they’re like a rulebook for your business. This document governs both the day-to-day operations and the big-picture decisions your company will make.

For example, your corporation’s bylaws will dictate the roles and responsibilities of your officers, such as your chief financial officer, chief executive officer, chief operating officer, and more. These bylaws will also dictate how your board of directors is appointed, how board meetings are held, shareholder rights, and more.

Are corporate bylaws required?

Strictly speaking, you’ll have to check with your state corporation laws to know whether or not you’re explicitly required to draft bylaws and include them in your corporate records. Most states require them, but some don’t. And typically, you don’t file these bylaws with the state (they don’t become part of the public record). But if your state requires bylaws, you must draft them and keep them handy for reference.

But from a practical standpoint, a corporation should have corporate bylaws even if the state doesn’t explicitly require them. Drafting and adhering to them has many benefits.

Need help crafting them? Here are some of the best corporate bylaws services.

ZenBusiness Corporate Bylaws Service

If you want to create your bylaws quickly, our corporate bylaws service has your back. Our customizable template provides the framework you need to get started creating your rules and structure without the guesswork. You can even customize the template to meet your corporation’s unique needs. Then, download and print the form so you can have all of your stakeholders sign it to make things official.

Our bylaws service is available as a standalone service for $99. But if you’re starting a business, you can get the bylaws service included with our Pro and Premium formation plans ($199 and $299 a year, respectively). As a Pro or Premium customer, you’ll get free access to our bylaws template, our fastest processing fees to file your Articles of Incorporation, business compliance help, an EIN, and more.

Pros

  • Easy-to-use template
  • Available as a standalone product or a combined business formation package (best value)
  • Fully customizable by you
  • If needed, you can have your attorney look it over if you need more detailed support before finalizing
  • Your completed bylaws are available digitally and physically

Cons

  • Complicated corporations may prefer to seek additional legal help for drafting unique sections
  • Standalone product version is more expensive than some competitors’

Swyft Filings

If affordability is your priority but you still want to set a good foundation with company bylaws, Swyft Filings can be a budget-conscious choice. You’ll answer some questions about your business, and then the Swyft team uses their template to create bylaws on your behalf. Their bylaws service is a standalone product, priced at $35.

Pros

  • Affordable price point
  • The team handles most of the work for you

Cons

  • Not suited for complex legal needs
  • Questionnaire process can feel a bit cookie-cutter
  • You have to do any further customization yourself after the team completes drafting

Bizee

Formerly called Incfile, Bizee is another solid option for someone who’s looking to create a corporation and its bylaws at the same time. To get your corporate bylaws, you’ll need to form your business with Bizee. Corporate bylaws are included for free in their Standard and Premium packages ($199 and $299 plus state fees). If you use their Basic plan, corporate bylaws will cost an extra $30. Bizee’s bylaws do allow for customization if your company has specific needs.

Pros

  • Customizable bylaws
  • No extra cost for Standard and Premium customers

Cons

  • No standalone service options; must be added on or included in a formation package
  • Not a viable option for existing businesses
  • Not suited for companies with complex bylaw needs

Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer operates on a subscription basis — as a subscriber, you can access a wide library of legal documents and contracts that you can use for personal and business applications. Corporate bylaws are just one of many forms in their document library. Subscribers also receive discounts on consultations with legal professionals if they have more complicated questions they need answered.

Technically, you can get a seven-day free trial to Rocket Lawyer, which would let you get corporate bylaws for free (provided you cancel before the trial ends). After the trial, you’ll spend $39.99 monthly for regular access or $239.88 (billed annually or in four installments) for Rocket Lawyer Plus.

Pros

  • An option for free bylaws (if you cancel your trial in time)
  • Subscribing gives you access to a wide variety of other forms and contracts
  • Template is a simple, fill-in-the-blanks document

Cons

  • Monthly or annual subscription fees can add up quickly if you don’t cancel your trial
  • You’ll have to do extra work to customize it yourself

Northwest Registered Agent

Not all new corporations need a long, complicated set of bylaws. Some need a simple document that meets their state’s statutory limitations so they can check that item off their to-do list quickly. That’s what you’ll get with Northwest Registered Agent’s corporate bylaws template. You simply provide your business name, address, and a few other details to fill in the blanks and create your bylaws. Print them, sign them, and you’re all set. As a plus, the template is free.

Pros

  • Template is quick and straightforward
  • Free, no subscription required

Cons

  • Not suited to businesses with complex legal situations
  • Template isn’t customizable; the resulting bylaws are very simple and standard

LegalZoom

LegalZoom’s corporate bylaws and resolutions service will draft your bylaws on your behalf. All you have to do is answer their online questionnaire; they’ll create your bylaws based on your responses. Then, they’ll mail you a copy to sign and include in your corporate records. Currently, LegalZoom charges $99 for standard processing or $199 for expedited service.

Pros

  • Questionnaire is easy to complete
  • The LegalZoom team handles the drafting for you

Cons

  • No customization options
  • You don’t have immediate access to your bylaws (mailed to you)
  • Not suited to corporations with complex legal requirements

A Pricey Alternative: Hiring an Attorney

This article has primarily focused on different online services you can use to create your own company bylaws. And for many business owners, one of these services will work perfectly: they’re quick, affordable, and convenient. But it’s worth noting that you can also hire an attorney to draft your bylaws for you.

Understandably, hiring an attorney is by far the most expensive way to create your company’s bylaws (the average lawyer charges between $150 and $400 per hour). But in return, you get customized guidance and bylaws that are crafted for your business’s unique needs. For corporations with complex legal situations, hiring a lawyer may be the best way to get bylaws that fully address the nuances that come with your business. Plus, a licensed attorney in your area has expertise in your state’s specific corporation laws.

While hiring an attorney would be impractical or cost-prohibitive for many small business corporations, it can be the best route for certain companies, so we wanted to mention it here.

Pros

  • Can handle even the most complicated corporate bylaw needs
  • The most detailed knowledge of your state’s business statutes and regulations
  • Highly personalized bylaws

Cons

  • Expensive, especially for businesses with complex cases
  • Consultations can be time-consuming
  • Wait time between consultation and receiving your completed bylaws

Frequently Asked Questions About the
Best Corporate Bylaws Services

  • Most states require corporations to draft bylaws. And even if your state doesn’t explicitly require them, they’re still good to have. Bylaws help define how your corporation is governed, including areas like officer roles, board procedures, and shareholder rights. While you don’t file your bylaws with the state, you do need to keep them in your corporate records. So, while you might not legally need them to start a corporation, they’re still essential for long-term structure and compliance.

  • You can use a free template if your business structure is simple and you’re comfortable customizing it yourself. However, a paid service can offer convenience, peace of mind, and a more tailored document. Services and paid templates walk you through the process and help ensure you’re covering the right legal ground. It depends on how complex your needs are and how confident you feel handling it on your own.

  • Not necessarily. Many corporations successfully use online bylaws services or templates to draft their documents. That said, if your corporation has a complex structure, unique ownership considerations, or strict compliance needs, hiring a lawyer can help ensure everything is drafted to suit those complicated needs. For simpler businesses, a customizable template or online service usually works just fine.

  • Yes, corporate bylaws can be amended after incorporation, but it’s a little more complicated than just editing a word document. Your corporate bylaws will include a section explaining how they can be changed, usually requiring a vote by the board of directors or shareholders. If your corporation grows or changes direction, updating your bylaws can help keep your operations aligned with your new goals. Just be sure to document any changes thoroughly and keep them with your official corporate records.

  • Bylaws should be clearly organized and well-written, typically formatted as a formal document. They often include dedicated sections on the board of directors, officers, shareholder meetings, voting procedures, and amendment rules. You can use a fill-in-the-blank template, customize a more detailed form, or have an attorney draft them from scratch. No matter the method, make sure your bylaws reflect your corporation’s actual structure and needs.

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Benefits of Creating Corporate Bylaws

Corporate bylaws can help any corporation — including business corporations, nonprofit corporations, and professional corporations — in several ways.

Most importantly, bylaws set the standards for your business operations, which can help prevent conflicts down the line (or at least help resolve them when they do occur). When you’re just starting out, this might not seem that important, especially if you’ve got a small team. At the beginning, avoiding and solving arguments might be easy. But as a business grows, so does the potential for problems and disagreements. Your bylaws can set out clear procedures that everyone should follow, hopefully preventing petty arguments. They’ll also set out provisions for how to solve problems when they do come up; an impartial procedure can be a helpful tool when tempers might otherwise be high.

Additionally, maintaining and abiding by your bylaws helps prove that you’re maintaining your company’s corporate veil because you’re treating it like a separate legal entity from its owners. That separation is what gives corporate shareholders their limited personal liability protections. If you didn’t keep and follow these rules, someone could argue that you’re blurring the lines between the business and its owners; in that case, a judge might allow your corporate veil to be pierced, letting creditors come after personal assets in the event of a lawsuit or defaulted loan.

Potential investors often request to see a copy of your bylaws before they’ll support your business. After all, if you were about to make a significant investment in a company, wouldn’t you want to take a look under the hood first to make sure it was running well? So in a way, your bylaws can even help you acquire funding.

What information goes into the corporate bylaws?

Depending on the specifics of your corporation, like its size and purpose, you may include more information than we’ll discuss here. But, for the most part, all corporations should include these items in their bylaws.

To learn more, check out our full guide on what to include in your corporate bylaws.

Demographic Information

Demographical information about your business seems like a given, but it’s important to include in your company bylaws; it’s who you are as a business. This section typically covers your corporation’s name, business purpose, company address, your industry, and more.

Membership Provisions

What kind of stock will your corporation sell? Who will it sell stock to? What happens to an owner’s shares when they die? How many shares can one person hold? How are officers appointed? These are all important questions to answer, and your bylaws should cover them all — from voting rights to stock transfers and everything in between.

Shareholder Meetings

One of the unique features of the corporation is how it’s held accountable to its shareholders. You’ll need to have a shareholders’ annual meeting with your shareholders to discuss the company’s goals, priorities, and strategies for the upcoming year, vote on bylaw amendments, elect directors to fill any vacancies on the board, and more. The bylaws will outline how and when this meeting will happen, and these provisions need to be included for both privately and publicly traded companies.

Board of Directors’ Responsibilities and Rights

You’ll need to determine how many directors will sit on your board, how they’ll be appointed, and how long they’ll be allowed to serve as directors. Your bylaws should also dictate how a director can resign, or the procedure for dismissing a director (including how and why they need to be dismissed).

Board Meetings

How often will your board of directors meet? When and where will those regular meetings occur? How many directors need to be present to meet quorum requirements? Can directors vote by proxy if they aren’t able to attend a meeting? What’s the procedure for calling special meetings? Your bylaws will set out all the requirements for decision-making, board committees and subcommittees, and more.

Conflict of Interest Statement

Conflicts of interest occur when a company’s directors, officers, or employees let their personal interests override their duties and responsibilities to the company itself. This could include an employee using the company’s proprietary information to start their own competing company, a board member pushing for a business partnership with their friend’s company instead of the best option, or something else.

Your conflict of interest statement will help prevent and address issues like these.

Other Provisions

Your bylaws are just that — yours. So while this list of provisions will probably work for many corporations, it might not cover every part of your daily operations. You can add extra sections to your bylaws until they fulfill your corporation’s business needs.

Conclusion

Every business has different priorities for its company bylaws: some just need a simple document that meets their state requirements, and others need a lengthy document that outlines the complexities of the company’s internal management and shareholder rights. Bylaws services can be incredibly helpful in creating these crucial internal documents, but no two services are created equal.

We hope this guide has helped you weigh your different options for services you can use to get your company bylaws. We wish you the best as you get your business up and running!

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Disclaimer: The content on this page is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.

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Written by Team ZenBusiness

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