Do you need to set basic rules for running your business through corporate bylaws? If you want to stay compliant, the answer is likely “yes.” Unless you’re an expert — or you have an attorney — using a credible online bylaws template is a smart move.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best corporate bylaws templates online to give you an idea which one is best for your startup.
Top Corporate Bylaws Templates for Startups
| Northwest  4.9/5 | Best Corporate Bylaws Template Overall
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| Rocket Lawyer
4.7/5 Visit Site | Best for Additional Legal Services
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| FindLegalForms
4.5/5 |
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| LawDepot
4.3/5 Visit Site |
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| eForms
4.2/5 Visit Site |
|
Corporate bylaws are formal documents that outline a corporation’s internal rules and governance procedures. They cover aspects like board structure, shareholder meetings, and officer responsibilities. For startups, using a corporate bylaws template can prove highly beneficial. These predrafted documents provide a standardized structure, saving time and resources while helping ensure legal compliance.
While templates offer a solid starting point, startups should customize them to reflect their unique needs — potentially with legal guidance. Well-crafted bylaws demonstrate organizational readiness to potential investors and provide a clear operational framework as the company grows.
5 Best Corporate Bylaws Templates of 2024
1. Northwest
Northwest Registered Agent is a popular business formation service for several business structures. The company also offers an extensive library of corporate forms that are free to download with no account sign up required. Northwest’s corporate bylaws template was written by a Washington State-based attorney and includes a robust set of bylaws in a customizable PDF document.
Pros
- Free to download, no sign up required
- Premade template that requires only slight customization
- Written by an attorney
- Resources for state-specific bylaw requirements
Cons
- May be difficult to alter due to its built-in formatting
Pricing
Northwest offers a corporate bylaws template — as well as other corporate forms — for free.
2. Rocket Lawyer
Rocket Lawyer is a resource for legal services and documents for businesses. The company’s corporate bylaws template is available at no cost through a seven-day free trial. After the trial period, users must start a membership to continue accessing this and other documents through the platform. The template is compliant with all relevant laws, includes free eSignature, and comes with free access to attorneys in the event of questions or concerns as you complete the document.
Pros
- Easy to complete
- Access to attorney consultations
- Members gain access to an extensive number of legal documents
- eSignature included
Cons
- Users must sign up for a membership to access documents after the free trial period
Pricing
- RocketLegal+: $19.99 per month, billed annually
- RocketLegal: $39.99 per month, billed monthly
3. FindLegalForms
FindLegalForms is a platform that provides access to personal and business legal forms. As with all FindLegalForms documents, the corporate bylaws templates are available in several different file types — all compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems. The template, prepared and updated by attorneys, is guaranteed to be valid in whichever state your business is located.
Pros
- State-specific templates available
- Prepared and updated by attorneys
- Free eSignature included
- Multiform discount available
Cons
- No free templates available
- Higher cost than some competitors
Pricing
FindLegalForms offers their corporate bylaws template for a flat rate of $19.95. You also can bundle a bylaws template with nine other common corporate startup forms for $39.95. Of course, the company also has a subscription service.
4. LawDepot
LawDepot is a valuable resource for businesses looking to secure legal forms with excellent customer support. The company’s fully customizable corporate bylaws template is available for both nonprofit and for-profit businesses. With LawDepot’s simple questionnaire, it takes 10 minutes or less — from start to finish — to create your corporate bylaws. Plus, the template is free with a one-week trial.
Pros
- Free to download during the free trial period
- For-profit and nonprofit templates available
- Quick preparation and instant download
- Requires only a simple questionnaire
Cons
- Users must pay for a membership after the trial period or risk losing access to templates
- A high-cost option when compared to other services
Pricing
- Corporate Bylaws (Five-Year Access): $49 one-time fee
- One-Year Pro Subscription: $8.99 per month, billed annually
5. eForms
eForms offers digital personal, business, and real estate forms on a per-document or subscription basis. The company’s corporate bylaws template is available to download free in PDF, Word, and Open Document Format (ODT) file formats. However, you won’t be able to customize the document. The template is available in state-specific versions to ensure you comply with state requirements. Additionally, the platform offers extensive written resources to help you fill out documents correctly.
Pros
- Helpful resources available to ensure you fill out documents properly
- Available in several formats for free
- State-specific templates
- For-profit and nonprofit templates available
Cons
- Account sign up is required to customize bylaws
Pricing
- PDF, Word, ODT Download: Free
- Monthly Plan: $49 per month
- Annual Plan: $199 per year
eForms does offer single-document pricing, however, the cost varies by form.
How to Choose the Right Corporate Bylaws Template
Before you download your corporate bylaws template, you’ll need to consider a few factors to ensure you select the right template for your business. These include price, customizability, and length of access to the document.
Price
Price is always a major factor when choosing a product or service. There are several free templates available to save your business money, but consider the value you’ll receive for the price to ensure you’re getting the template you need for your business.
Customizability
Unless your corporate bylaws match an existing template perfectly, you’ll need an option that allows you to customize the bylaws to fit your business.
Length of Access
While some services offer access to their document during a free trial period, consider the length of time you may need to access the template. If this is longer than seven days, you may need to opt for a different template.
FAQs
What are corporate bylaws?
Corporate bylaws are internal documents that define how a corporation is governed. They’re important because they establish the company’s management structure, outline procedures for meetings and decision-making, and help ensure legal compliance.
What should I look for in a good corporate bylaws template?
A good template should be comprehensive, customizable, and up-to-date with current legal requirements. Look for templates that cover key areas like shareholder rights, board of directors’ responsibilities, and amendment procedures.
Are free corporate bylaws templates reliable?
While some free templates can be great for your business, they may not always be comprehensive or tailored to your specific needs. It may be worth investing in a premium template or consulting with a legal professional to ensure your bylaws are thorough and compliant.
How do I customize a corporate bylaws template for my specific business?
Start by reviewing the template thoroughly and identifying sections that need modification. Tailor the language to reflect your company’s specific structure, goals, and operational procedures. Consider consulting with a lawyer to ensure all customizations are legally sound.
Can I use the same corporate bylaws template for different types of corporations?
While some basic elements may be similar, it’s generally best to use templates specific to your corporation type (e.g., C corporation, S corporation, or nonprofit). Different corporation types have distinct legal requirements and operational structures that should be reflected in their bylaws.