How Long Does It Take to Get an LLC
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Are you planning to form an LLC? Here's how long it takes to get one in each state.
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There's no single answer to when the state will approve your LLC. It could be just a few minutes or several weeks.
But if you read on, you can estimate how soon you should file your business formation documents. You'll also find useful tips to help form your LLC much quicker.
State Processing Times
The time that it takes for states to review your business formation documents varies. One of the biggest factors is whether you filed the documents online or by mail.
Online applications can be approved immediately, while mailed applications may take months. But, this isn't a hard and fast rule.
Here are the average processing times for each state:
Average processing times per state:
| State | Online | By Mail |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Immediately | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Alaska | Immediately | 2 to 3+ weeks |
| Arizona | 14 to 16 business days | 14 to 16 business days |
| Arkansas | 3 to 7 business days | 7 to 10 business days |
| California | 1 to 2 weeks | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Colorado | Immediately | 7 to 10 business days |
| Connecticut | 2 to 3 business days | 7 to 10 business days |
| Delaware | 1 to 2 weeks | 2 to 3 weeks |
| District of Columbia | 5 to 7 business days | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Florida | 5 to 7 business days | 10 to 14 business days |
| Georgia | 7 to 10 business days | 15 business days |
| Hawaii | 3 to 5 business days | 3 to 5 business days |
| Idaho | 5 to 7 business days | 5 to 7 business days |
| Illinois | 7 to 14 business days | 6 to 8 weeks |
| Indiana | 5 business days | 1 business day |
| Iowa | Immediately | 15 to 20 business days |
| Kansas | Immediately | 2 to 3 business days |
| Kentucky | Immediately | Up to 5 business days |
| Louisiana | 3 to 5 business days | 3 to 5 business days |
| Maine | No online filings | 40 to 45 business days |
| Maryland | 4 to 6 weeks | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Massachusetts | 1 to 2 business days | 1 to 2 business days |
| Michigan | 1 to 2 weeks | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Minnesota | Immediately | 10 to 12 days |
| Mississippi | 1 to 2 business days | No mail filings |
| Missouri | 1 to 3 business days | Up to 6 weeks |
| Montana | 5 to 7 business days | No mail filings |
| Nebraska | 1 to 3 business days | Up to 1 week |
| Nevada | 1 business day | 3 to 6 weeks |
| New Hampshire | Up to 10 days | Up to 10 days |
| New Jersey | 1 business day | Up to 1 week |
| New Mexico | 1 to 3 business days | Up to 4 weeks |
| New York | Immediately | 4 to 8 months |
| North Carolina | 5 to 7 days | 5 to 7 days |
| North Dakota | Up to 5 business days | Up to 4 weeks |
| Ohio | 1 business day | 3 to 7 business days |
| Oklahoma | Immediately | Up to 7 business days |
| Oregon | 1 to 2 business days | 7 to 10 business days |
| Pennsylvania | Up to 7 business days | 15 business days |
| Rhode Island | 1 to 3 business days | 1 to 3 business days |
| South Carolina | Within 24 hours | 3 to 4 business days |
| South Dakota | Immediately | 3 to 5 business days |
| Tennessee | Immediately | 3 to 5 business days |
| Texas | 3 to 5 business days | 7 to 10 business days |
| Utah | 2 to 3 business days | 5 to 7 business days |
| Vermont | 1 business day | 7 to 10 business days |
| Virginia | 1 business days | Up to 4 weeks |
| Washington | Up to 5 business days | 4 to 6 weeks |
| West Virginia | 5 to 10 business days | 5 to 10 business days |
| Wisconsin | Immediately | 5 to 7 business days |
| Wyoming | Immediately | Up to 15 business days |
The listed processing times above aren't static. How long the state takes to approve your LLC formation varies based on:
- Time of the year
Entrepreneurs typically choose December and January to form a business. This makes it easier to remember the formation date, which affects when the annual reports are due.So, given the high volume of applications, it might take longer for the state to review your documents.
- Mailing time
The state processes applications in the order they are received. If you file by mail, it could take longer for the state to receive the forms. - Name approval
Most states only allow applicants to submit one business name. So if this name is already taken, your application will be rejected, and you'll need to file again.Avoid delays by paying the name reservation fee.
Reserve your desired business name before submitting an LLC application to ensure it's still available. This prevents others from using that name until the state approves your LLC. - Expedited services
Some states offer expedited services for an additional fee. Your formation documents can be processed as quickly as 1 hour depending on how much you pay. - LLC provider processing time
It could take weeks for your service provider to submit to the state. The state can only process your LLC formation documents upon receipt.
Want to know which LLC provider has quick turnaround times? Read on.
Set Up Your LLC - $0 + State Fees
Get your LLC in just a few quick steps, includes:
- Free business plan included (no credit card required)
- Lifetime compliance alerts
- Comprehensive name check
- Lifetime customer support via email and phone
Business Formation Service - $39 + State Fees
- Form Your LLC, Corporation, or Nonprofit Today
- A Fully-Formed Business
- Registered Agent Service
- Business Address
- Mail Forwarding
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Economy Package at $149 + State Filing Fees
Form your corporation at $149 + state filing fees, with the Economy package. The Economy package includes:
- Name check service
- Business consultation
- Digital welcome packet
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Starter - $0 + State Filing Fees
- Includes 1 optional free year of Worry-Free Compliance that renews at $199/year
- Standard filing speed
- 100% accuracy guaranteed
- Other services are available with additional costs
LLC Provider Processing Times
LLC formation services get the job done correctly, which reduces the chances of the state rejecting your LLC application. However, this could also mean a longer processing time.
Fortunately, these providers offer fast turnaround times:
- MyCompanyWorks
If you submit your order by 3 PM EST, MyCompanyWorks will process your documents on the same day at no extra cost. Orders made after 3 PM are processed the next business day. - Bizee (formerly Incfile)
Bizee submits all paperwork to the state within 24 hours. Additionally, all of Bizee's plans include a free year of registered agent services. - Swyft Filings
Swyft Filings' free plan will file your formation documents within 10 days. But you can pay for expedited services if you're in a hurry.
What is the most important factor for you when choosing an LLC filing service?
Keep in mind that an LLC provider's expedited services only cover the time it takes to submit your documents to the state. The states' separate expedited service fees are discussed below.
Expedited Services
Most states offer expedited services to process your LLC application faster. Processing fees vary depending on how quickly you want your forms reviewed.
Here's how much it costs and how long it takes in every state:
Expedited processing fees & times per state:
| State | Processing Fee | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama[1] | $100 | Within 3 business days |
| Alaska | No expedited services | |
| Arizona[2] | $400 $200 $100 | 2 hours (file by 3 PM) Same day (file by 10 AM) Next day (file by 5 PM) |
| Arkansas | No expedited services | |
| California[3] | $750 $500 $350 | Same day (file by 9:30 AM) 4 hours (drop-off only in Sacramento) 24 hours |
| Colorado[4] | $150 | Within 3 business days |
| Connecticut[5] | $50 | 24 hours |
| Delaware[6] | $1,000 $500 $100 to $200 $50 to $100 | 1 hour (file by 9 PM) 2 hours(file by 7 PM) Same day (file before 2 PM) Next day (file by 7 PM) |
| District of Columbia[7] | $100 $50 | Same day 3 days |
| Florida | No expedited services | |
| Georgia[8] | $1,000 $250 $100 | 1 hour (submit by 4 PM) Same day (file by noon) Two business days |
| Hawaii[9] | $25 | As early as 1 day |
| Idaho[10] | $100 $40 | Same day (file by 1 PM) 8 hours |
| Illinois[11] | $100 | 24 hours |
| Indiana | No expedited services | |
| Iowa[12] | $50 $15 | 2 days 5 days |
| Kansas | No expedited services | |
| Kentucky | No expedited services | |
| Louisiana[13] | $50 $30 | Processed while you wait 24 hours |
| Maine[14] | $100 $50 | Same day 24 hours |
| Maryland[15] | $50 | Within 7 days |
| Massachusetts[16] | $20 | 1 day |
| Michigan[17] | $1,000 $500 $100 $50 | 1 hour 2 hours Same day (file by 1 PM) 24 hours |
| Minnesota | No expedited services | |
| Mississippi | No expedited services | |
| Missouri | No expedited services | |
| Montana[18] | $100 $20 | 1 hour 24 hours |
| Nebraska | No expedited services | |
| Nevada[19] | $1,000 $500 $125 | 1 hour 2 hours 24 hours (file by 2 PM) |
| New Hampshire[20] | $25 | While you wait (walk-in only) |
| New Jersey[21] | $1,000 $500 $50 $25 | 1 hour (walk-in only) 2 hours (walk-in only) Same day (fax only) Per filing |
| New Mexico | No expedited services | |
| New York[22] | $150 $75 $25 | 2 hours (file by 2:30 PM) Same day (file by 12 PM) 24 hours |
| North Carolina[23] | $200 $100 | Same day (file by 12 PM) 24 hours |
| North Dakota | No expedited services | |
| Ohio[24] | $300 $200 $100 | 4 hours (file by 1 PM) 1 day 2 days |
| Oklahoma | No expedited services | |
| Oregon | No expedited services | |
| Pennsylvania[25] | $1,000 $300 $100 | 1 hour (file by 4 PM) 3 hours (file by 2 PM) Same day (file by 10 AM) |
| Rhode Island | No expedited services | |
| South Carolina | No expedited services | |
| South Dakota[26] | $50 | Sooner than standard time |
| Tennessee | No expedited services | |
| Texas[27] | $25 | Processed ahead of others |
| Utah[28] | $75 | 1 to 2 days |
| Vermont | No expedited services | |
| Virginia[29] | $200 $50 | Same day (online only) Next day (online only) |
| Washington[30] | $100 | Same day (file by 3:30 PM) |
| West Virginia[31] | $500 $250 $25 | 1 hour 2 hours 24 hours |
| Wisconsin[32] | $25 | Next day |
| Wyoming | No expedited services | |
As you can see, some states don't offer expedited services. Meanwhile, others only provide it for mailed or in-person filings. It makes sense since you can usually form an LLC online in minutes.
Additional fees may apply.
Depending on the state, you may have to pay a convenience fee (if online) or administrative fee (if paper) on top of the expedited fee.
Depending on the state, you may have to pay a convenience fee (if online) or administrative fee (if paper) on top of the expedited fee.
Tips to Get Your LLC Faster
Aside from paying for expedited services, here are more tips to form your LLC faster:
- Provide an available & valid business name
Before submitting your LLC formation documents, make sure your chosen business name is still available by reserving it first. Don't forget to follow the state's LLC naming regulations. - File online
Most states process LLCs filed online much quicker than forms submitted by mail or fax. - Choose same-day LLC formation services
If you hire an LLC formation service, choose one that offers same-day filing. This ensures your LLC formation documents are submitted as soon as possible to the state. - Submit during non-peak months
Avoid forming an LLC at the beginning and end of the year. States typically receive a high volume of applications during that period.
Lastly, don't forget to review your Articles of Organization before submitting them to the state. Incorrect or missing information could delay your LLC's approval.
Bottom Line
Many states allow you to form an LLC on the same day if you file online. Meanwhile, LLC formation documents sent by mail typically take longer — from 1 to 3 weeks, sometimes more.
Set Up Your LLC - $0 + State Fees
Get your LLC in just a few quick steps, includes:
- Free business plan included (no credit card required)
- Lifetime compliance alerts
- Comprehensive name check
- Lifetime customer support via email and phone
If you want to form an LLC faster, pay for expedited fees and make sure all the information on the forms is correct.
References
- ^ State of Alabama. Domestic Limited Liability Company Certificate of Formation, Retrieved 05/20/2024
- ^ Arizona Corporation Commission. Same Day/Next Day Services, Retrieved 05/20/2024
- ^ California Secretary of State. Service Options - Business Entities, Retrieved 05/20/2024
- ^ Colorado Secretary of State. Fee Schedule, Retrieved 05/20/2024
- ^ Connecticut's Official State Website. Expedited Services, Retrieved 05/20/2024
- ^ Delaware Division of Corporations. Expedited Services, Retrieved 05/20/2024
- ^ DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. Fees for Corporate Registration Services, Retrieved 08/21/2024
- ^ Georgia Secretary of State. Filing Fees and Expedited Processing of Document Filings, Retrieved 05/20/2024
- ^ Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Fees / Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, Chapter 428, Retrieved 05/20/2024
- ^ Idaho Secretary of State. Certificate of Organization Limited Liability Company, Retrieved 05/20/2024
- ^ Illinois Secretary of State. Limited Liability Company Publications/Forms, Retrieved 05/20/2024
- ^ Iowa Secretary of State. Business Entity Forms and Fees, Retrieved 05/20/2024
- ^ Louisiana Secretary of State. File Business Documents, Retrieved 05/20/2024
- ^ Department of the Secretary of State. Certificate of Formation, Retrieved 05/20/2024
- ^ Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. Fee Schedule for Documents Relating to Corporate Charters, Retrieved 05/20/2024
- ^ Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Corporations Division Filing Fees, Retrieved 05/20/2024
- ^ State of Michigan. Filing Fees, Retrieved 05/20/2024
- ^ Montana Secretary of State. Business Services Filing Fees, Retrieved 05/20/2024
- ^ Nevada Secretary of State. Forms & Fees, Retrieved 05/20/2024
- ^ New Hampshire Secretary of State. Business FAQs, Retrieved 05/20/2024
- ^ Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. Registry Fee Schedules, Retrieved 05/20/2024
- ^ New York Department of State. Expedited Handling Services for Division of Corporations, Retrieved 05/20/2024
- ^ North Carolina Secretary of State. Expedited Filings, Retrieved 05/20/2024
- ^ Ohio Secretary of State. Form 543B, Retrieved 05/20/2024
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of State. Expedited Service Request, Retrieved 05/20/2024
- ^ South Dakota Secretary of State. Filing Fees, Retrieved 05/20/2024
- ^ Texas Secretary of State. Filing Options, Retrieved 05/20/2024
- ^ Utah Division of Corporations & Commercial Code. Fee Schedule, Retrieved 08/21/2024
- ^ Virginia State Corporation Commission. Online Expedited Services, Retrieved 05/21/2024
- ^ Washington Secretary of State. Fee Schedule/Expedited Service, Retrieved 05/21/2024
- ^ West Virginia Secretary of State. Fee Schedule for Services and Registration with the West Virginia Secretary of State, Retrieved 05/21/2024
- ^ State of Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. Corporation Fees, Retrieved 05/21/2024
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