September 16, 2024

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.

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:
StateOnlineBy Mail
AlabamaImmediately2 to 3 weeks
AlaskaImmediately2 to 3+ weeks
Arizona14 to 16 business days14 to 16 business days
Arkansas3 to 7 business days7 to 10 business days
California1 to 2 weeks2 to 3 weeks
ColoradoImmediately7 to 10 business days
Connecticut2 to 3 business days7 to 10 business days
Delaware1 to 2 weeks2 to 3 weeks
District of Columbia5 to 7 business days2 to 4 weeks
Florida5 to 7 business days10 to 14 business days
Georgia7 to 10 business days15 business days
Hawaii3 to 5 business days3 to 5 business days
Idaho5 to 7 business days5 to 7 business days
Illinois7 to 14 business days6 to 8 weeks
Indiana5 business days1 business day
IowaImmediately15 to 20 business days
KansasImmediately2 to 3 business days
KentuckyImmediatelyUp to 5 business days
Louisiana3 to 5 business days3 to 5 business days
MaineNo online filings40 to 45 business days
Maryland4 to 6 weeks4 to 6 weeks
Massachusetts1 to 2 business days1 to 2 business days
Michigan1 to 2 weeks1 to 2 weeks
MinnesotaImmediately10 to 12 days
Mississippi1 to 2 business daysNo mail filings
Missouri1 to 3 business daysUp to 6 weeks
Montana5 to 7 business daysNo mail filings
Nebraska1 to 3 business daysUp to 1 week
Nevada1 business day3 to 6 weeks
New HampshireUp to 10 daysUp to 10 days
New Jersey1 business dayUp to 1 week
New Mexico1 to 3 business daysUp to 4 weeks
New YorkImmediately4 to 8 months
North Carolina5 to 7 days5 to 7 days
North DakotaUp to 5 business daysUp to 4 weeks
Ohio1 business day3 to 7 business days
OklahomaImmediatelyUp to 7 business days
Oregon1 to 2 business days7 to 10 business days
PennsylvaniaUp to 7 business days15 business days
Rhode Island1 to 3 business days1 to 3 business days
South CarolinaWithin 24 hours3 to 4 business days
South DakotaImmediately3 to 5 business days
TennesseeImmediately3 to 5 business days
Texas3 to 5 business days7 to 10 business days
Utah2 to 3 business days5 to 7 business days
Vermont1 business day7 to 10 business days
Virginia1 business daysUp to 4 weeks
WashingtonUp to 5 business days4 to 6 weeks
West Virginia5 to 10 business days5 to 10 business days
WisconsinImmediately5 to 7 business days
WyomingImmediatelyUp 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.

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:
StateProcessing FeeDuration
Alabama[1]$100Within 3 business days
AlaskaNo 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)
ArkansasNo 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]$150Within 3 business days
Connecticut[5]$5024 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
FloridaNo expedited services
Georgia[8]$1,000
$250
$100
1 hour (submit by 4 PM)
Same day (file by noon)
Two business days
Hawaii[9]$25As early as 1 day
Idaho[10]$100
$40
Same day (file by 1 PM)
8 hours
Illinois[11]$10024 hours
IndianaNo expedited services
Iowa[12]$50
$15
2 days
5 days
KansasNo expedited services
KentuckyNo expedited services
Louisiana[13]$50
$30
Processed while you wait
24 hours
Maine[14]$100
$50
Same day
24 hours
Maryland[15]$50Within 7 days
Massachusetts[16]$201 day
Michigan[17]$1,000
$500
$100
$50
1 hour
2 hours
Same day (file by 1 PM)
24 hours
MinnesotaNo expedited services
MississippiNo expedited services
MissouriNo expedited services
Montana[18]$100
$20
1 hour
24 hours
NebraskaNo expedited services
Nevada[19]$1,000
$500
$125
1 hour
2 hours
24 hours (file by 2 PM)
New Hampshire[20]$25While 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 MexicoNo 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 DakotaNo expedited services
Ohio[24]$300
$200
$100
4 hours (file by 1 PM)
1 day
2 days
OklahomaNo expedited services
OregonNo 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 IslandNo expedited services
South CarolinaNo expedited services
South Dakota[26]$50Sooner than standard time
TennesseeNo expedited services
Texas[27]$25Processed ahead of others
Utah[28]$751 to 2 days
VermontNo expedited services
Virginia[29]$200
$50
Same day (online only)
Next day (online only)
Washington[30]$100Same day (file by 3:30 PM)
West Virginia[31]$500
$250
$25
1 hour
2 hours
24 hours
Wisconsin[32]$25Next day
WyomingNo 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.

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.

If you want to form an LLC faster, pay for expedited fees and make sure all the information on the forms is correct.

References

  1. ^ State of Alabama. Domestic Limited Liability Company Certificate of Formation, Retrieved 05/20/2024
  2. ^ Arizona Corporation Commission. Same Day/Next Day Services, Retrieved 05/20/2024
  3. ^ California Secretary of State. Service Options - Business Entities, Retrieved 05/20/2024
  4. ^ Colorado Secretary of State. Fee Schedule, Retrieved 05/20/2024
  5. ^ Connecticut's Official State Website. Expedited Services, Retrieved 05/20/2024
  6. ^ Delaware Division of Corporations. Expedited Services, Retrieved 05/20/2024
  7. ^ DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. Fees for Corporate Registration Services, Retrieved 08/21/2024
  8. ^ Georgia Secretary of State. Filing Fees and Expedited Processing of Document Filings, Retrieved 05/20/2024
  9. ^ Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Fees / Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, Chapter 428, Retrieved 05/20/2024
  10. ^ Idaho Secretary of State. Certificate of Organization Limited Liability Company, Retrieved 05/20/2024
  11. ^ Illinois Secretary of State. Limited Liability Company Publications/Forms, Retrieved 05/20/2024
  12. ^ Iowa Secretary of State. Business Entity Forms and Fees, Retrieved 05/20/2024
  13. ^ Louisiana Secretary of State. File Business Documents, Retrieved 05/20/2024
  14. ^ Department of the Secretary of State. Certificate of Formation, Retrieved 05/20/2024
  15. ^ Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. Fee Schedule for Documents Relating to Corporate Charters, Retrieved 05/20/2024
  16. ^ Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Corporations Division Filing Fees, Retrieved 05/20/2024
  17. ^ State of Michigan. Filing Fees, Retrieved 05/20/2024
  18. ^ Montana Secretary of State. Business Services Filing Fees, Retrieved 05/20/2024
  19. ^ Nevada Secretary of State. Forms & Fees, Retrieved 05/20/2024
  20. ^ New Hampshire Secretary of State. Business FAQs, Retrieved 05/20/2024
  21. ^ Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. Registry Fee Schedules, Retrieved 05/20/2024
  22. ^ New York Department of State. Expedited Handling Services for Division of Corporations, Retrieved 05/20/2024
  23. ^ North Carolina Secretary of State. Expedited Filings, Retrieved 05/20/2024
  24. ^ Ohio Secretary of State. Form 543B, Retrieved 05/20/2024
  25. ^ Pennsylvania Department of State. Expedited Service Request, Retrieved 05/20/2024
  26. ^ South Dakota Secretary of State. Filing Fees, Retrieved 05/20/2024
  27. ^ Texas Secretary of State. Filing Options, Retrieved 05/20/2024
  28. ^ Utah Division of Corporations & Commercial Code. Fee Schedule, Retrieved 08/21/2024
  29. ^ Virginia State Corporation Commission. Online Expedited Services, Retrieved 05/21/2024
  30. ^ Washington Secretary of State. Fee Schedule/Expedited Service, Retrieved 05/21/2024
  31. ^ West Virginia Secretary of State. Fee Schedule for Services and Registration with the West Virginia Secretary of State, Retrieved 05/21/2024
  32. ^ State of Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. Corporation Fees, Retrieved 05/21/2024

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Best LLC Services

If you need help starting an LLC, using a business formation service can be your best bet. Find the 9 best LLC services and top offers in this guide.

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