Starting an LLC (Limited Liability Company) can seem like a straightforward task, but beneath the surface, it's a multi-step process that involves careful planning and legal navigation. From choosing the right name to filing with the state and understanding your tax obligations with the IRS, creating an LLC requires attention to detail and compliance with local regulations. 

While almost anyone can start an LLC, it's not always the right choice for every entrepreneur or business type. Depending on your industry, location, and long-term goals, getting an LLC might be complex but essential for protecting personal assets and solidifying your business's legal standing.

How Long Does it Take to Get an LLC?

The timeline for forming an LLC varies depending on several factors, such as your state, the complexity of your business, and how quickly you complete the necessary steps. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. 

Name Approval: One of the first steps is selecting a unique name for your LLC. Most states require a name search to ensure the name isn’t already in use, which can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on your state's processing times.

Articles of Organization Filing: Filing your Articles of Organization officially registers your LLC with the state. Depending on the state and whether you file online or by mail, this can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Expedited processing is available for a fee in some states.

Operating Agreement and EIN: While not always required by law, drafting an Operating Agreement outlines your LLC's structure and helps avoid future conflicts. Additionally, obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS is typically quick and can often be completed within one day if done online.

Additional Permits and Licenses: Depending on your industry and location, you may need additional licenses or permits to operate legally. The time required to obtain these permits varies widely, sometimes taking weeks or longer depending on local requirements and processing times.

How Much Money is Required to Register an LLC?

The cost to register an LLC can vary depending on the state, but on average, it costs around $129. This fee typically covers the state’s filing fee for submitting the Articles of Organization. 

However, additional costs may arise, such as reserving your LLC’s name, expedited processing, or obtaining necessary permits and licenses. 

Some states may charge more, so it's essential to check the specific requirements for your location before getting started.

LLC Formation Timelines in 50 States

The time it takes to form an LLC varies significantly by state, ranging from a day to several weeks. Here’s a summary of how long the process typically takes in each state, along with options for expedited services:

StateTypical Processing TimeExpedited Service Options
AlabamaExpect up to 14 business days for processing$200 for faster 3-day service
AlaskaMailed filings take 10-15 business days; quicker options are available online or in personNo expedited service is offered
ArizonaStandard processing takes 30 business daysRush processing is available for $35, reducing the time to 5 days
ArkansasMailed filings are processed within 2 business days; online and in-person filings within 48 hoursNo expedited service is offered
CaliforniaOnline filings take 2-4 business days; mail filings take 10-15 daysExpedited options range from $300-$750 for same-day or faster service
ColoradoOnline filings are processed in a few days, while mail takes 7-10 days$150 for 3-day expedited processing
ConnecticutOnline filings take 3-5 business days; mailed filings take 2-4 weeks$50 for 24-hour expedited processing per document
DelawareProcessing takes 7-10 business daysExpedited options from $50 to $1,000, depending on urgency
District of Columbia (D.C.)Filings take up to 15 business days$100 for one-day service or $50 for three-day processing
FloridaOnline filings are processed within 2-5 business days$100 for 24-hour expedited service
GeorgiaOnline filings take about 7 business daysExpedited fees range from $100 to $1,000, based on urgency
HawaiiOnline filings take 3-5 business daysExpedited processing within 1-3 days is available for $25
IdahoSeveral business days for online submissionsNo expedited service is offered
IllinoisProcessing can take up to 4 weeks, especially if there’s a backlog$100 expedited service available to speed up online and in-person filings
IndianaOnline filings take 1-2 business daysExpedited service not available
IowaOnline filings processed in 1 business dayExpedited options: $50 for 2-day processing or $15 for 5-day processing
KansasOnline filings are processed on the same day or the next dayExpedited service not available
KentuckyEstimated timelines not provided, but mailed filings take longerNo expedited service is offered
LouisianaOnline filings are processed within 3-5 business daysExpedited service ranges from $30 for 24-hour processing to $50 for 2-4 hour processing.
MaineFilings are generally processed in 10-15 business days$50 for 24-hour processing, $100 for same-day service
MarylandOnline filings take about 7 business days, while mailed filings can take 4-6 weeks$50 for 7-day expedited service for mailed or in-person filings
MassachusettsOnline filings are processed in 2-5 business days; mailed filings can take up to 6 weeks$20 expedited fee added to all online filings
MichiganRegular submissions take 5-10 business daysExpedited options: $100 for same-day, $500 for 2-hour service, $1,000 for 1-hour service
MinnesotaIn-person and online filings are processed in under 7 business days$20 expedited fee for online or in-person submissions
MississippiOnly online filings are accepted; processing takes up to 3 business daysExpedited service not available
MissouriProcessing times are not estimated, but mailed filings take longer than onlineExpedited service not available
MontanaStandard processing takes 3-5 business days after receipt$20 for 24-hour service, $100 for 1-hour service
NebraskaDocuments processed within 1-2 business days after submissionExpedited service not available
NevadaOnline applications are processed in 2 business days; mail can take up to 2 weeksExpedited options: $125 for 24-hour service, $500 for 2-hour processing, $1,000 for 1-hour service
New HampshireFilings are processed in 2-3 business days$25 for 24-hour service, $50 for same-day service
New JerseyEstimated processing times not provided$25 fee for processing within 8.5 business hours for faxed, in-person, or courier submissions
New MexicoOnline filings are processed within several business days, and they are requiredExpedited service not available
New YorkFilings are processed within a weekExpedited options: $25 for 24-hour service, $75 for same-day service, $150 for 2-hour processing
North CarolinaFilings take 7-10 business days$100 for 24-hour service, $200 for same-day processing
North DakotaEstimated processing times not provided$50 for faster completion upon request
OhioOnline filings are processed in 3-7 business days; mailed or in-person filings may take several weeksExpedited fees range from $100 to $300 per document depending on urgency
OklahomaOnline filings processed in 1 business day$25 for same-day document processing
OregonOnline filings are processed in a few days; mailed filings can take up to 2 weeksExpedited service not available
PennsylvaniaProcessing can take up to 15 business days, but online filings are fasterExpedited service ranges from $300 to $1,000 depending on urgency
Rhode IslandFilings are processed in 5-7 business daysExpedited service not available
South CarolinaOnline filings are processed same or next day; mailed filings take up to 7 days$100 for 24-hour service, $200 for same-day service
South DakotaOnline filings are processed immediately, while mailed filings take 3-5 business days$50 for faster completion upon request
TennesseeOnline filings are processed in several business days; mailed or in-person filings take up to 14 business daysExpedited service not available
TexasOnline filings are processed in 4-5 business days; mailed or faxed filings can take up to 40 days$25 per document for expedited fax processing (4-5 days)
UtahOnline filings are processed within 24 hours; mailed or faxed filings take 7 business days$75 per document for 1-2 business day processing
VermontOnline filings are processed in less than 1 business day; mailed filings take 7-10 business daysExpedited service not available
VirginiaMailed filings processed in up to 4 weeks; online filings are much fasterExpedited options range from $50 to $200 depending on urgency
WashingtonOnline filings and expedited paper filings processed within 2 business days$50 per paper filing, $20 per online filing
West VirginiaProcessing takes 5-10 business days on averageExpedited options: $25 for 24-hour service, $250 for 2-hour service, $500 for 1-hour service
WisconsinProcessing typically takes 10-14 business days$35 per document for 1-2 day processing
WyomingOnline filings processed in 2-3 business days; mail or in-person filings take up to 15 daysExpedited service not available

How to Get Your LLC Faster?

If time is of the essence and you need to establish your LLC as quickly as possible, there are several steps you can take to speed up the process. By being prepared and taking advantage of faster submission options, you can significantly cut down the time it takes to form your LLC. Here’s what you can do:

  • Ensure your desired business name is available before filing the Articles of Organization.
  • Fill out the Articles of Organization form completely and accurately to avoid delays caused by corrections or missing information.
  • Submit your filing electronically if your state provides the option for online submission.
  • If electronic filing isn’t available, consider faxing, using overnight delivery, or hand-delivering your documents to reduce mail delays.
  • Opt for expedited processing if your state offers it, which can shave days or even weeks off the typical processing time.

Closing Note

The time it takes to get an LLC can vary widely depending on your state and the specific steps involved. On average, the process ranges from a few days to several weeks, with factors such as name approval, filing methods, and expedited services influencing the timeline. 

By understanding the typical processing times and taking proactive measures, such as filing electronically and opting for expedited service, you can streamline the formation process and get your LLC up and running as quickly as possible.