How Long Does it Take to Get an LLC (2024 Guide)

Congratulations! Choosing to form an LLC is a big step for any business owner. But the time it takes to officially get your LLC depends on a number of things, like which state you file in, and how you choose to file. Even if you file your paperwork lightning-fast and submit it properly, there are things like processing and approval times to contend with and they can make the already complicated LLC formation process a little more complicated. But, we'll clear it all up and break it all down so that you understand what's going on. In this article we'll answer the question “How long does it take to get an LLC?”.

Why Is Timing Crucial In LLC Formation?

It’s important that you choose the right time to form your Limited Liability Company because if you do it at the wrong time, it could cause you problems when it comes to taxes and annual reports. 

The best time to form an LLC is before you’ve even launched your business. That way, it’s a one-and-done process where you get everything done at once, as opposed to making the switch to an LLC in the middle of trying to grow your business. 

It’s a good idea in many instances to wait until January 1st, or the first of the year, to start an LLC. This is because if you form an LLC at the end of the year, you may end up having to file two annual reports in your first year, and they’re quite pricey in some states. The good news is that some states allow you to do what’s called “delayed filing”, which allows you to start the formation process a few months early, and request an LLC effective date of January 1st. 

There are a few instances where January 1st isn’t the ideal time to form an LLC. For instance, if your business is already running and you work in a high-liability industry, then it’s probably a good idea to start your Limited Liability Company as soon as possible. It’s also a good idea to form an LLC ASAP if you want to cash in on the tax benefits immediately.

Understanding the LLC Formation Process

It’s important to know what the LLC formation process entails before you dive head-first into it. This will give you a better idea of both what’s expected from you and what you can expect on the government end of things. 

Step-by-Step Breakdown Of The LLC Formation Process

1. Get the Right Form : Some states call this the Articles of Organization, but it’s also called a Certificate of Formation or Certificate of Organization form. You can usually find the form with the Secretary of State. No matter what it’s called in your state, you need to get it.
2. Choose A Name For Your LLC : Choosing a name for your LLC is more difficult than simply thinking up something that sounds cool. Your LLC must have a unique name that doesn’t sound too similar to other business names. So, you’ll need to run a business name search to find out if your name idea is available, and go back to the drawing board if it isn’t.
3. Choose A Registered Agent or Statutory Agent : Your registered agent is someone who receives official correspondence from government agencies and law firms on behalf of your business, and it’s a position you need to fill for legal reasons. This can be a civilian resident of the state, or a business. If you’re choosing someone you know for the position, it’s important to know that they must be available during business hours, present at your business address, and have a physical address. (PO boxes aren’t allowed!)
4. Choose Your LLC Address : The official business address of your LLC is just as important as your LLC name because it’s where all of your government correspondence and service of process will be sent. But, it’s usually not a good idea to use your home address because your business address is listed on public record. So, make sure you choose wisely!
5. Submit Your Paperwork : After you’ve filled out your paperwork, you need to sign it (or choose who signs it), and then submit it. If you sign and file it yourself, then that information is listed on the public record. 

There are also a number of activities you’ll need to complete once you’ve filed your paperwork. If you want to learn more about all of the steps you need to take to get an LLC, read How to Start an LLC. 

Factors Influencing The Duration To Form An LLC

There are several different factors that could affect how long it takes you to get an LLC. Here are some of the factors that influence the duration to form an LLC.

State Specific Regulations And Processing Times

One of the biggest factors that affects how long it takes to get an LLC is the regulations and processing times of your state government. For instance, some states like New York, have a publishing requirement for all LLCs. This means you’ll have to publish a notice of formation in an approved newspaper for a certain number of weeks, at the end of which you’ll get a Certificate of Publication, which you’ll file along with your Articles of Organization. These requirements often include additional steps like submitting specific documents or paying supplementary fees, which can affect the total duration.

Some states also allow for expedited filing, which can greatly speed up the process for an additional fee. Others only allow you to file by mail and don’t even have online filing options.

The time it takes for an LLC to be approved varies greatly depending on state requirements, with some offering fast business days for online processing, while others rely solely on traditional mail systems.

Complexity Of Your Business Structure

A more complex business structure with loads of members and managers can hold up the formation process. This affects approval times, as well as things like taxes. When forming a more intricate business entity, approval times may include delays caused by reviewing detailed operating agreements or compliance paperwork.

It can also take longer for an LLC formation service to properly file all the paperwork to get your LLC up and running because they’ll have to highly customize your LLC Operating Agreement. For multi-member LLCs, the process varies depending on how well the documents outline roles and responsibilities.

Professional Assistance : A Time-Saver ?

You may be wondering if an LLC formation service will cut down on processing times. Unfortunately, the answer is no, not really. That’s not why you should use an LLC formation service. While an LLC formation service won’t reduce business days for online approvals, it ensures that all necessary steps are completed, minimizing errors in the total process.

If you choose to use one, it WILL make the formation process easier because they’ll file all the paperwork for you and keep your personal information off the public record. These services are particularly helpful for ensuring your business entity meets all requirements while avoiding common pitfalls.

 Average Time To Form An LLC

Let’s say you just want a ballpark figure on how long it takes on average to form an LLC. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered there, too!

What Are The General Time Frames ?

In general, with no other factors taken into account, LLC formation takes somewhere between 7-10 days on average. This average comes because some states can process and approve your paperwork in one day if you file online, while others can take 4-6 weeks because their filings are so backed up.

Fast-Track Options For Urgent LLC Formation

Some states offer “expedited filing”. This option is often more expensive, but can fast-track your LLC formation and cut it down to as little as 1-3 days.

How fast can I get an LLC?

If you're wondering, “how fast can I get an LLC?” the answer largely depends on your state's processing times and the filing method you choose. Many states offer expedited services that can significantly speed up the process. For instance, some states provide same-day service or even hour service for an additional fee, allowing you to have your LLC approved within a day. However, standard LLC processing times can vary from a few days to several weeks, depending on the state's workload and efficiency. To ensure the fastest LLC approval times, it's advisable to check your state's specific options and consider utilizing expedited services if you're in a hurry.

For example, it typically takes about a week to get an LLC approved in Georgia when filing online, depending on the volume of applications. For exact processing times, the Georgia Secretary of State provides updates and offers expedited options for faster service.

If you’re still deciding where to start your business, check out our guide on the best states to form an LLC to find the most efficient and cost-effective options.

How to File an LLC Online

Filing your LLC online is a straightforward process that many states offer to speed up approvals for limited liability companies. By using electronic filing systems, you can often reduce processing times significantly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Select Your State: Choose the state where you’ll operate your LLC. Each state has unique LLC filing rules and timelines, so ensure you meet the requirements required by law in that state.
   
2. Access the State’s Filing Portal: Visit the official website of your state’s Secretary of State or similar agency. Look for the section dedicated to limited liability companies and their LLC filing process.
   
3. Create an Account: Set up an account on the state’s business portal to access their electronic filing system. This step allows you to manage your filings and track delivery status online.
   
4. Complete the Articles of Organization: Fill out the online form with details like your LLC name, address, registered agent, and business structure. These documents are essential and often required by law for forming an LLC.
   
5. Pay the Filing Fee: Use the portal’s payment system to submit the filing fee. Some states offer hour processing or expedited options for an additional fee, enabling faster approvals.
   
6. Submit the Application: Review your information carefully and submit your LLC filing. Depending on your state, approval can take a few hours, a day, or up to several weeks.

Online filing simplifies the formation process and ensures faster delivery of your approval documents. For more detailed, state-specific guidance, check out our full How to Start an LLC guide.

State-By-State Analysis Of LLC Formation Times

If you want to know how long it takes to get an LLC in your state, then check out the links to your specific state here: 

Comparing The Fastest States For LLC Formation

Here are the fastest states to form an LLC in: 

Expedited Filings:

State	Duration
California	4 hours
Delaware	1 hour
Michigan	1 hour
Louisiana	2-4 hours
Montana	1 hour
Nevada	1 hour
New York	2 hours
West Virginia	1 hour

It’s worth noting that these speedy expedited filings cost an arm and a leg, but they’re worth it if you need rush processing!

Online Filings: 

State	Duration
Alabama	Immediately
Alaska	Immediately
Colorado	Immediately
Kansas	Immediately
Kentucky	Immediately
Minnesota	Immediately
Missouri	Immediately
New York	Immediately
South Dakota	Immediately
Tennessee	Immediately
Wisconsin	Immediately
Wyoming	Immediately

Mail Filings:

State	Duration (Plus Mail Time)
Alabama	1-2 Days
Kentucky	1 Day
Massachusetts	1-2 Days
Ohio	1 Day
South Dakota	1-2 Days

Comparing The Slowest States For LLC Formation

Here are some of the slowest states for LLC formation: 

Expedited: 

State	Duration (Business Days)
Maryland	7 Days
Arizona	5 Days

Of course, these are just the states that give an actual timeline in days for expedited processing times. Some states, like Illinois, simply state that expedited filings will be processed faster than regular filings. And in Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, and Wyoming, expedited filing isn’t an option.

Online: 

State	Duration (Business Days)
Arizona	14-16 Days
Maryland	2 Weeks
Texas	13-15 Days
Washington	12-14 Days

Mail:

State	Duration (Plus Mail Time)
D.C.	2-4 Weeks
Maryland	5-8 Weeks
Nevada	3-4 Weeks
New York	8 Months
Oregon	4-6 Weeks
Pennsylvania	6 Weeks
Texas	4-8 Weeks
Washington	5-6 Weeks

Preparing For Your LLC Formation

One way to save yourself some time is to be properly prepared when you start the LLC formation process. Here are some things you can gather and prepare before forming your Limited Liability Company.

Necessary Documents For A Smooth Process

Some of the documents you’ll need to form an LLC are an EIN, name reservation form, Articles of Organization, Operating Agreement (although many states don’t require this, it’s still considered by most business professionals to be necessary), your initial report, and tax registration paperwork (many states require businesses to register with the Department of Revenue or other agency). So, make sure to gather all of your forms and paperwork so you can get through the process with ease.

Pre-Formation Considerations To Save Time

Some of the things you’ll need to consider before forming your LLC are your management structure (member managed vs manager-managed), who your LLC members are, their roles, ownership percentages, etc. You should also consider how you wish your LLC to be taxed. Some LLCs choose to be taxed as an S-Corporation or C-Corporation for tax reasons.

Starting an LLC is an exciting time full of lots of work, but sometimes waiting for approval and processing times is frustrating. Knowing how long your processing times are likely to take can cut back on that frustration a great deal. On average, LLC formation can take between 7-10 days. It can be faster, or slower, depending on which filing method you choose, and which state you file in. Make sure you check the list above and click the link for your state for more state-specific information about processing times in your state!