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How Long Does it Take to Get an LLC

How Long Does It Take To Get An LLC? (2024 Update)

If you’re starting a business, one of the first steps you’ll likely take is to create a legal entity for your business. This process involves forming an LLC, which is a popular type of structure in the United States. However, one question that many people often ask is: “How long does it take to get an LLC?”

The good news is that forming an LLC is relatively straightforward, and you can complete it independently without hiring an attorney or a formation service. 

In this article, we’ll take you through the steps of forming an LLC and outline how long each step takes.

If you’re looking for a faster and more convenient way to form your LLC, we recommend using online business formation services. These services can handle most required steps, including name checks, Articles of Organization filing, and even operating agreement drafting. 

However, these services do come with additional fees, which can range from $60 to $500 depending on the level of service you choose. In general, we recommend allowing at least two to three weeks to complete all the necessary steps to form your LLC. 

This timeline includes research, documentation, and processing times, as well as some buffers for unexpected delays. By following these steps and allowing sufficient time, you can form your LLC easily and legally and focus on growing your business.

How Long Does it Take to Get an LLC? (An Overall Idea)

Well, you can only find the exact time. It totally depends on the state you live in and the type of LLC you want. Therefore, I have outlined each step of forming an LLC below with the average timeframe. Here are the Steps:

Step 1: Name Check and Reservation

The first step is to choose a brand name for your business that complies with the state’s LLC naming requirements. The name must not conflict with any existing LLC or registered trademark. Some states also require specific keywords like “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company” to be included in the name.

The name check process typically takes a few minutes, and you can complete it online on your state’s Secretary of State website. If the name is unavailable, you may need to revise it until you find a known name.

Once you have decided on a name, reserve it until you complete the rest of the formation process. Name reservation rules vary from state to state, but you can usually book a name for up to 120 days before you file your LLC formation documents. The name reservation process typically takes less than an hour.

Step 2: File Articles of Organization

The next step is to create and file your Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. The Articles of Organization are a legal document. It establishes your LLC’s existence and outlines the structure and purpose of your business.

The amount of time this step takes may vary, depending on the state where you’re forming your LLC. In some states, you can file the Articles of Organization online, and the process takes only a few minutes. In other states, you may need to print and mail the form, which can add a few days to the process.

It would help if you allowed a week for your Articles of Organization to be processed and filed by the state. Some states offer expedited processing with an additional fee. Thus, it can reduce the processing time to one to two days.

Note that the filing fee for this step also varies by state, typically ranging from $50 to $500.

Step 3: Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

It is a unique nine-digit number. IRS issues this number to identify your business for tax purposes. You’ll need an EIN to open a business bank account, file taxes, and hire employees.

You can obtain an EIN online for free on the IRS website. The application process takes only a few minutes, and you will receive your EIN immediately upon submitting your application.

Step 4: Operating Agreement

An operating agreement is a file that is related to the internal structure, management, and ownership of your LLC. It is not typically required by law, but having one is highly recommended as it helps to formalize agreements among LLC members, outlines ownership percentages, and provides guidance on how the business will operate.

Drafting an operating agreement may take a few hours to a few days, depending on the complexity of your LLC’s structure. You can either create your operating agreement from scratch or use a template. Many online business formation services offer templates that you can use as a starting point for creating your customized operating agreement.

Step 5: Business License and Permits

Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to obtain specific business licenses to operate legally in your state. Getting a business license can take a few days to a few weeks, depending on the regulatory requirements and processing times in your area.

We recommend conducting thorough research to determine the licenses and permits required for your business and the estimated processing times. You can typically find this information on your state’s Secretary of State website or through organizations like the Small Business Administration (SBA).

LLC Processing Time By State

Here is a table showing the approximate processing times to get an LLC in the most popular ten states:

State

Online Filing

Mail Filing

Alabama

Immediately

1-2 business days

Alaska

Immediately

10-15 business days

Arizona

14-16 business days

14-16 business days

Arkansas

3-7 business days

2-3 weeks

California

8 business days

8 business days

Colorado

Immediately

NO Mail Filing

Connecticut

2-3 business days

7-10 business days

Delaware

10 business days

10 business days

District of Columbia

5 business days

2-4 weeks

Florida

5 business days

12 business days

Georgia

7-10 business days

15 business days

Hawaii

7-10 business days

7-10 business days

Idaho

5-7 business days

5-7 business days

Illinois

5-10 business days

7-14 business days

Indiana

1 business day

5 business days

Iowa

1 business day

7-10 business days

Kansas

Immediately

2-3 business days

Kentucky

Immediately

1 business day

Louisiana

3-5 business days

3-5 business days

Maine

NO Online Filings

10-15 business days

Maryland

2 weeks

5-8 weeks

Massachusetts

1-2 business days

1-2 business days

Michigan

10 business days

10 business days

Minnesota

Immediately

11-12 business days

Mississippi

1-2 business days

No Mail Filing

Missouri

Immediately

3-4 weeks

Montana

5-6 business days

No Mail Filing

Nebraska

2-3 business day

2-3 business day

Nevada

1 business day

3-4 weeks

New Hampshire

7-10 business days

7-10 business days

New Jersey

1 business day

5-7 business days

New Mexico

1-3 business days

15-20 business days

New York

Immediately

8 months

North Carolina

2-5 business days

2-5 business days

North Dakota

5 business days

5 business days

Ohio

1 business day

1 business day

Oklahoma

2-3 business days

5-7 business days

Oregon

2-3 business days

4-6 weeks (plus mail time)

Pennsylvania

5-6 weeks

6 weeks

Rhode Island

3-4 business days

3-4 business days

South Carolina

1-2 business days

3-4 business days

South Dakota

Immediately

1-2 business days

Tennessee

Immediately

3-5 business days

Texas

13-15 business days

4-8 weeks

Utah

2 business day

3-7 business days

Vermont

1 business day

5-7 business days

Virginia

2-5 business days

2-5 business days

Washington

12-14 business days

5-6 weeks

West Virginia

5-10 business days

5-10 business days

Wisconsin

Immediately

5 business days

Wyoming

Immediately

10-15 business days

Please remember that these processing times are approximate. These timeframes can vary depending on various factors, such as the volume of applications, state processing times, and any additional services or expedited options chosen.

Conclusion

A Limited liability company (LLC) formation can be a lengthy process if you don’t follow the right steps. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. It mainly depends on the state and complexity of your business structure. 

The good news is that most of the steps involved in forming an LLC are relatively straightforward and are easier when you follow the instructions provided on your state’s Secretary of State website.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it typically take to get an LLC formed?

The timeframe for forming an LLC can vary. However, it usually takes around 2 to 4 weeks. In some cases, the process can take even longer.

What steps can I take to speed up the process of getting an LLC?

Yes, you can expedite the process. In this case, you have to pay additional fees for faster filing and processing of your LLC formation documents.

Are there any factors to cause delays in the LLC formation process?

Yes, factors such as incomplete or inaccurate paperwork, state processing times, and high filing volumes can cause delays in the formation of an LLC.

author
Alex Johnson is a seasoned author specializing in LLC formation intricacies. With a wealth of expertise, he navigates the complexities of Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) adeptly. Through Best Company Formation, his insightful guidance demystifies LLC creation, offering invaluable advice on costs and crucial aspects.

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