Can I get an LLC the same day?

Yes, some states like Nevada and California offer same-day approval for an extra fee.

Is hiring a formation company faster?

Yes. They can file instantly and catch errors before submission.

how long does an LLC Formation Take? (Full Guide)

Q: How long does it take to get an LLC?

Online filings usually take 1–3 business days, while mail filings can take 2–6 weeks depending on the state.

Q: What affects how long LLC approval takes?

Factors include your state, filing method (online or mail), peak times, and whether you use expedited filing.

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How Long Does It Take to Get an LLC in 2025? (All 50 States Compared)

Find out how long does it take to get an LLC in all 50 states. Includes expedited options, online vs mail timelines, and tips to get your LLC faster in 2025.

At a Glance: LLC Formation Timelines (2025)

Filing Method	Estimated Time
Online Filing	1–3 business days
Mail Filing	1–6 weeks
Expedited Filing	Same day to 2 days

The speed depends on your state and how you file — online is almost always faster.

What Does “Getting an LLC” Actually Mean?

Getting an LLC means filing your Articles of Organization (or Certificate of Formation) and receiving approval from the state. Once approved, your LLC legally exists.

You officially have an LLC when:

Your formation documents are accepted
You receive a stamped or approved copy from the state
You’re listed in the state’s LLC records or portal

How Long Does It Take to Get an LLC by State?

Here’s a state-by-state chart showing how long LLC approval typically takes:

State	Online Filing	Mail Filing
Alabama	immediately	1-2 business days (plus mail time)
Alaska	immediately	10-15 business days (plus mail time)
Arizona	14-16 business days	14-16 business days (plus mail time)
Arkansas	3-7 business days	2-3 weeks (plus mail time)
California	8 business days	8 business days (plus mail time)
Colorado	immediately	NO MAIL FILINGS
Connecticut	2-3 business days	7-10 business days (plus mail time)
Delaware	10 business days	10 business days (plus mail time)
Florida	5 business days	12 business days (plus mail time)
Georgia	7-10 business days	15 business days (plus mail time)
Hawaii	$57-10 business days0	7-10 business days (plus mail time)
Idaho	5-7 business days	5-7 business days (plus mail time)
Illinois	5-10 business days	7-14 business days (plus mail time)
Indiana	1 business day	5 business days (plus mail time)
Iowa	1 business day	7-10 business days (plus mail time)
Kansas	immediately	2-3 business days (plus mail time)
Kentucky	immediately	1 business day (plus mail time)
Louisiana	3-5 business days	3-5 business days (plus mail time)
Maine	NO ONLINE FILINGS	10-15 business days (plus mail time)
Maryland	2 weeks	5-8 weeks (plus mail time)
Massachusetts	1-2 business days	1-2 business days (plus mail time)
Michigan	10 business days	10 business days (plus mail time)
Minnesota	immediately	11-12 business days (plus mail time)
Mississippi	1-2 business days	NO MAIL FILINGS
Missouri	immediately	3-4 weeks (plus mail time)
Montana	5-6 business days	NO MAIL FILINGS
Nebraska	2-3 business days	2-3 business days (plus mail time)
Nevada	1 business day	3-4 weeks (plus mail time)
New Hampshire	7-10 business days	7-10 business days (plus mail time)
New Jersey	1 business day	5-7 business days (plus mail time)
New Mexico	1-3 business days	15-20 business days
New York	immediately	2-3 weeks (plus mail time)
North Carolina	2-5 business days	2-5 business days (plus mail time)
North Dakota	5 business days	5 business days (plus mail time)
Ohio	1 business day	1 business day (plus mail time)
Oklahoma	2-3 business days	5-7 business days (plus mail time)
Oregon	2-3 business days	4-6 weeks (plus mail time)
Pennsylvania	5-7 days	5-7 days (plus mail time)
Rhode Island	3-4 business days	3-4 business days (plus mail time)
South Carolina	1-2 business days	3-4 business days (plus mail time)
South Dakota	immediately	1-2 business days (plus mail time)
Tennessee	immediately	3-5 business days (plus mail time)
Texas	13-15 business days	4-8 weeks (plus mail time)
Utah	7-10 business days	7-10 business days (plus mail time)
Vermont	1 business day	5-7 business days (plus mail time)
Virginia	2-5 business days	2-5 business days (plus mail time)
Washington	12-14 business days	5-6 weeks (plus mail time)
West Virginia	5-10 business days	5-10 business days (plus mail time)
Wisconsin	immediately	5 business days (plus mail time)
Wyoming	immediately	10-15 business days (plus mail time)

Most states process online filings much faster than paper/mail.

Can I Expedite My LLC?

Yes. Many states offer expedited LLC filing — for a fee. This can cut processing time down to 1 business day or less.

State	Expedite Fee	Turnaround Time
Delaware	$100–$150	1–24 hours
Nevada	$125–$500	Same day
California	$350	Same day
Texas	$25	1–2 business days

Tip: You can pay the fee when submitting your formation documents online or by mail.

Online vs Mail Filing — Which Is Faster?

Feature	Online Filing	Mail Filing
Speed	1–5 business days	2–6 weeks
Cost	Same or slightly less	May include postage
Paperwork	E-forms, digital signature	Manual paperwork
Best For	Fast formation, real-time status	Traditional preference

Online filing is recommended in almost every state unless unavailable.

Need to save time?

Form your LLC with Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee).

(See why Northwest is #1: Northwest vs LegalZoom.)

What Affects How Long LLC Approval Takes?

Several factors can impact how quickly you get your LLC:

- State processing delays
- Backlogs during tax season (Jan–Apr)
- Whether you file online or by mail
- Missing information on forms
- Expedited option chosen

How to Get Your LLC Faster

File online – Avoid the mail unless required
Double-check your paperwork – Avoid rejections
Use expedited filing – If your state offers it
Avoid peak periods – January to March are busiest
Hire a formation service – Many file the same day

After Approval: What’s Next?

Once your LLC is approved, complete the following steps:

- Create an Operating Agreement
- Open a business bank account
- Get an EIN from the IRS (free)
- Appoint a Registered Agent
- Check for state-specific requirements (e.g., publication in NY)

FAQs: People Also Ask

1. How long does it take to get an LLC approved?

It takes 1–3 business days if you file online in most states. Mail filings may take up to 6 weeks.

2. What’s the fastest state to form an LLC?

Nevada, Delaware, and Wyoming are among the fastest — often same day with expedited service.

3. Can I get my LLC the same day?

Yes, in some states like California and Nevada, if you pay for same-day expedited service.

4. How long does it take to get an EIN after forming an LLC?

Instantly online through the IRS, or 1–2 weeks by mail or fax.

5. Does hiring an LLC formation company speed up the process?

Yes. Companies like ZenBusiness, Incfile, or Northwest can file instantly

6. Can I do anything while waiting for LLC approval?

You can draft your operating agreement, get your EIN, and research local licenses.

7. Is LLC approval automatic once I file?

No — your filing must be reviewed and accepted by the state.

8. Do weekends count in processing time?

No. Most states only process filings during business days.

9. Does state choice affect LLC speed?

Absolutely. Some states process faster and offer same-day approval.

10. What if my filing is rejected?

You’ll need to fix errors and resubmit, which can delay approval.

About Us

We specialize in guiding individuals through the process of forming LLCs across all states, while also offering a range of comprehensive business services tailored to entrepreneurs.