Deal alert! Northwest will form your LLC for $39 (60% discount). See details.
You can form an LLC in Delaware in 2-3 weeks if you file online (or 3-4 weeks if you file by mail). If you need your Delaware LLC faster, you can pay for expedited processing.
Delaware LLC Processing Times
| Normal LLC processing time: | Expedited LLC: | |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware LLC by mail: | 10 business days (plus mail time) | 24 hours ($50 extra) plus 3 more options |
| Delaware LLC online: | 10 business days | 24 hours ($50 extra) plus 3 more options |
What is LLC processing time? This is the time it takes for the state of Delaware to review your LLC filing and enter it in their system. After your LLC is approved, the state sends back your approved documents by mail.
Delaware LLC Approval Times
Mail filings: In total, mail filing approvals for Delaware LLCs take 3-4 weeks. This accounts for the 10 business day processing time, plus the time your documents are in the mail.
Online filings: In total, online filing approvals for Delaware LLCs take 2-3 weeks. This accounts for the 10 business day processing time, plus the time your documents are in the mail back to you.
It’s unusual, but the Delaware Secretary of State will mail your approved documents even if you file online. They won’t email your documents unless you pay for certain types of expedited filing.
What is LLC approval time? This is the total turnaround time to get your LLC approved from start to finish. It includes the processing time plus any transit time to and from the state.
Delaware expedited LLC
Delaware has the option to pay $50 extra to have your LLC filing reviewed within 24 hours (called “Priority 4”). This is available for both mail and online filings. The Delaware Division of Corporations also has other expedited LLC options.
The table below shows the expedited filing options (Priority 1, 2, 3, and 4), and the regular filing method (Priority 7). There’s no such thing as Priority 5 or Priority 6.
| Name | Cost | Processing time | LLC approval sent via | Must be received by | In order to | Approval time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Priority 7 | $0 extra ($110 total) | 10 business days | Not applicable | Not applicable; the state will process your filing 10 business days after they receive it (regardless of the time it arrives) | 10 business days (plus mail time) for approval to arrive in the mail | |
| Priority 4 | $50 extra ($160 total) | 24 hours | 7pm Eastern | Get processed within 24 hours | 4-6 days for approval to arrive in the mail | |
| Priority 3 | $100 extra ($210 total) | Same day | 2pm Eastern | Get processed the same day | 3-5 days for approval to arrive in the mail | |
| Priority 2 | $500 extra ($610 total) | 2 hours | Email or fax, and mail | 7pm Eastern | Get processed in 2 hours | 2 hours for approval to arrive by email/fax |
| Priority 1 | $1,000 extra ($1,110 total) | 1 hour | Email or fax, and mail | 9pm Eastern | Get processed in 1 hour | 1 hour for approval to arrive by email/fax |
Source: Delaware Division of Corporations: Expedited Services
If you want further explanation, please see Delaware LLC Certificate of Formation.
Tip: Delaware allows you to pay to expedite your LLC at any time after you file it. Said another way, if you decide you need your LLC faster after filing, and you didn’t pay for expedited services, you can call the Division of Corporations to pay for expedited processing.
What’s the fastest way to form an LLC in Delaware?
The fastest way to form an LLC in Delaware is to file it yourself online and pay for expedited processing. Most people choose to pay $50 extra for 24-hour expedited processing (Priority 4).
Should I hire an LLC filing service in Delaware?
Hiring an LLC filing service isn’t going to get your LLC approved any faster. Filing companies still have to wait for the state to approve your LLC.
However, the benefit of hiring a filing company isn’t to reduce LLC approval time. It’s to have someone else take care of the paperwork for you (and make sure it’s filed correctly).
Need to save time? Hire a company to form your LLC:
Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee)
(Learn why Northwest is #1 in Northwest vs LegalZoom)
Why we recommend Northwest? Northwest Registered Agent has been in business for over 20 years and they have the best customer support. Our favorite thing about Northwest is that you can use their address throughout your LLC filing. This can provide you with additional privacy by keeping your address off public records. No other filing company offers this.
Even though Northwest is our favorite company, you may want to look at other companies and compare your options. Check out Best LLC Services in Delaware for additional recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an LLC cost?
The one-time cost to start an LLC varies by state. There are also LLC Annual Fees to maintain your business that vary by state.
Here are the costs for a Delaware LLC:
| Requirement | Cost |
|---|---|
| LLC Name | $0 |
| Registered Agent | $0 or $125 per year |
| Certificate of Formation | $110 |
| Operating Agreement | $0 (free on our site) |
| EIN Number | $0 (free through IRS) |
| Business License | $75 (minimum) |
| Annual Franchise Tax | $300 |
| Taxes | varies (filed and/or paid every year) |
How to start an LLC in Delaware?
Here are the steps to starting an LLC in Delaware:
- Search your Delaware LLC name
- Choose your Delaware Registered Agent
- File Delaware Certificate of Formation with the state
- Sign your Delaware LLC Operating Agreement
- Get an EIN for your Delaware LLC
- Open an LLC bank account
How long does it take to get an LLC in every state?
Important: Just because one state is faster than another doesn’t mean you should form your LLC there. If you form your LLC out-of-state, you’ll need to register it as a foreign LLC in your home state. For more information, please see the best state to form an LLC.
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Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.
One of the big challenges I have faced with NorthWestRegistered Agent is that they aren’t responsive on the phone. If you do not have any urgent need to get someone on the phone and get some directions, I think you are fine. But in my case, I needed to contact them to get some things clarified and they never responded after making over 10 calls and leaving voicemails.
Hey Sam, thanks for letting us know. Really sorry to hear. However, I’m pretty sure that this temporary issue has since been resolved. There was basically a very high volume of orders (sometimes common in January, but even larger than usual this January). Northwest has since beefed up and hired more support staff. Hope that helps.
Is Priority 5/6 for Registered Agents?
Hi Ethan, interesting question. To be honest, we’re not sure.