Deal alert! Northwest, our favorite company, is forming
LLCs for $39 (60% off!) See details.
You can get an LLC in South Carolina in 1-2 business days if you file online (or 3-4 weeks if you file by mail).
South Carolina LLC Processing Times
| Normal LLC processing time: | Expedited LLC: | |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina LLC by mail: | 3-4 business days (plus mail time) | Not available |
| South Carolina LLC online: | 1-2 business days | Not available |
What is LLC processing time? Processing time is the time it takes for the state of South Carolina to review your LLC filing and enter it in their system. After your LLC is approved, the state sends back your approved documents electronically or by mail.
South Carolina LLC Approval Times
Mail filings: In total, mail filing approvals for South Carolina LLCs take 3-4 weeks. This accounts for the 5-1o business days (1-2 weeks) processing time, plus the time your documents are in the mail.
Online filings: In total, online filing approvals for South Carolina LLCs take 1-2 business days. Since you can download your documents as soon as they’re approved by the Secretary of State, there is no extra transit time.
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.
South Carolina expedited LLC
South Carolina doesn’t offer expedited filings for LLCs. It’s going to take 1-2 business days if you file online and 4 weeks if you file by mail. Unfortunately, you can’t form an LLC any faster in South Carolina.
What’s the fastest way to get an LLC in South Carolina?
The fastest way to start an LLC in South Carolina is to file it yourself online. This option has the fastest approval time.
Should I hire an LLC filing service in South Carolina?
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)
(check out 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina LLC:
| Requirement | Cost |
|---|---|
| LLC Name | $0 |
| Registered Agent | $0 or $125 per year |
| Articles of Organization | $110 |
| Operating Agreement | $0 (free on our site) |
| EIN Number | $0 (free through IRS) |
| Annual Report | none ($0) unless taxed as S-Corp |
| Taxes | varies (filed and/or paid every year) |
How to start an LLC in South Carolina?
Here are the steps to starting an LLC in South Carolina:
- Search your South Carolina LLC name
- Choose your South Carolina Registered Agent
- File South Carolina Articles of Organization with the state
- Sign your South Carolina LLC Operating Agreement
- Get an EIN for your South Carolina 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.
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.