How long does it take to form an LLC in Tennessee?

You can form an LLC in Tennessee immediately if you file online (or in 2-3 weeks if you file by mail).

Tennessee LLC Processing Times

What is LLC processing time? This is the time it takes for the state of Tennessee 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.

Tennessee LLC Approval Times

Mail filings: In total, mail filing approvals for Tennessee LLCs take 2-3 weeks. This accounts for the 3-5 business day processing time, plus the time your documents are in the mail.

Online filings: Online filings for Tennessee LLCs are approved immediately. 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.

Tennessee expedited LLC

Tennessee doesn’t have expedited options for online LLC filings. But this doesn’t really matter, since online filings are approved the same day (usually immediately after you file).

And while Tennessee doesn’t have an “official” expedited option for mail filings, there is a slightly complicated method that the state will accept:

• You can overnight your filing to the state and include a prepaid overnight envelope.
• The state will use this envelope to return your approved LLC documents.
• This shortens mail time from weeks to days, which gets your LLC approved faster.
• You can use any shipping method, like USPS, FedEx, or UPS.
• The shipping cost depends on how fast you want your documents back.
• Tip: Pay for an overnight envelope that can hold 3 ounces (oz).

What’s the fastest way to form an LLC in Tennessee?

The fastest way to form an LLC in Tennessee is to file it yourself online. This option has the fastest approval time.

Should I hire an LLC filing service in Tennessee?

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).

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 Tennessee for additional recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Matt Horwitz

Founder & Educator, LLC University®

Matt Horwitz is the leading expert on LLC education, and has been teaching for 15 years. He founded LLC University in 2010 after realizing people needed simple and actionable instructions to start an LLC. He's cited by Entrepreneur Magazine, Yahoo Finance, and the US Chamber of Commerce, and was featured by CNBC and InventRight.
 
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.