How long does it take to get an LLC in Texas?

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You can get an LLC in Texas in 10-15 business days if you file online. Or 2-3 months if you file by mail. If you need your Texas LLC faster, you can pay for expedited processing.

Texas LLC Processing Times

Normal LLC processing time:Expedited LLC:
Texas LLC by mail: 4-8 weeks (plus mail time)4-5 business days ($25 extra)
Texas LLC online with SOSDirect: 10-12 business daysNot available
Texas LLC online with SOSUpload: 13-15 business daysNot available

Source: Texas Secretary of State: Business Filings Turnaround Times

What is LLC processing time? Processing time is the time it takes for the state of Texas 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.

Texas LLC Approval Times

How long does it take to get an LLC in TexasMail filings: In total, mail filing approvals for Texas LLCs take 2-3 months. The state is extremely backed up with paper filings right now, so this processing time might go back down to 1 month later in 2023. Approval time for mail filings is between 4-8 weeks (plus mail time) (1-2 months), and then add the time your filing spends traveling in the mail to and from the Secretary of State.

Online filings: In total, online filing approvals for Texas LLCs take around 2 weeks. Since you can download your documents as soon as they’re approved by the Secretary of State, there is no extra transit time.

Texas has two different online filing systems. And the approval time varies slightly between the two. If you file using SOSDirect, approvals take 10-12 business days. If you file using SOSUpload, approvals take 13-15 business days. 

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.

Texas expedited LLC

Since online LLC filings in Texas are approved in a week or two, there is no expedited filing option.

Texas offers one expedited filing option for mail filings:

  • 4-5 business days for $25 extra

However, because of the large amount of mail filings that Texas gets, this expedited option actually takes more like 10-12 business days. That’s still faster than the 4-8 week processing time for un-expedited mail filings, though.

Note: Expedited fees are in addition to the LLC filing fee.

What’s the fastest way to get an LLC in Texas?

The fastest way to start an LLC in Texas is to file it yourself online using SOSDirect. This option has the fastest approval time.

Should I hire an LLC filing service in Texas?

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 Texas 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 Texas LLC:

RequirementsCost
LLC Name$0
Registered Agent$0 or $125 (per year)
Certificate of Formation$300
($0 for Veterans)
Operating Agreement$0 (free on our site)
EIN Number$0 (free on IRS site)
Franchise Tax Reports$0 (for most LLCs)
TaxesVaries (filed and/or paid each year)

How to start an LLC in Texas?

Here are the steps to starting an LLC in Texas:

  1. Search your Texas LLC name
  2. Choose your Texas Registered Agent
  3. File Texas Certificate of Formation with the state
  4. Sign your Texas LLC Operating Agreement
  5. Get an EIN for your Texas LLC
  6. 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 Horwitz
Matt Horwitz
Founder & Educator, LLC University®
Matt Horwitz has been the leading expert on LLC education for the past decade. He founded LLC University in 2010 after realizing people needed simple and actionable instructions to start an LLC that other companies weren't offering. 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.

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6 comments on “How long does it take to get an LLC in Texas?”

Disclaimer: Nothing on this page shall be interpreted as legal or tax advice. Rules and regulations vary by location. They also change over time and are specific to your situation. Furthermore, this comment section is provided so people can share their thoughts and experience. Please consult a licensed professional if you have legal or tax questions.

  1. Matt,
    Thanks for what you do. I just submitted my documents today, and your Youtube channel assisted me in that process. Just wanted to extend my gratitude.

    • You’re very welcome Daniel! That’s awesome man, great to hear. Best wishes with your business :)

  2. Hola el 6 de marzo hice todo el proceso casi un mes y lo único que me a llegado es el número para pagar taxes. Cuánto tiempo más debo esperar para que me llegue el EIN. Gracias por responder.

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