How long does it take to form an LLC

The state filing is only the first step in getting an LLC ready to trade. This guide sets out how long each step usually takes, with the official figures where the state publishes them, and what tends to hold things up.

By Hamza Fida, Chartered Accountant. Reviewed by Mirza Fahad Baig, Chartered Accountant. Checked against official sources on . 2 minute read.

Short answer

Forming an LLC takes from a few business days to about three weeks for state approval, depending on the state and whether you file online. Wyoming quotes up to 15 business days for paper filings. The EIN is immediate online, or about 4 business days by fax for owners abroad. A bank account adds days to weeks, so allow two to four weeks end to end.

At a glance

State approval, online
Often a few business days
State approval, paper
Up to about three weeks. Wyoming quotes up to 15 business days
Expedited service
Available in some states for a fee
EIN online
Immediate, for applicants with an SSN or ITIN
EIN by fax
About 4 business days
Bank account
Days to weeks
How long does it take to form an LLCSteps: 1. Check the name before filing; 2. File online; 3. Prepare the EIN application in advance; 4. Have bank documents ready.THE PROCESS AT A GLANCEHow long does it take to form an LLC1Check the name beforefilingSearch the state's databaseand include the requiredending2File onlineWhere the state allows it3Prepare the EINapplication in advanceAnd submit it the dayapproval arrives4Have bank documentsreadyOperating agreement signed,IDs and proof of address tohandChecked against official sourcesTax BakersHow long does it take to form an LLCSteps: 1. Check the name before filing; 2. File online; 3. Prepare the EIN application in advance; 4. Have bank documents ready.THE PROCESS AT A GLANCEHow long does it take to form anLLC1Check the name before filingSearch the state's database and include therequired ending2File onlineWhere the state allows it3Prepare the EIN application inadvanceAnd submit it the day approval arrives4Have bank documents readyOperating agreement signed, IDs and proof ofaddress to handChecked against official sourcesTax Bakers
The process at a glance: 1. Check the name before filing; 2. File online; 3. Prepare the EIN application in advance; 4. Have bank documents ready.

What is the full timeline?

StepTypical timeDepends on
Choose the state, name and registered agentA dayHow quickly you decide
State approvalFrom a few business days to about three weeksThe state, online or paper, and its current backlog
EINImmediate online, about 4 business days by fax, several weeks by mailWhether the responsible party has an SSN or ITIN
Operating agreementA dayComplexity and number of members
Bank accountDays to weeksThe bank and, for non-residents, their country
Licenses and permitsVariesThe business and location

How long does the state take?

Each state processes filings at its own pace. Wyoming's Secretary of State quotes up to 15 business days for paper filings from the date they arrive, processed in the order received, and shows on its website which day's filings it is working on. Online filings avoid postal delays both ways. Delaware and Wyoming both offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Wyoming's 2026 fee schedule lists next-day service at $700 and same-day service at $1,400.

How long does the EIN take?

If the person in control of the LLC has a Social Security number or ITIN and the business is based in the US, the IRS online application issues the EIN at the end of the session. Owners abroad use Form SS-4: by fax the IRS generally returns the EIN in about 4 business days, and by phone for international applicants it is issued during the call. See how to get an EIN online and how to get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN. Each route is timed in how long it takes to get an EIN.

How long does the bank account take?

Traditional banks can open an account in a day for local owners with all documents. Online providers often decide within days. Applications from owners outside the US take longer and vary most. See US bank accounts for non-residents.

What usually causes delays?

  • A name that is not available or lacks the required ending, so the filing is rejected.
  • Missing registered agent consent or an unacceptable agent address.
  • Applying for the EIN before the state has approved the LLC.
  • A name on the EIN application that does not match the state filing.
  • Documents that do not match each other when applying to a bank.

How can you speed it up?

  1. Check the name before filing

    Search the state's database and include the required ending.

  2. File online

    Where the state allows it.

  3. Prepare the EIN application in advance

    And submit it the day approval arrives.

  4. Have bank documents ready

    Operating agreement signed, IDs and proof of address to hand.

For the full process, see how to start an LLC.

Need your LLC quickly?

We file online where the state allows it, apply for the EIN the day the state approves, and prepare the bank documents in advance.

Questions people ask

How long does it take to form an LLC?

From a few business days to about three weeks for state approval, and two to four weeks in total including the EIN and bank account.

Can I form an LLC in one day?

In some states, with expedited processing. Wyoming lists same-day service at $1,400 and next-day at $700.

How long does it take to get an EIN?

Immediately online for applicants with an SSN or ITIN, or about 4 business days by fax.

Can I apply for an EIN before my LLC is approved?

The IRS advises forming the entity with the state first, because applying earlier may delay the application.

Sources

Every fee, date and rule on this page was taken from these official and primary sources.

  1. Wyoming Secretary of State: LLC Articles of Organization form and instructions
  2. Wyoming Secretary of State: Business Division fee schedule, effective July 1, 2026
  3. IRS: Get an employer identification number
  4. IRS: Employer identification number, including international applicants

Rules and fees change. If you are reading this long after September 30, 2026, confirm the figures with the source before you rely on them.

More in Starting a US company

This guide is general information. It is not tax or legal advice for your situation.