How long does it take to form an LLC?

LLC formation takes between 3 hours and 12 business days depending on the state. Colorado processes formations in under 4 hours, Wyoming in about 6 hours, and Delaware within 24 hours. The slowest states like New York can take up to 12 business days for standard processing.

The actual paperwork takes about 10-15 minutes to complete online. The waiting period is entirely due to state processing times. Most states offer expedited processing for an additional fee ranging from $25 to $1,000. After state approval, you still need to obtain an EIN from the IRS (instant online for US residents, 2-6 weeks for international founders), open a business bank account (1-5 days), and draft your operating agreement.