How Long Does It Take to Form an LLC in New York?

New businesses pop up in the state of New York all the time, which is no surprise given how popular New York City is and the influx of industries centered in it. If you are thinking about starting an LLC in New York but are deterred by the application and legal formation process, you should know the process is actually quite simple. New business applications only require you to fill out your Articles of Organization, pay the state’s filing fee, and wait while they process.

The whole approval process for New York LLCs can be done within a few hours for online filing or about four months for those filing by mail. New York’s LLC approval process and what to expect along the timeline will be elaborated on in the following article.

We recommend using a professional LLC formation service to handle your business’s formation paperwork so you can focus on what matters most — running your business.

Two looking at a tablet while they work to form an LLC.

New York LLC Approval Time

Filing Options	Approval Time	Filing Delays	Expedited Filing (Fee)	Cost
Filing online	Immediate	No known delays	Not available for online filing	$200
Filing by mail	3-5 weeks	4 months (COVID-related delays)	24-hour processing ($25 extra) Same-day processing ($75 extra) 2-hour processing ($150 extra)	$200

When filing for your New York LLC, approval time covers the application from the moment you submit your documents to the time you receive your approval. Approval time includes any delays, transport times for mailed documents, and however long the state takes to enter the info into its system. Online filing is significantly faster in New York since uploading your documents is instantaneous, drastically cutting down approval time.

New York LLC Processing Time

Included within approval time is processing time, the amount of time the state of New York takes to go over your Articles of Organization and enter the information of the paperwork into their records. The New York Secretary of State handles the processing, with documents submitted to them either by mail or the Articles of Organization portal on their website.

Online: 3-5 weeks regular, four months for COVID-related delays.
By mail: Immediately upon the Secretary of State receiving it.

Approval time is a much better way of determining how long the process will take since it includes transport time for documents. Also, when applying, be sure to see if there are any noted delays that may push back the approval time.

Expedited Filing for a New York LLC

New York offers three options for expedited filing for those filing by mail. Each cost is in addition to the $200 filing fee. The options include:

Lowering processing time to 24 hours is an extra $25.

Total cost: $225

Lowering processing time to the same day the documents are received is an extra $75.

Total cost: $275

Lowering processing time to 2 hours is an extra $150.

Total cost: $350

How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in New York?

Filing your Articles of Organization in New York will cost you a $200 filing fee. If you are paying the fee by check, then it should be addressed to the New York Secretary of State.

As mentioned above, if you are filing by mail, then you have three options for expedited filing that can bring your processing time down if you are willing to spend some extra money.

LLC Formation Service

While they cannot speed up the approval or processing time of your application, a professional LLC formation service can be hired to fill out your paperwork correctly the first time to ensure it gets to the state as soon as possible. Some will even let you put their address down on the applications if you would prefer not to use your private address.

Read our LLC Formation Services Review to learn more

Should I Form an LLC in New York?

LLCs are formal business structures that provide owners with limited liability protection and pass-through taxation. If you are serious about starting a business in New York, then forming an LLC may be beneficial. New York’s size and opportunity are unmatched, and you may wish to consider starting your LLC in the Big Apple.

Large Talent Pool

New York is an ever-popular place for people to move to, meaning the available talent pool is always expanding with talented individuals looking for work every day. The job market in New York is strong, with positions being put up and filled typically within 7-10 days. If you are looking to fill your LLC quickly and with qualified people, New York is a great place to bring in new talent.

Bustling Tourist Scene

As often as people are moving to New York, even more visit each day. By the end of 2022, New York City alone had approximately 56.4 million tourists that had passed through the area. While your LLC may not work directly in the tourism industry, an increased number of people around your area is likely to drive up your own business and increase your total number of clients.

A Hive of Small Businesses

Small businesses are an important part of the culture in New York, with a strong presence within the state. Data from the State of New York in 2022 showed that almost 98% of all businesses statewide are small businesses and startups. This has made New York into a powerful network of small businesses, one in which your LLC could certainly become a part.