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

Quick Answer

Online filings through the New York Department of State are acknowledged within minutes. Standard mail and in-person filings depend on Department workload with no published timeline. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee: 24 hours ($25), same day ($75), or 2 hours ($150). Your Articles of Organization become effective upon filing unless you specify a delayed effective date under N.Y. Ltd. Liab. Co. Law § 203.

Processing Times by Filing Method

Online Filing (Fastest)

File your Articles of Organization at https://filing.dos.ny.gov/. You'll receive acknowledgment within minutes. The $200 filing fee applies. This is the quickest and most reliable path to formation.

Standard Mail or In-Person Filing

Submit documents to One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12231. Processing time depends entirely on Department workload—no guaranteed timeline is published. Allow additional days for receipt and processing.

Expedited Processing Options

The New York Department of State offers three expedited tiers (in addition to the $200 base filing fee):

24-hour processing: +$25
Same-day processing: +$75
2-hour processing: +$150

Before You File

Name Availability

Search the business database at https://apps.dos.ny.gov/publicInquiry/ to confirm your LLC name is distinguishable from existing entities. Your name must include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C." and cannot use restricted words like Bank, Insurance, University, or Attorney without approval (N.Y. Ltd. Liab. Co. Law §§ 204, 1212(b)). Reserve a name for 60 days for $20 if needed.

Required Information

Your Articles of Organization must include your LLC name, the New York county where your principal office will be located, the Secretary of State's designation as your agent for service of process, and the organizer's name and address (N.Y. Ltd. Liab. Co. Law § 203).

After Formation

File a Certificate of Assumed Name (DBA) with the Department of State for $25 if you operate under a name different from your LLC's legal name.

Contact Information

New York Department of State
Division of Corporations
(518) 473-2492
https://dos.ny.gov/
https://filing.dos.ny.gov/

This is general information, not legal advice.