How to Get an LLC

Getting an LLC means registering with your state, choosing a registered agent, and getting a tax ID. See the fastest ways to get it done.

Getting an LLC means registering a new business entity with your state and then completing the follow-up steps that make it operational: a registered agent, a tax ID, and a bank account. For most owners, the whole process takes under two weeks.

You get an LLC by filing formation documents with your state's business office, choosing a registered agent, and getting an EIN from the IRS — online filing is the fastest route in most states, with approval often arriving within a few business days.

What "Getting an LLC" Means

Getting an LLC is the same thing as forming or registering one: you create a separate legal entity through your state government. The phrase is common in everyday language, but the legal process is identical no matter which verb you use. What matters is that the state approves your formation filing and issues a record of the new entity.

The fastest ways to get it done are simple: file online with your state's business filing office, pay with a credit card to avoid mail delays, use expedited processing if your state offers it, and apply for your EIN online the same day you are approved. Owners who follow that sequence routinely go from zero to a fully registered LLC in under a week.

Step 1: Register with Your State

Prepare your formation documents — Articles of Organization in most states — with your LLC name, address, and registered agent. File them online or by mail and pay the filing fee, which ranges from approximately $40 to $500 depending on the state. Fees change frequently, so confirm the current amount on the official state website. Most states let you complete the entire filing in under thirty minutes online, and you will receive a confirmation with your LLC's official formation date.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent

Your LLC must have a registered agent with a physical address in the state. You can serve as your own agent at no cost, or hire a service for roughly $50 to $300 per year. A service is a good choice if you travel, work from home, or want to keep your personal address out of public records. The agent must be available during business hours to accept service of process.

Step 3: Get a Tax ID (EIN)

After approval, apply for an EIN from the IRS. The online application is free and issues your number immediately. You need the EIN to open a business bank account, file taxes, and hire employees. For the full walkthrough, see how to get an EIN for your LLC.

How to Speed Up the Process

Online filing is the single biggest time-saver. Many states approve online LLC filings in 1 to 5 business days, while mail filings can take 2 to 8 weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee, which can cut approval time to 24 hours or less. For typical timelines, see how long it takes to get an LLC.

What to Do After You Get Your LLC

Once your LLC exists, draft an operating agreement, open a business bank account, and check for required licenses. As of 2026, the fastest fully compliant path is filing online, acting as your own registered agent, and applying for your EIN the same day. For the complete checklist, review how to start an LLC.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get an LLC?

File formation documents with your state's business filing office, choose a registered agent, and pay the filing fee. After approval, get an EIN from the IRS and open a business bank account. Online filing is the fastest method in most states.

What is the fastest way to get an LLC?

File online with your state, which most states approve in 1 to 5 business days. Use expedited processing if available, and apply for your EIN online the same day you are approved. Mail filings take 2 to 8 weeks and should be avoided if you are in a hurry.

Do I need a registered agent to get an LLC?

Yes. Every LLC must have a registered agent with a physical address in the state of formation. You can serve as your own agent at no cost, or hire a service for roughly $50 to $300 per year to handle legal documents for you.

What do I need to get an LLC?

You need a unique business name, a registered agent, formation documents, and the state filing fee. After approval, you need an EIN from the IRS and a business bank account. An operating agreement is recommended but not required in most states.