How to Start an LLC in New Jersey

New Jersey LLCs file a Public Records Filing and an annual report. Complete New Jersey LLC formation guide with fees and steps.

To start an LLC in New Jersey, you file a Public Records Filing, which is the state's name for Articles of Organization, with the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.

The filing fee is approximately $125, and online filings are typically processed within a few business days. Fees change frequently, so confirm the current amount on the New Jersey Division of Revenue website before you file.

Step 1: Reserve a Name in New Jersey

New Jersey LLC names must be distinguishable from other entities on record. You can search the state's business name database for free. The name needs an "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" designator, and it cannot suggest a business type you are not licensed for.

• Search the New Jersey business name database.
• Reserve the name if you need time before filing.
• Check for trademark conflicts if the name matters to your brand.

New Jersey is a densely populated state with many registered businesses, so common names fill up quickly. Have a few backup names ready before you file, and test how each one reads on a sign or website. A name that is easy to spell will also be easier for customers to find online.

Step 2: Appoint a New Jersey Registered Agent

Every New Jersey LLC must have a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. The agent accepts legal documents and official mail during business hours. You can act as your own agent, name a member, or hire a commercial service.

Because the agent's address is public, owners who work from home often choose a commercial agent to keep their home address off the record. If you change agents, you must update the state so legal notices keep reaching you. Our registered agent guide covers how to choose one.

Step 3: Complete the Public Records Filing

The Public Records Filing officially creates your LLC. You submit it online or by mail with the Division of Revenue. The form asks for your LLC name, registered agent details, and the organizer's signature.

1. Fill out the Public Records Filing form.
2. Pay the filing fee of approximately $125.
3. Submit online for the fastest processing.
4. Keep the confirmation for your records.

Take your time with the form. A rejected filing means correcting the issue and waiting through review again, so verify your name spelling, agent address, and signature before you hit submit.

New Jersey LLC Fees and Turnaround

Formation costs in New Jersey are moderate. The Public Records Filing fee is approximately $125. Online filings are usually processed within a few business days, while mailed filings take longer. As of 2026, the Division of Revenue processes most online LLC filings quickly, though turnaround can vary. For a broader cost picture, see our guide on how much an LLC costs.

Budget for ongoing costs too. New Jersey LLCs file an annual report for approximately $75, and many owe a minimum corporation business tax of about $50 per year. Those two items are the main recurring expenses for most small LLCs.

Step 4: EIN, Operating Agreement, and NJ Tax Registration

Once your LLC exists, set up the operational pieces:

• Get a free EIN from the IRS for banking and payroll. See our EIN guide for the steps.
• Draft an operating agreement that defines ownership and management.
• Register with the New Jersey Division of Revenue for state taxes, including employer withholding if you hire staff.
• Open a business bank account in the LLC's name.

An operating agreement is especially useful for multi-member LLCs because it spells out how profits are split and how decisions are made. Even single-member owners should keep one on file to support the separation between personal and business finances.

Step 5: New Jersey Annual Report and Corporation Business Tax

New Jersey LLCs file an annual report with a fee of approximately $75. Many LLCs also owe a minimum corporation business tax of about $50 per year, depending on their activity. Both figures change, so confirm the current requirements on the Division of Revenue website. Missing the annual report deadline can lead to penalties or administrative dissolution, so put the due date on your calendar the moment your LLC is approved.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to start an LLC in New Jersey?

The Public Records Filing fee is approximately $125. You will also face an annual report fee of about $75 and a minimum corporation business tax of roughly $50 per year for many LLCs. Confirm current amounts on the New Jersey Division of Revenue website.

How long does it take to get an LLC approved in New Jersey?

Online filings are typically processed within a few business days. Mailed filings take longer, often one to two weeks or more. Filing online with the Division of Revenue is the fastest way to get your LLC approved.

Does New Jersey require a registered agent for an LLC?

Yes. Every New Jersey LLC must maintain a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. The agent accepts legal documents and official notices during business hours. You can serve as your own agent or use a commercial service.

Does a New Jersey LLC need to file an annual report?

Yes. New Jersey LLCs file an annual report with a fee of approximately $75. Many LLCs also owe a minimum corporation business tax of about $50 per year. Confirm the current requirements on the Division of Revenue website.