How to Start an LLC: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2026

How to start an LLC in 7 steps: choose your state, pick a name, name a registered agent, file Articles of Organization, get an EIN, and open a bank account.

How to start an LLC comes down to seven straightforward steps: choose your state, pick a business name, name a registered agent, file your formation documents, get an EIN, write an operating agreement, and open a business bank account. Most owners finish the whole process in under two weeks, and many states approve filings in just a few business days. Here's the full walkthrough.

The 7 steps at a glance

1. Choose your formation state
2. Pick a business name
3. Name a registered agent
4. File your Articles of Organization
5. Get an EIN from the IRS
6. Write an operating agreement
7. Open a business bank account

Step 1: Choose your state and name

Most small businesses should form their LLC in the state where they actually operate. That's where you'll pay taxes and file annual reports, and it keeps things simple. Forming in another state, like Delaware, only makes sense for larger companies with investors or out-of-state operations.

Your LLC name must be unique in your state and usually has to end with a designator like "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company." Run a name search on your state's business registry to make sure the name is available before you file. State rules and fees vary, so check your home state's requirements first. For example, Texas LLC formation has its own filing process and franchise tax rules.

Step 2: Name a registered agent and file

Every LLC must have a registered agent with a physical address in the formation state who can accept legal documents during business hours. You can be your own registered agent, but many owners hire a service for privacy and to avoid missing important mail.

Next comes the official step that creates your LLC. You'll file the Articles of Organization, called a Certificate of Formation in some states, with the secretary of state and pay the filing fee. Filing fees typically range from $40 to $500 depending on the state, and most online filings are approved within a few business days.

Step 3: Get an EIN and write an operating agreement

An Employer Identification Number, or EIN, is your LLC's federal tax ID. You need one to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file business taxes. Getting an EIN from the IRS is free and takes about ten minutes online. See our guide on how to get an EIN for the details.

An operating agreement lays out how your LLC is run: who owns what percentage, how profits are split, and how decisions get made. Most states don't require one, but it's a smart idea even for single-member LLCs because it proves the business is a separate entity and prevents disputes later.

Before you file, gather a few basics:

• Your chosen business name and a backup in case it's taken
• A physical address for your registered agent
• The names and addresses of all LLC members
• Your payment method for the state filing fee

Once you have your formation documents and EIN, open a separate business checking account. Keeping business money separate from personal money is essential for protecting your limited liability status and makes tax time much easier.

How long does it take to start an LLC?

Online filings in most states are approved in 1 to 5 business days. Mail filings can take several weeks. If you're in a hurry, many states offer expedited processing for an extra fee, and some can approve your LLC the same day.

DIY vs. using a formation service

You can absolutely file yourself directly with your state for just the filing fee. A formation service handles the paperwork for you, often bundles a year of registered agent service, and can be worth it if you'd rather not deal with forms. Either way, the legal result is the same LLC.

Once your LLC is formed, keep up with ongoing requirements like annual reports and state fees. For the full picture of what formation involves, start with our overview of LLC formation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to start an LLC?

Most states approve online LLC filings within 1 to 5 business days. Mail filings can take several weeks. Expedited processing is available in many states for an extra fee, and some states can approve your LLC the same day you submit.

What do I need to start an LLC?

You need a unique business name, a registered agent with a physical address in your state, and your formation documents filed with the secretary of state. After that, you'll want an EIN, an operating agreement, and a separate business bank account.

Do I need a lawyer to start an LLC?

No. Most people file their LLC paperwork themselves or use an online formation service. A lawyer is only worth considering if your business has unusual ownership, contracts, or liability concerns that you want reviewed before you file. For a standard single-owner LLC, the forms are simple enough to handle on your own.

Can I start an LLC by myself?

Yes. A single person can form and own an LLC in every state. You can be the only member, the manager, and the registered agent, though many owners hire a registered agent service to keep their home address off public records.

Is it better to use an LLC formation service or file myself?

Filing yourself costs only the state fee, usually $40 to $500. A formation service charges extra but handles the paperwork and often includes a year of registered agent service. Both produce the same legal result, so it comes down to your budget and time.