How Long Does It Take to Get an LLC in Illinois?
Starting an LLC in Illinois can be a smart move for your business. However, many entrepreneurs wonder how long the process takes.
The timeline to form an LLC in Illinois is 2-4 weeks, covering the duration for filing your Articles of Organization with the Illinois Secretary of State and receiving approval. Online filing takes 5-10 business days, while mail filing takes 3-4 weeks, including transit time.
If you want to speed up the process to 24 hours, Illinois offers expedited processing for an extra fee.
This article provides a clear timeline and helpful tips to streamline the LLC approval process in Illinois.
Illinois LLC Approval Time and Duration
Illinois offers online and mail filing options with varying processing speeds.
Online Filing
You can form an LLC online through the Illinois Secretary of State website. This method is faster than mailing in your forms.
Online filings typically take 5-10 business days for approval. The state reviews your application and enters it into its system during this time. Once approved, you’ll get your LLC documents electronically.
Online filing is a good choice if you want to start your business quickly.
Mail Filing
If you prefer to submit paper forms, you can file by mail. This process takes longer than online filing.
Mail filings usually take 3-4 weeks for approval. Fill out the required paperwork and send it to the Illinois Secretary of State’s office. After they receive your forms, they’ll review them and process your LLC. Your approval documents will be mailed back to you.
Choose this option if you’re not in a rush and prefer working with physical forms.
Illinois LLC Processing Time
When you form an LLC in Illinois, the processing time depends on how you file.
Here’s a breakdown of the options:
| LLC Filing Method | LLC Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Online Filing | 5-10 business days |
| Mail Filing | 7-14 business days |
Should I file online or via mail?
Online filing is faster and more convenient. You can submit your LLC paperwork through the Illinois Secretary of State website.
Mail filing takes longer because of postal delivery times. You must print and mail your forms to the Secretary of State’s office. Keep in mind that these times are estimates. Actual processing may vary based on the state’s current workload.
Expedited Filing Option for an Illinois LLC
Illinois offers a fast-track option for forming your LLC. This expedited service can significantly reduce processing time. For an extra $100 fee, you can get your LLC processed in 24 hours. This applies to online and mail-in filings.
The standard processing time for online filing is 5-10 business days, and for mail filing, it is 7-14 business days.
With expedited service, you’ll pay a total of $250 ($150 standard filing fee and $100 expedited processing fee).
To use this option, select expedited processing when submitting your LLC formation documents. Ensure to include the additional payment. This quick turnaround can be helpful if you need to set up your LLC urgently.
Remember, the expedited option only speeds up processing. You’ll still need to complete all required forms accurately. Double-check your information before submitting it to avoid delays.
How do you know when your LLC is approved in Illinois?
After filing your LLC paperwork, wait for approval from the Illinois Secretary of State. The approval time varies based on the filing method. For mail-in filings, expect to wait 3-4 weeks. If you filed online, the process takes 7-10 days.
You can check your LLC’s status online through the Illinois Secretary of State website. Enter your LLC name or file number to see if it’s been approved.
When approved, you’ll receive important documents: a filed copy of your Articles of Organization and a Certificate of Organization. These documents confirm Illinois officially recognizes your LLC.
If you file by mail, the approval documents will arrive by post. For online filings, you can download and print them from the Secretary of State website.
What’s the fastest way to get an LLC in Illinois?
The quickest method to form an LLC in Illinois is filing online yourself. This process typically takes 5-10 business days.
To speed things up even more, you can pay an extra $100 for expedited processing. This option reduces the wait time to just 24 hours.
Another quick option is hiring a registered agent service. They can file your paperwork online and have experience with the process, helping you avoid mistakes that might slow things down.
Should you use a Registered Agent in Illinois?
It is highly recommended that your LLC use a registered agent in Illinois. These professionals handle important legal and tax documents for your business.
A registered agent must have a physical address in Illinois and be available during business hours. This can be challenging if you work irregular hours or travel often.
Using a professional registered agent allows you to use its address on public documents instead of yours, track deadlines and send reminders for state filings, manage documents, and organize and forward your important mail.
Without a registered agent, you risk missing important correspondence or falling out of good standing with the state.
The additional cost of hiring a registered agent service is worth avoiding serious consequences.
Use a professional registered agent if you don’t have a physical address in Illinois, work from home and want privacy, travel frequently for business, and have multiple businesses in different states.
I highly recommend Northwest Registered Agent for your LLC formation.
Northwest Registered Agent is renowned for its exceptional customer support,
transparent pricing, privacy protection, and fast processing times.
They provide educational resources, including articles, guides, and FAQs, to help you understand the LLC formation process and ongoing compliance requirements.
Beyond LLC formation, Northwest Registered Agent offers additional services, including annual report filing, compliance assistance, and business licensing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for filing an LLC in Illinois?
To file an LLC in Illinois, you must submit an Articles of Organization LLC form to the Illinois Secretary of State. You can do this online or by mail. Choose a unique business name and appoint a registered agent. Pay the filing fee and wait for approval.
Can you create an Illinois LLC online, and how does that affect the timeline?
Yes, you can create an Illinois LLC online. This method is faster than filing by mail, which typically takes 5-10 business days to process. For an extra $100, you can get 24-hour expedited service.
What are the Illinois LLC annual filing requirements?
Illinois LLCs must file an Annual Report each year. This report is due by the first day of the month in which the LLC was formed. The filing fee is $75. Ensure that you submit this report on time to keep your LLC in good standing.
What is the cost breakdown for establishing an LLC in Illinois?
The main cost to establish an LLC in Illinois is the filing fee for the Articles of Organization. This fee is $150. If you want expedited processing, add $100. Other costs may include hiring a registered agent or getting professional help.
What specific documentation is required to form a Series LLC in Illinois?
To form a Series LLC in Illinois, you must file special Articles of Organization. This form must state that the LLC is authorized to establish a series. Each series needs its own Certificate of Designation. You need an operating agreement that outlines how the series will function.
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