How Long Does It Take to Form an LLC in California?

Standard online filing through California's BizFile system takes 3–5 business days. File your Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) with the $70 filing fee, and the Secretary of State will process your application within this timeframe under Cal. Corp. Code § 17702.01. Expedited options are available for faster processing: 24-hour service ($350), same-day service ($750), or 4-hour service ($500)—though all expedited filings require in-person submission at the Sacramento office only.

Standard Processing (3–5 Business Days)

Submit your Articles of Organization online at https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/. Your LLC becomes effective on the filing date unless you specify a different effective date (up to 90 days in the future). Standard processing applies to all online filings and does not require expedited fees.

Before filing, search the business database at https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/search/business to ensure your LLC name is distinguishable per Cal. Corp. Code § 17701.08. Your name must include "LLC," "L.L.C.," or "Limited Liability Company."

Expedited Processing Options

If you need faster formation, visit the Sacramento office in person (1500 11th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814):

Class C (24-hour): $350
Class B (same-day): $750
Class A (4-hour): $500

Expedited services are not available online or by mail. Contact the Secretary of State at (916) 657-5448 to confirm hours before visiting.

Name Reservation (Optional)

Reserve your LLC name for 60 days ($10 fee) before filing if you want to secure it. This prevents delays caused by name conflicts and gives you time to prepare your Articles.

After Formation

Your LLC is effective immediately upon filing. If you operate under a name different from your legal LLC name, file a DBA with your county clerk ($26 fee). This is a separate requirement from LLC formation.

Contact: California Secretary of State | (916) 657-5448 | https://www.sos.ca.gov/

This is general information, not legal advice.