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

Texas LLC formation takes 5–7 business days when filing online with the Secretary of State. Mail submissions take up to 40 business days. The $300 filing fee covers standard processing. Expedited options accelerate approval: 2–3 business days for $50, next-day service for $500, or same-day service for $750 (Tex. Bus. Org. Code § 3.005). Your LLC becomes effective on the date the Secretary of State files your Certificate of Formation, unless you specify a later effective date.

Standard Processing Timeline

Online filing is fastest. Submit your Certificate of Formation through the Secretary of State's portal at https://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda/index.shtml. Standard online processing takes 5–7 business days.

Mail filing is slower. Send documents to P.O. Box 13697, Austin, TX 78711-3697. Processing takes up to 40 business days.

Expedited Processing Options

Pay an additional fee to accelerate approval:

Standard Expedited: $50 for 2–3 business days
Next-Day: $500
Same-Day: $750

All expedited filings must be submitted online.

Before You File

Verify name availability. Search the Secretary of State's database at https://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda/index.shtml to confirm your LLC name is distinguishable from existing entities (Tex. Bus. Org. Code § 5.053). Your name must include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C." and cannot use restricted words like Bank, Trust, or Insurance (Tex. Bus. Org. Code § 5.054).

Prepare required information. Your Certificate of Formation must include your LLC's name, a Texas-based registered agent and office address, management structure (member-managed or manager-managed), and names and addresses of initial members or managers (Tex. Bus. Org. Code § 101.051).

Reserve your name if needed. If you're not ready to file immediately, reserve your name for 120 days for $40.

After Formation

File a DBA (Form 503) with the Secretary of State if you operate under a different name ($25 fee). Obtain an EIN from the IRS and open a business bank account.

Contact the Texas Secretary of State Phone: (512) 463-5555 Website: https://www.sos.texas.gov

This is general information, not legal advice.