How to Form an LLC in Delaware

Opening an LLC in Delaware is more procedural than complicated — there's one filing to do, one agent to keep on file, and a few yearly steps to remember. $90 covers the state filing, the state takes around a handful of business days to process it, and you settle into a yearly compliance schedule. What's ahead: the steps, the costs in detail, and where our $199 service joins the process.

Set Up Your Delaware LLC — $199

$199 covers everything from drafting to filing through Delaware Division of Corporations. Plan on a handful of business days for state processing.

Set Up Your Delaware LLC — $199

Why Form an LLC in Delaware

A LLC entity is a flexible business form that limits owner liability while keeping tax filing relatively simple. Throughout Delaware, you'll find LLCs across independent professionals, rental property holders, side-business operators, and small consultancies — the entity is light on paperwork and easy to maintain.

All-In Delaware LLC Costs

Item	Cost
Our LLC formation service	$199 one-time
State filing fee (Delaware Division of Corporations)	$90 one-time
Registered agent (required for every Delaware LLC)	$99/year
State annual report fee	$300/year (Annual Tax)

$199 is the filing service. State fees go to Delaware Division of Corporations. Designated agent is $99/year on its own.

How Delaware LLC Formation Works

1. Name Your Delaware LLC

For a Delaware LLC name, you need two things: an LLC suffix or designator, and clearance from any conflicting entity name already registered in the state. Always do a quick search through Delaware Division of Corporations's entity records before committing to a name.

Names suggesting you are a financial institution, insurance company, or government office are restricted unless you have the underlying licensure.

2. Appoint Your Delaware Registered Agent

Delaware doesn't let LLCs operate without a designated agent — somebody with an in-state physical address who is reliably available across business hours to take legal mail. The agent's name and address are part of the entity's permanent public record at the state level.

Our Delaware office handles this for $99 a year. Our information appears on the public record so yours doesn't have to.

3. Send the Articles of Organization to Delaware Division of Corporations

This is where the LLC becomes a legal entity: lodge Articles of Organization with Delaware Division of Corporations after paying the $90 state fee. The document includes the LLC name, the entity's principal location, the designated agent's name and address, management type (members vs. Managers), and the organizers.

Submit through the Delaware Division of Corporations website for the standard Online submissions process; mail filings take noticeably longer.

Typical processing is a handful of business days from filing to approval. Faster turnaround may shorten the timeline at extra cost.

4. Document the Operating Agreement

Operating agreements aren't filed in Delaware, yet skipping one creates real problems with banks, members, and any dispute that comes up. It spells out ownership stakes, distribution mechanics, management rights, and what happens when membership changes. Without a written agreement, Delaware's default LLC rules apply — and those rules are generic, not tailored to your situation.

5. Obtain the Federal EIN

An EIN operates as the LLC's federal-level tax identifier. It's required for business banking, payroll, and federal taxes. Go to IRS.gov for the no-cost application. The form is brief — about ten minutes and the number issues right after.

Avoid paying an outside service for the EIN. EINs are free from the IRS via a brief form.

6. Maintain Compliance Going Forward

Once formed, the LLC must be maintained. The recurring obligations are:

• Maintain the designated agent designation connected to a in-state street address without any lapse
• File the LLC's yearly filing by its due date every year
• Enforce clean separation between the business's money and your personal money (separate cards, separate accounts)
• Keep current on federal taxes and Delaware's tax filings throughout the year

Delaware Division of Corporations can dissolve LLCs that fall out of compliance. After dissolution, the liability shield disappears until you reinstate.

Rather skip the paperwork? $199 buys our complete filing service for Delaware LLCs.

Form My Delaware LLC — $199

The Delaware Registered Agent Rule

Every Delaware LLC needs a designated agent. There's no exception, no exemption, and no way to operate without one. What the agent must do:

• Hold an in-state Delaware street address (post office boxes don't count on their own)
• Be at the address during the regular workday for service of process
• Transmit legal mail and state notices swiftly so deadlines stay intact

Some LLC owners list their home address as agent and later regret it. Everyone with access to Delaware Division of Corporations's public entity database can see it.

Our Delaware office handles this for $99 a year. Put our information on the form instead of yours, and your personal address stays private.

Delaware LLC FAQ

How much does it cost to form an LLC in Delaware?

$90 to Delaware Division of Corporations covers the formation filing. That puts it close to the national average. Plan for $300/year (Annual Tax) on the yearly filing after that.

How long does it take to form an LLC in Delaware?

Typical turnaround at Delaware Division of Corporations is a handful of business days.

Does Delaware require an annual report?

Yes. Plan on $300/year (Annual Tax) per year for the yearly filing.

Do I need a registered agent for my Delaware LLC?

Yes — Delaware LLCs are required to have a registered agent at all times. The requirement begins at formation and lasts as long as the LLC exists.

Can I form an LLC in Delaware if I live in another state?

Yes. The agent piece still has to be Delaware-based — we supply that role for $99 a year. Delaware doesn't restrict LLC ownership to residents.

File Your Delaware LLC Today

Filing directly with Delaware Division of Corporations is fully available using the Delaware Division of Corporations website. The agent requirement still applies regardless — $90 goes to the state at filing.

Our registered agent product is what you list on the formation paperwork. Pricing: $99 annually — includes our Delaware address on the filing, same-day mail scans, and compliance notifications.

Launch Your Delaware LLC — $199

Need only a registered agent? Our registered agent service is $99 annually on its own.

Need help with Delaware LLC formation or about the agent service? Check the FAQ or contact us any weekday.