How to form an LLC
End-to-end walkthrough — pick a state, name your business, designate a registered agent, file Articles of Organization, and get your EIN.
Forming an LLC is a 5-step process. With FormifyAI it takes about 10 minutes — we ask you a handful of questions, generate the documents, and file directly with your Secretary of State.
Step 1 — Pick a state
Most owners form in the state where they actually do business. Forming in Delaware or Wyoming only makes sense in narrow cases (raising VC money, holding companies). If you're unsure, picking your home state is the right default.
Step 2 — Choose your business name
Your name must include a designator (LLC, L.L.C., or Limited Liability Company) and must not be in use by another entity in the same state. We run a real-time availability check during onboarding.
Step 3 — Designate a registered agent
Every state requires one. The agent receives legal mail on your business's behalf and must have a physical address in your state of formation. Pro and Business plans include this for free.
Step 4 — File Articles of Organization
We auto-generate the document, you review it, and we file it with the state. Approval typically lands in 2–7 business days, sometimes same-day with expedited filing.
Step 5 — Get your EIN
Once the LLC is approved, we file the SS-4 with the IRS and your EIN usually arrives within 24 hours. You'll need it for the business bank account, taxes, and hiring.
Operating agreements aren't filed with the state but every multi-member LLC should have one. We generate a starter template you can customize.
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