How to start an LLC in New Mexico
Forming an LLC in New Mexico costs $50 and online filings are typically approved in about 1–5 business days online. Here's the whole process, step by step.
Filing fee
$50
One-time, paid to the state
Approval time
about 1–5 business days online
Typical for online filings
Ongoing fee
$0 (no annual report)
What the state charges each year
Fees and processing times change — always confirm the current figures with the New Mexico Secretary of State before you file.
The 4 steps in New Mexico
Pick a name that works in New Mexico
Your name must be distinguishable from other New Mexico businesses and include “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” or “Limited Liability Company.” Search the state's database first.
File the paperwork
You file Articles of Organization with the New Mexico Secretary of State, online through the Business Filing Portal or by mail. The filing fee is $50. Also write a simple operating agreement — it's free, and it keeps your liability protection clear.
Get your free EIN
Apply at IRS.gov and get your Employer Identification Number immediately, for free. You'll need it for taxes and your business bank account.
Open a business bank account
Bring your approved Articles of Organization, EIN, and operating agreement. Keeping business money separate is what makes the liability protection hold.
Optional: name a registered agent service
Every New Mexico LLC needs a registered agent with a physical address in the state. You can be your own for free — or pay a service to keep your address private. Learn how registered agents work.
New Mexico is one of the few states with no annual report and no yearly LLC fee. That, plus a $50 filing fee, makes it one of the cheapest places to run an LLC.
File directly with the New Mexico Secretary of State.
Common questions about New Mexico LLCs
How much does it cost to start an LLC in New Mexico?
The New Mexico filing fee is $50, paid once when you submit your Articles of Organization. Getting your EIN from the IRS is free, and you can be your own registered agent for free. Ongoing, New Mexico charges $0 (no annual report). Fees change over time, so confirm the current amount on the New Mexico Secretary of State website before you file.
How long does it take to get an LLC in New Mexico?
Online filings are typically approved in about 1–5 business days online, though times vary with the state's workload. Mail filings take longer. Check the New Mexico Secretary of State website for current processing times.
Do I need a registered agent in New Mexico?
Yes — every New Mexico LLC must list a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. You can be your own agent for free, or hire a commercial service (roughly $100–$150 a year) to keep your address off the public record.
Does New Mexico require an annual report?
New Mexico doesn't require LLCs to file an annual report, so there's no yearly state fee to keep your LLC active.
Can I form my New Mexico LLC myself, without a service?
Yes. Filing directly with the New Mexico Secretary of State is straightforward: pick a name, submit the Articles of Organization online, and pay the $50 fee. A formation service is optional convenience, not a requirement.
Where to go next
Ready to make your New Mexico LLC official?
Grab the free checklist so nothing gets missed, or compare formation services.