How to start an LLC in New York
Forming an LLC in New York costs $200 and online filings are typically approved in about 1–2 weeks online. Here's the whole process, step by step.
Filing fee
$200
One-time, paid to the state
Approval time
about 1–2 weeks online
Typical for online filings
Ongoing fee
$9 every 2 years
What the state charges each year
Fees and processing times change — always confirm the current figures with the New York Department of State, Division of Corporations before you file.
The 4 steps in New York
Pick a name that works in New York
Your name must be distinguishable from other New York businesses and include a designator like “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company.” Search the Department of State's entity database before filing.
File the paperwork
You file Articles of Organization with the Department of State's Division of Corporations, online or by mail. The $200 fee is one of the higher formation fees in the country. The filing fee is $200. 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 York 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 York has a publication requirement no other big state has: within 120 days of forming, you must publish notice in two county newspapers the county clerk designates, then file a Certificate of Publication ($50). In New York City this can cost $1,000–$2,000, so budget for it.
File directly with the New York Department of State, Division of Corporations.
Common questions about New York LLCs
How much does it cost to start an LLC in New York?
The New York filing fee is $200, 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 York charges $9 every 2 years. Fees change over time, so confirm the current amount on the New York Department of State, Division of Corporations website before you file.
How long does it take to get an LLC in New York?
Online filings are typically approved in about 1–2 weeks online, though times vary with the state's workload. Mail filings take longer. Check the New York Department of State, Division of Corporations website for current processing times.
Do I need a registered agent in New York?
Yes — every New York 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 York require an annual report?
New York doesn't have a yearly report. Instead you file a biennial statement every two years for $9 with the Department of State, due in the month your LLC was formed.
Can I form my New York LLC myself, without a service?
Yes. Filing directly with the New York Department of State, Division of Corporations is straightforward: pick a name, submit the Articles of Organization online, and pay the $200 fee. A formation service is optional convenience, not a requirement.
Where to go next
Ready to make your New York LLC official?
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