How Long Does It Take To Form an LLC in Idaho (Full Guide)
Before you can benefit from an LLC-structured business in Idaho, the Secretary of State must receive, verify, process, and approve your application.
As a Master's Degree holder in tax law with over 8 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, I've personally helped more than 20 businesses and individuals form limited liability companies in Idaho.
Together with our experienced LLC specialists in Idaho, we spent 40+ hours navigating the Idaho SOS website, filing test applications through each method, and directly contacting the Secretary of State's office to determine the exact turnaround time for each filing method and confirm current fees.
Quick Summary
- It takes 7–10 business days to form an LLC in Idaho by mail, and up to 3 working days if filed online.
- The Idaho Secretary of State offers expedited processing, which costs $40 (1 business day) and $100 (same-day service).
- According to the US Small Business Administration, 99.2% of Idaho's businesses are small, totaling 207,670, highlighting the state's strong entrepreneurial support and relevance to LLC formation timelines.
- In my experience, it’s ideal to file online and take advantage of the expedited service to save time and make your business operational as quickly as possible.
What Is The Fastest Way to Start an LLC in Idaho?
The fastest way to start an LLC in Idaho is by paying for expedited service. You can choose between a 24-hour turnaround or same-day processing.
You can pay an additional $40 and have your LLC papers processed in 1 business day.
Alternatively, if you want your LLC paperwork approved within the same day of application (in 8 working hours), you'll have to pay an additional $100 to the SOS [1] [2].
LLC Processing Time in Idaho
Idaho LLC processing time is the total time the SOS takes to approve your LLC so you can transact business in the state of Idaho.
The SOS offers three filing methods with different processing times.
Let's look at each filing method.
1. Expedited Idaho LLC Processing Time (1 business day + $40, 8 working hours + $100)
Two expedited processing options are available in Idaho: 24-hour and same-day delivery.
When clients request expedited service via mail, the process is usually completed within the same day. This enables them to start their businesses as soon as possible.
2. Non-Expedited Idaho LLC Processing Time By Mail (7-10 business days)
LLC owners can submit physical registration papers to the Secretary of State’s office via mail, which takes 7–10 business days to get approved.
When I filed by mail, I submitted an additional $20 (check or money order) filing fee to cover the extra manual processing steps and sent the LLC paperwork to this address:
Office of the Secretary of State
450 N 4th Street, PO Box 83720
Boise ID: 83720-0080
3. Idaho LLC Processing Time Online (up to 3 business days)
Online filing can be approved instantly if there's less filing volume; otherwise, it can take up to 3 business days. That's why we prefer filing online, since it's more efficient and convenient.
Once you select your LLC name, you can incorporate the business online on the SOSBiz website [3].
Complete the details about your LLC and pay the $100 filing fee. You can pay this processing fee using Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express.
4. Idaho LLC Processing Time In Person (7-10 business days)
In-person filings have a standard processing time of 7–10 business days.
After downloading the Certificate of Organization form, please fill it out with all the details of your Idaho LLC and deliver the paper form with the $120 filing fee to this address:
Office of the Secretary of State
450 N 4th Street, PO Box 83720
Boise ID: 83720-0080
Factors Influencing The Formation Timeline Of Idaho LLCs
Three main factors can prolong the formation of your Idaho LLC:
- The volume of applications: The processing time may be delayed due to the high volume of filings since the state manually reviews each application. Peak periods typically occur in January and December.
- Documentation issues: I've seen clients lose 2-3 weeks because of simple errors like misspelled business names or invalid registered agent addresses. You'll need to correct mistakes and refile the document, restarting the approval clock.
- Weekends and holidays: Since the state doesn’t conduct business during this period, your application will be reviewed on the following working day. That's why I always file early on the weekdays.
Despite possible delays, Idaho's supportive business environment facilitated the creation of 10,350 new businesses between March 2023 and March 2024, as documented by the US Small Business Administration.
“Remember, Idaho LLC formation speed relies on the filing method you choose. But even after approval, ensure you have a solid operating agreement in place to protect your business.”
- Jon Morgan, CEO, Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Venture Smarter
FAQs
Where Can I Check the Status of My Idaho LLC Formation During the Processing Period?
You can check the status of your Idaho LLC formation during the processing period through the Online Business Service or by contacting the Secretary of State’s office.
Is There a Difference in Processing Time for Domestic and Foreign LLCs in Idaho?
There is no difference in processing time for domestic and foreign LLCs in Idaho – both take up to 10 days to process.
Do I Need an Employer Identification Number From the Internal Revenue Service After Forming My Idaho LLC?
You need an employer identification number from the Internal Revenue Service after forming your Idaho LLC if you have employees, multiple members, or want to open a business bank account. You can obtain your EIN for free through the IRS website, which issues it immediately.
Does My Idaho LLC Need to File an Annual Report and Pay State Income Tax?
Your Idaho LLC needs to file an annual report with the Secretary of State by your LLC's anniversary month at no cost. For state income tax, single-member LLCs report on Idaho Form 40, while multi-member LLCs file Idaho Form 65 Partnership Return plus personal returns.
References:
- https://sos.idaho.gov/CORP/forms/LLC/LLC%20Cert%20org.pdf
- https://sos.idaho.gov/business-services-resources/business-entities-faq/
- https://sos.idaho.gov/business-forms/
