How Long Does It Take To Form an LLC in Louisiana? (Guide)
With over 9 years of consulting experience and partnerships with several LLCs and Registered Agent services, I've guided 20+ entrepreneurs through the Louisiana formation process.
Our team at Venture Smarter studied the Louisiana SOS website and geauxBIZ portal to determine all LLC processing options and their corresponding turnaround periods.
The fastest way to start an LLC in Louisiana is by using the expedited service – the documents are handled ahead of other papers received that day.
You can also employ any of these professional Louisiana LLC formation services to establish the LLC on your behalf.
Quick Summary
- It takes 2-3 weeks to form an LLC in Louisiana by mail and 7-20 business days if you filed online.
- The state offers expedited service: same-day processing costs $50 while 24-hour approval costs $30.
- Between March 2023 and March 2024, Louisiana small businesses opened 11,047 new establishments, according to the SBA Office of Advocacy [1].
- I always advise clients to make sure that the documents they submit are compliant with the state’s requirements to facilitate the filing within the standard timeframe.
What is The Fastest Way to Start an LLC in Louisiana?
The SOS offers two expedited processing options for Louisiana LLCs. You can choose between same-day processing or 24-hour accelerated service.
Louisiana saw a -0.6% decrease in business filings between the first nine months of 2022 and 2023. Specifically, 61,204 business applications were filed in the state in the first nine months of 2023 compared to the 61,585 that were filed in the first nine months of 2022.
This statistic highlights the necessity of careful decision-making, as detailed in your Louisiana LLC operating agreement, before moving forward with the opening process.
LLC Processing Time in Louisiana
Louisiana limited liability company processing time represents how long the SOS takes to approve your application after they receive the necessary documents.
The SOS offers four filing methods: Online, mail, fax, in-person, and expedited [2].
Here's a detailed description of each filing method.
1. Expedited Processing Time (same-day processing + $50, 24-hour turnaround + $30)
The SOS offers an option that accelerates the LLC filing of formation paperwork and the issue of certified copies and certifications.
Here are the following accelerated service options:
- $50 for same-day expedited processing (4-6 hours)
- $30 for a 24-hour processing
When I filed my most recent Louisiana LLC, I selected same-day processing and received approval within 4 hours. All expedite fees apply in addition to the standard $100 filing fee.
2. Mail Processing Time (5–7 Business Days Plus Mail Time)
Standard mail applications process within 5–7 business days after the SOS receives your documents.
I had to mail the articles of organization to the Secretary of State's office (P.O. Box 94125, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125) and pay a filing fee of $100. The available payment options for mail LLC submissions include checks and money orders.
3. Online Processing Time (1–2 Business Days)
Online filings through the geauxBIZ portal process within 1–2 business days. To register online, create an account at geauxBIZ, complete the Articles of Organization form, and upload required documents.
Payment options include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. I was charged an additional $5 statutory convenience fee during the filing.
4. Louisiana LLC Processing Time In Person (7-20 business days)
Walk-in filings at 8585 Archives Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 follow standard or expedited timelines. The office operates Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Arrive by 4 p.m. to allow staff adequate time for processing.
Without expedited service, leave your contact information and the SOS will notify you when processing completes.
5. Louisiana LLC Processing Time by Fax (7-20 business days)
The processing time for applications filed by fax is 7 to 20 business days.
When I had to file the LLC documents by fax, I learned that the state requires you to provide the following:
- A cover sheet or letter
- LLC name
- Incorporator's name and phone number
- Postal address
Ensure that you also fax the registration papers according to specified instructions, failure to which the Commercial Division can reject your application.
LLC owners can request expedited processing for faxed documents if they want them processed faster.
"Engaging with professionals familiar with Louisiana's business laws can streamline the LLC formation process and mitigate potential delays."
- Jon Morgan, CEO, Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Venture Smarter
Factors Influencing The Formation Timeline Of Louisiana LLCs
Here are several reasons that may affect the processing time of your Louisiana LLC:
- Method of filing: The filing method is the primary factor that affects your LLC’s approval time. Standard processing takes longer than expedited service.
- Workload volume: The volume of transactions may prolong the processing period, since the state needs to manually review applications.
- Documentation issues: The state of Louisiana will reject documents that didn’t meet state requirements. You should factor in the time it takes to correct the mistake and refile your application.
FAQs
Where Can I Check the Status of My Louisiana LLC Formation During the Processing Period?
You can check the status of your Louisiana LLC formation during the processing period by contacting the Secretary of State or inquiring in person.
Is There a Difference in Processing Time for Domestic and Foreign LLCs in Louisiana?
There's no difference in processing time for domestic and foreign LLCs in Louisiana.
What Should I Do After My Louisiana LLC Is Approved?
After your Louisiana LLC is approved you should open a business bank account using your Articles and Employer Identification Number (EIN). File annual reports yearly by your formation anniversary ($30). Research industry-specific business licenses or local permits.
References:
- https://advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Louisiana_2025-State-Profile.pdf
- https://www.sos.la.gov/BusinessServices/FileBusinessDocuments/Pages/default.aspx
