How Long Does It Take To Form an LLC in Minnesota (Guide)
The Minnesota Secretary of State's office processes and approves your application based on the validity of the documents you submit and legally registers your limited liability company if you comply with all the requirements.
Over the past 7 years as a Mergers and Acquisitions specialist with a Master's Degree in tax law, I've personally guided the formation of 19 Minnesota-based businesses.
For this guide, I conducted a fresh round of testing by filing 3 separate Minnesota LLC applications using different methods to verify current handling times.
You can also hire the top Minnesota LLC formation services to ensure that the filing process conforms to state standards and expedites the process.
Quick Summary
- It takes 3 to 4 weeks to form an LLC in Minnesota through mail and an average of 7 days if you chose to file online.
- The state of Minnesota offers expedited service through online applications (3-5 business days) and in person submissions (same-day approval). It costs $20 to expedite the process and shorten the period of application.
- The Minnesota Secretary of State processed 59,964 LLC filings in 2024, with total business filings reaching 597,077—a 27.9% increase since 2019 [1].
- Having an experience in the LLC formation service, I was pleased to note that the actual turnaround time took less than 4 days.
What is The Fastest Way to Start an LLC in Minnesota?
The fastest way to start an LLC in Minnesota is through expedited online process or in person application. Pay the corresponding $20 processing fee on top of the $135 state filing cost.
Online submissions are processed in 3 to 5 business days while at-the-counter transactions are immediately approved.
Be sure to prepare all required documents and legal papers in addition to your Articles of Organization to prevent delays.
LLC Processing Time in Minnesota
The Minnesota Secretary of State processed over 55,000 business filings in 2024, reflecting the state's continued growth as one of the top Midwest destinations for new business formation.
Let's find out how long does it take to process an LLC in Minnesota for different filing methods.
1. Expedited Minnesota LLC Processing Time Online and In Person (1-5 business days + $20)
The Minnesota Secretary of State offers expedited service for LLC filing done online or in-person. Online expedited processing takes 3-5 business days, while in-person filing is approved within the same day [2].
When I filed using the online accelerated option, the state only took 3 business days to process my application. Unfortunately, there's no expedited option for mail orders submitted by Minnesota LLCs.
2. Minnesota LLC Handling Time Online (7 business days)
Minnesota LLC online filing takes an average of 7 business days for the documents to be approved by the SOS.
As of December 2014, the SOS requires all small business owners to register an online account, which I found convenient since I could monitor the LLC's status during the process.
To complete the online application, you can pay using a Mastercard, Visa, and Discover debit/credit card.
3. Non-Expedited Minnesota LLC Processing Time By Mail (3-4 weeks)
Mail filings are processed on a first-in-first-out basis and can take up to 3-4 weeks, including the mailing time.
You must access the online SOS website for the correct filing forms and download the ones that fit your company type.
Before I mailed the document, I attached the $135 filing fee as a check or money order and submitted the formation registrations to the following official address:
First National Bank Building
332 Minnesota Street, Suite N201
Saint Paul, MN 55101
4. Minnesota LLC Handling Time In Person (Same-day processing)
Documents filed in person are automatically processed as expedited applications.
In my experience, in-person processing only takes a few hours, and the SOS will approve your submissions while you wait.
However, same-day delivery applies to orders made by 3 PM. Any submissions made later than that will be processed on the following business day.
The SOS office is open Monday to Friday between 8.00 AM and 4.00 PM.
"Ensuring all documents are correctly filled out and filed can significantly speed up the LLC formation process in Minnesota."
- Jon Morgan, CEO, Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Venture Smarter
Factors Influencing The Formation Timeline Of Minnesota LLCs
There are several reasons that your formation may be delayed, including the method of filing, volume of applications, and documentation issues.
- Method of filing: Standard online and mail filings take longer to process. That's why I find online expedited option to be more convenient and efficient.
- Volume of applications: Since documents are reviewed manually, high volume of transactions will delay the handling.
- Documentation issues: Formation papers with inaccurate and incomplete details should be corrected and may lead to delays.
FAQs
Where Can I Check the Status of My Minnesota LLC Formation During the Processing Period?
You can check the status of your Minnesota LLC formation during the processing period through the Business Filings Online page. Simply type in the business name or filing number and click on "Search".
Is There a Difference in Handling Time for Domestic and Foreign LLCs in Minnesota?
There's no difference in handling time for domestic and foreign LLCs in Minnesota since the state reviews and approves the documents in the order they are received.
What Should I Do Immediately After My Minnesota LLC Is Approved?
After your Minnesota LLC is approved, you should immediately obtain your employer identification number from the IRS website, open a business bank account with your certified formation documents, and register for sales tax permits through Minnesota's eLicensing portal if selling taxable goods or services.
What Are The Ongoing Requirements For My Minnesota LLC?
The ongoing requirements for your Minnesota LLC include filing an annual report by December 31 each year at no cost, and maintaining a registered agent with a physical address. Consider creating an operating agreement to protect member interests. You may also need state-issued business licenses depending on your industry.
References:
- https://www.sos.mn.gov/business-liens/business-liens-data/new-business-filings-2024/
- https://www.sos.state.mn.us/business-liens/start-a-business/business-filing-certification-fee-schedule/?searchTerm=business%20filing
