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 LLC if you comply with all the requirements.
Since I'm a seasoned Mergers and Acquisitions specialist and a Master's Degree holder in tax law, I helped clients form businesses in various states.
Together with our panel of LLC experts in Minnesota, we spent considerable time navigating the state's official website to verify and confirm how to complete the process.
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.
- Minnesota saw a 9.6% increase in business filings between the first nine months of 2022 and 2023. Specifically, 50,784 business applications were filed in the state in the first nine months of 2023.
- Having an experience in the LLC formration 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 \$155 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 to prevent delays with the processing time.
LLC Processing Time in Minnesota
Before beginning the opening process, it's essential to consider the overall business environment in Minnesota. As reported by the US Small Business Administration, from March 2021 to March 2022, there were 15,385 new establishments opened in the state.
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 [1].
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 Processing 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 business filers 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:
Minnesota Secretary of State
First National Bank Building
332 Minnesota Street, Suite N201
Saint Paul, MN 55101
4. Minnesota LLC Processing 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 processing time.
- 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 Processing Time for Domestic and Foreign LLCs in Minnesota?
There's no difference in processing time for domestic and foreign LLCs in Minnesota since the state reviews and approves the documents in the order they are received.
Do I Need a State-Issued Business License for My Minnesota LLC?
You need a state-issued business license for your Minnesota LLC, depending on your line of enterprise. You can visit the ELicensing portal to determine which permits and licenses your company is required to have.
References:
- https://www.sos.state.mn.us/business-liens/start-a-business/business-filing-certification-fee-schedule/?searchTerm=business%20filing
