How Long Does It Take To Form an LLC in North Dakota?
It takes 5 business days to form an LLC in North Dakota online and 2-3 weeks by mail, based on my direct experience filing 17 LLCs in this state over the past 18 months.
As a Mergers and Acquisitions specialist who has facilitated business entity formations since 2019, I've personally tracked processing times by submitting test filings using both methods.
In my most recent North Dakota filing this year, the online application received approval confirmation in 4 business days—faster than the state's advertised 5-day timeframe.
Working with our LLC specialists in the state, we've researched the LLC creation in North Dakota and compiled this guide.
After thoroughly examining the various LLC services in this state, we also selected the top LLC formation services in North Dakota. They will ensure that your legal documents are filed accurately and on time per North Dakota laws.
Quick Summary
- The North Dakota Secretary of State doesn't offer any optional expedited service due to high volume of business filings.
- North Dakota LLCs can be registered through the state's FirstStop online portal, which serves as the primary filing method for business registrations in the state.
- North Dakota's LLC formations have grown 94% over the past decade, with active LLCs increasing from 27,365 in 2013 to 53,121 in 2023 [1].
- I’ve assisted several clients to form an LLC in North Dakota and learned that it is best to apply during the start of the business week, with all the documents intact.
What is The Fastest Way to Start an LLC in North Dakota?
The fastest way to start an LLC in North Dakota is through online applications, since the processing is completed within 5 business days.
However, the approval time could be extended for up to 4 weeks due to the high volume of business filings [2].
Data from the North Dakota Secretary of State's office indicates that approximately 90% of LLC registrations are submitted online, reflecting the strong preference for online transactions among entrepreneurs in the state.
You can create your limited liability company online via FirstStop, the North Dakota Secretary of State's online filing website [3].
LLC Processing Time in North Dakota
The LLC processing time in North Dakota varies depending on the filing method – online or by mail.
1. Non-Expedited North Dakota LLC Processing Time By Mail (2-3 weeks)
Mail filings for North Dakota LLCs are processed within 5 business days by the Secretary of State's office, but the total approval time takes 2-3 weeks when accounting for mail transit time.
It costs $135 to file your domestic articles of organization by mail. LLC owners in North Dakota can make postal filing payments with money orders or checks payable to the Secretary of State; credit card payments are not accepted for mail filings.
Business entities can direct their mail filing to the following physical address:
Secretary of State
State of North Dakota
600 E Boulevard Avenue Dept 108
Bismarck ND 58505-0500
2. North Dakota LLC Processing Time Online (5 business days)
Online submissions are typically processed within 5 business days, but in my experience, it may be extended due to heavy document workloads.
Visit the state website and choose the entity type you want to register on the homepage. Follow the onscreen commands to access the articles of organization PDF form.
Fill in the details and complete the process by paying the $135 filing fee using a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express).
"Double-check for state-specific clauses to avoid rejections in your North Dakota LLC application."
- Jon Morgan, CEO & Editor-in-Chief of Venture Smarter
Factors Influencing The Formation Timeline Of North Dakota LLCs
Generally, the filing times for an LLC in North Dakota fall within the established timeframe based on the method by which you filed.
However, there are several reasons that the process may be extended:
- Volume of applications: The main factor that could prolong the formation of an LLC in North Dakota is the volume of applications that the agency has to process.
- Documentation issues: The process may also be delayed if you fail to submit all the necessary documents, provide inaccurate information or lacking details.
- Weekends and holidays: Since the North Dakota Secretary of State does not typically conduct business on weekends and holidays, filings before this time may be extended for a few days.
FAQs
Where Can I Check the Status of My North Dakota LLC Formation During the Processing Period?
You can check the status of your North Dakota LLC formation during the processing period by accessing the Secretary of State's Business Record Search database.
Can a Registered Agent Expedite the Process of Forming an LLC in North Dakota?
A registered agent cannot expedite the process of forming an LLC in North Dakota since the registration of LLCs has a fixed period determined by the Secretary of State's office.
Do You Need an LLC Business License in North Dakota?
You need an LLC business license in North Dakota if your company engages in selling specific merchandise and offers professional services.
What Documents Does a New Business Need to Open a Bank Account in North Dakota?
To open a bank account in North Dakota, a new business needs the Articles of Organization and an Employer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service. Most banks also request an operating agreement and business name registration confirmation, though North Dakota doesn't legally require an operating agreement.
References:
- https://www.sos.nd.gov/sites/www/files/documents/about/biennial-rpt21-23.pdf
- https://sos.nd.gov/business/business-services/business-services-faqs.html
- https://firststop.sos.nd.gov/
