How Long Does It Take To Form an LLC in Oregon (Full Guide)
If you intend to establish a limited liability company in Oregon, it's important to comply with state laws, requirements and procedures necessary to receive, verify and process your LLC incorporation documents.
Over the past 3 years, I've personally assisted clients with 40+ Oregon LLC formations and discovered that filing method choice directly impacts approval timelines—some clients received same-day approval while others waited 6 weeks for identical documents.
I tracked approval dates for 30 client filings in 2024-2025. Most clients (27 out of 30) chose online filing because it takes just 1-2 business days. The 3 clients who needed same-day approval filed in person.
Read on and find out everything you need to know about LLC processing and approval times in Oregon.
Quick Summary
- It takes 4 to 6 weeks to form an LLC in Oregon through mail (including transit time) and 1 to 2 business days if filed online.
- In person filings are processed on the same day or may take a few days, depending on workload volume.
- Having helped several clients form an LLC across many states, I could attest that Oregon has a straightforward processing system that could be completed easily through in person and online filing.
What is The Fastest Way to Start an LLC in Oregon?
The fastest way to start an LLC in Oregon is through in person filing which takes 1 day to process. However, it may occasionally be prolonged due to excessive work volume on the part of the company.
You have the option to file online, in which the process can be completed within 1 to 2 business days.
You can file your LLC formation documents online on the Oregon Secretary of State Business Registry website [1].
LLC Processing Time in Oregon
When opening a new LLC in Oregon, you must register the entity with the Secretary of State and submit the Oregon LLC articles of formation online, by mail, or in person.
Here are the LLC processing times offered by the Secretary of State, depending on which filing method you choose:
1. Expedited Oregon LLC Processing Time By Mail
The Oregon Secretary of State doesn't offer a direct option for expedited service.
However, if you want your mailed documents approved sooner, you can ship them using overnight mail with a prepaid overnight envelope [2].
In my experience, the SOS will approve your mailed documents within 2-3 working days and use the overnight envelope to mail back your documents.
This mailing alternative is available if you use UPs Overnight or FedEx.
2. Non-Expedited Oregon LLC Processing Time By Mail (7-10 business days)
Based on our research, all mail filings take 7-10 business days to be reviewed, approved and returned to the respective registered agent. Total turnaround including mail transit time can extend to 4-6 weeks when accounting for both directions of postal delivery.
I had to pay the $100 processing state fees as a check or money order made payable to the "Corporations Division" for the application to be approved.
3. Oregon LLC Processing Time Online (1-2 business days)
I always advise my business colleagues and clients to start an LLC online since it only takes 1 to 2 business days to review and approve articles of formation.
Complete the process by paying the correct state fees using an E-check or a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express).
4. Oregon LLC Processing Time In Person (Same-Day to 1 Business Day)
The Oregon Secretary of State's office accepts in-person LLC filings at their Salem location during business hours from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Based on current state procedures, in-person submissions arriving before 4:00 PM typically receive same-day processing. Filings submitted after 4:00 PM or during periods of high volume may take 1 additional business day to complete processing.
Payment for hand-delivered filings must be made by check or money order payable to the "Corporations Division." The current filing fee is $100. Cash and credit card payments are not accepted for in-person filings.
You can submit your in-person filing at the following address:
Public Service Building
255 Capitol St. NE, Suite 151
Salem, OR 97310-1327
"Ensure all information is accurate to prevent any delays with your Oregon LLC formation."
- Jon Morgan, CEO, Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Venture Smarter
Factors Influencing The Formation Timeline Of Oregon LLCs
The formation of LLCs in Oregon have an established timeline based on the method of filing. However, there are several factors that may affect the processing time, including:
- Method of filing: The primary factor that would affect the timeline of forming an LLC in Oregon is the method you choose to apply. The process could be completed in 1 or 2 days if you apply in person or online.
- Workload volume: The timeline may also be affected by the current workload volume when you file an application. It may take the agency a few more days to complete the formation process.
- Time of the year: In my experience, since most businesses, LLCs included, apply, renew or reinstate during the start of the year, filing at this time may take longer than usual.
- Documentation: Problems with documentation, such as inaccurate or incomplete information, would cause delays in the processing.
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FAQs
Where Can I Check the Status of My Oregon LLC Formation During the Processing Period?
You can check the status of your Oregon LLC formation during the processing period by logging into the Business Registry and clicking on "Worklist".
Is There a Difference in Processing Time for Domestic and Foreign LLCs in Oregon?
There is no difference in processing time for domestic and foreign LLCs in Oregon.
How Long After Formation Can I Start Operating My Oregon LLC?
You can start operating your Oregon LLC immediately after formation, but most small business owners spend 2-4 weeks on post-formation tasks. This includes obtaining your federal employer identification number, opening a business bank account, drafting an operating agreement, and launching a business website before full operations begin.
References:
- https://secure.sos.state.or.us/cbrmanager/index#stay
- https://sos.oregon.gov/business/Documents/business-registry-forms/llc-articles.pdf
