Just 5 Minutes to Your LLC
This is your practical, no-nonsense checklist to gather everything you need before starting your LLC. Check off each item and you'll be ready to form your business in minutes.
Quick Start Option
Don't have 5 minutes to prepare? Start now with just your business name. Professional services like ZenBusiness can help you figure out the rest as you go.
Skip Ahead & Start Now →📋 Your Quick LLC Checklist
Total time: 10-15 minutes • 6 quick steps
Choose Your Business Name
1 minutePick a unique name for your LLC that's available in your state
- • Check name availability on your state website
- • Consider adding "LLC" to the end
- • Avoid restricted words like "bank" or "insurance"
Decide on Business Address
30 secondsUse your home address or get a virtual business address
- • Home address works for most businesses
- • Virtual addresses provide privacy
- • Must be a physical address (not PO Box)
Choose Registered Agent
1 minuteSelect yourself or use a professional service
- • Professional services ensure compliance
- • Must have address in formation state
- • Available during business hours
Gather Member Information
1 minuteCollect names and addresses of all LLC members
- • Single-member LLCs are allowed
- • Members can be individuals or entities
- • Ownership percentages optional initially
Define Business Purpose
30 secondsBrief description of your business activities
- • Can be general like "any lawful purpose"
- • Specific purposes may have benefits
- • Can be changed later if needed
Prepare Payment Method
1 minuteHave your credit card or payment details ready
- • State fees range from $50-$500
- • Service fees typically $0-$300
- • Some services offer payment plans
Ready to Form Your LLC?
You've got everything you need. Let's make it official!
💡 Pro Tips for Speed
- ✓ Use your home address - You can always get a business address later
- ✓ Keep the name simple - Avoid special characters or restricted words
- ✓ Start as single-member - You can add partners later with an amendment
- ✓ Use a service's registered agent - Don't be your own registered agent
⚠️ Common Delays to Avoid
- ✗ Overthinking the name - You can change it later for ~$50
- ✗ Waiting for partners - Form now, add them later
- ✗ Perfecting the business purpose - "Any lawful purpose" works
- ✗ Researching endlessly - Services handle the complex parts
What Happens After You Submit?
Here's the exact timeline once you complete your 5-minute application with a professional service:
Immediately
Your application is reviewed by formation experts who check for errors and ensure state compliance.
Day 1
Articles of Organization are filed with your state (with expedited processing).
Days 3-7
State approves your LLC and issues official formation documents. You receive digital copies immediately.
Week 2
Physical documents arrive by mail. You can now open a business bank account and start operating.
Ongoing
Compliance reminders, registered agent service, and support whenever you need help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't have all the information?
Start with what you have. Services like ZenBusiness can help you gather missing information during the process. The key is to start.
Can I really complete this in 5 minutes?
Yes! If you have the basic information ready (business name and address), the online forms take less than 5 minutes to complete.
What's the first thing I need?
Just your business name. Everything else can be figured out as you go. Many entrepreneurs start with just a name idea and work out details during formation.
Should I wait until I'm 100% ready?
No! The perfect time never comes. Start your LLC now and adjust as you grow. Changes are easy and inexpensive to make later.
What if my name isn't available?
The formation service will check availability instantly and suggest alternatives. You'll know within seconds if your name works.
Do I need a business bank account first?
No, you need your LLC formation documents to open a business bank account. Form the LLC first, then open the account.
Your 5-Minute Timer Starts Now
Every day you wait is a day you're not building your business. The best time to start was yesterday. The second best time is right now.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness stands out as our top pick for LLC formation services thanks to its unbeatable combination of value, features, and support. With formation starting at $0 plus state fees, you can rest easy with their worry-free compliance service, award-winning customer support, and 100% accuracy guarantee. The Pro and Premium packages add even more value with 1-day processing, an employer ID number, operating agreement, and services to get your business online like domain name registration, AI business website builder, and more.
The Bottom Line
You now have everything you need to form your LLC in 5 minutes. The only thing standing between you and your business is the decision to start.
Start Today
Your LLC can be filed within 24 hours
Take Action
Stop planning, start building
Make It Real
Turn your idea into a legal business
No more excuses. No more delays. Just 5 minutes to your future.