By Jake Lawson, LLC Formation Strategist
Delaware—the corporate mecca where 60% of Fortune 500 companies call home. If you’re serious about building a scalable business, raising capital, or creating complex ownership structures, Delaware’s your state. But here’s what most articles won’t tell you: choosing the wrong formation service can undermine Delaware’s advantages from day one.
I’ve formed hundreds of Delaware LLCs, dealt with every major formation service, and seen what happens when entrepreneurs cut corners. Delaware isn’t forgiving—get the paperwork wrong, and you’ll pay premium prices to fix it later.
After 15 years and 1,200+ business formations, here’s my unbiased breakdown of which Delaware LLC services are worth your money and which ones will cost you more than they save.
The Bottom Line: Northwest Registered Agent remains my top pick for Delaware LLCs, but the best choice depends on your specific needs, timeline, and growth plans.
Why Delaware LLC Service Selection Matters More Than Other States
Delaware isn’t like Wyoming or Nevada where any competent service will suffice. Here’s why choosing the right formation service is critical:
Delaware’s Precision Requirements: The Delaware Division of Corporations has strict formatting and procedural requirements. One mistake can delay your approval or require expensive amendments.
Privacy Implications: Delaware makes LLC information highly searchable. Without proper privacy protection during formation, your personal information becomes permanently public.
Future Flexibility: Delaware’s strength is structural sophistication. Your formation service needs to understand complex ownership scenarios, not just basic LLC filing.
Cost of Mistakes: Fixing Delaware LLC errors later costs hundreds in amendment fees plus professional time. Getting it right initially is crucial.
My Delaware Formation Service Testing Methodology
I don’t just rely on marketing claims. Here’s how I actually evaluate these services:
Real Delaware Formations: I form actual Delaware LLCs with each service to test accuracy, timing, and communication Complex Scenario Testing: I test multi-member formations, foreign ownership, and investment scenarios Customer Service Depth: I ask Delaware-specific questions to gauge real knowledge vs. script reading Privacy Protection Verification: I check what information actually appears on public records Long-term Value Assessment: I track ongoing service quality, renewal costs, and support after formation
Top 5 Delaware LLC Formation Services: Complete Analysis
#1. Northwest Registered Agent – Best Overall for Delaware LLCs
Price: $39 + $110 Delaware state fee My Rating: 9.5/10
What You Get:
- Certificate of Formation filed with Delaware Division of Corporations
- One year of registered agent service included
- Address privacy protection (use their address on filings)
- Delaware-specific expertise and support
- Lifetime access to formation documents
Why Northwest Dominates for Delaware:
True Privacy Protection: Northwest is the only service that lets you use their Delaware address throughout the entire formation process. Your personal address never appears on Delaware’s public records—a crucial advantage given how searchable Delaware’s database is.
Delaware Expertise: When you call with Delaware-specific questions about Chancery Court procedures, operating agreement provisions, or multi-member structures, you get knowledgeable answers, not generic responses.
No Delaware Upselling: They offer one transparent package. No pressure to buy expedited processing you don’t need or compliance services that Delaware doesn’t require.
Real Example: I had a client forming a Delaware LLC for a tech startup planning to raise Series A funding. Northwest’s team understood the nuances of Delaware structures for venture capital and provided guidance that other services couldn’t match.
What Could Be Better:
- Only one package option (though this eliminates confusion)
- Registered agent renewal is $125/year after first year
- No expedited processing options (though Delaware’s standard 24-48 hours is already fast)
Jake’s Delaware Verdict: This is who I use for my own Delaware LLCs and recommend to clients planning serious growth. The privacy protection and Delaware expertise justify the cost completely.
#2. MyCompanyWorks – Best Value for Additional Delaware Services
Price: $79 + $110 Delaware state fee My Rating: 8.0/10
What You Get:
- Delaware Certificate of Formation filing
- Free registered agent service (first year)
- Delaware LLC operating agreement template
- EIN application assistance
- Business license research options
Why MyCompanyWorks Works for Delaware:
Delaware-Specific Templates: Their operating agreement templates are tailored for Delaware law, including provisions that work well with Delaware’s Chancery Court system.
Efficient Processing: They consistently file Delaware formations quickly and accurately. If you’re in a time crunch, they’re reliable.
Good Educational Resources: Their website provides solid guidance on Delaware’s advantages and requirements, helping first-time Delaware entrepreneurs understand what they’re getting into.
Reasonable Ongoing Costs: Registered agent renewal at $119/year is competitive for Delaware services.
What Limits MyCompanyWorks:
- Less privacy protection than Northwest
- Customer service isn’t as Delaware-specialized
- More expensive than Northwest without matching the expertise level
Jake’s Take: Solid choice for entrepreneurs who want more hand-holding and don’t mind paying extra for additional documents and services. Good for first-time Delaware LLC owners who appreciate guidance.
#3. ZenBusiness – Proceed with Caution for Delaware
Price: $0 + $110 Delaware state fee (basic package) My Rating: 6.5/10
What You Get (Basic Package):
- Delaware LLC formation filing
- Free registered agent service (first year)
- Online business dashboard
- Basic compliance reminders
ZenBusiness Delaware Concerns:
“Free” Formation Hidden Costs: While they don’t charge a formation fee, their registered agent service jumps to $199/year after the first year—nearly double competitors’ rates.
Limited Delaware Expertise: Their customer service provides generic LLC advice, not Delaware-specific guidance. This matters when you need help with Delaware’s unique advantages.
Confusing Subscription Model: It’s easy to accidentally sign up for auto-renewing services during the formation process. Read everything carefully.
Basic Operating Agreement: Their free operating agreement template is generic, not optimized for Delaware’s legal environment.
When ZenBusiness Might Work:
- You’re extremely budget-conscious and plan to handle everything yourself
- You don’t need Delaware-specific expertise or ongoing support
- You’re comfortable managing subscription services and renewal costs
Jake’s Delaware Verdict: The “free” formation seems attractive, but you’ll likely pay more long-term. For Delaware LLCs where precision and expertise matter, I’d spend the extra money elsewhere.
#4. Bizee (Formerly IncFile) – Budget Option with Limitations
Price: $0 + $110 Delaware state fee (basic package) My Rating: 6.0/10
What You Get:
- Delaware Certificate of Formation filing
- Free registered agent service (first year)
- Basic business documents
- Online account access
Bizee Delaware Reality Check:
Adequate for Simple Formations: If you need basic Delaware LLC formation and plan to handle everything else yourself, they’ll get the paperwork filed correctly.
Customer Service Limitations: When I’ve called with Delaware-specific questions, the responses are often generic or require callbacks from “specialists.”
Business License Research: Their business license research service is competent and reasonably priced—useful for complex Delaware business requirements.
Hidden Complexity: Despite the “free” marketing, there’s significant upselling during the process, and their refund policies are unnecessarily complicated.
Jake’s Assessment: Works for simple Delaware formations where you don’t need ongoing support or Delaware expertise. Not recommended for complex structures or first-time Delaware entrepreneurs.
#5. Rocket Lawyer – Only for Existing Legal Service Users
Price: $99 + $110 Delaware state fee (or $0 + state fee with membership) My Rating: 5.5/10
What You Get:
- Delaware LLC formation
- Access to legal document templates
- Attorney consultation options
- Registered agent service (expensive)
Rocket Lawyer Delaware Analysis:
Legal Service Integration: If you already pay $40/month for their legal services, the LLC formation becomes “free” and makes sense within their ecosystem.
Document Library Access: Their legal document templates are comprehensive and include Delaware-specific contracts and agreements.
Expensive Standalone: At $99 plus $250/year for registered agent service, they’re not cost-effective for standalone Delaware LLC formation.
Sales-Focused Support: Customer service often tries to upsell additional legal services rather than providing formation guidance.
Jake’s Recommendation: Only consider if you’re already using their broader legal services. For Delaware LLC formation alone, there are much better options.
Delaware-Specific Formation Considerations
Why Delaware Matters for Your Business
Before choosing a formation service, understand why you’re picking Delaware:
Venture Capital Friendly: Most VC firms prefer Delaware entities for investment Chancery Court System: Specialized business courts with predictable, sophisticated rulings Structural Flexibility: Delaware allows complex ownership and management structures Privacy Options: Strong privacy laws protect business information Future Conversion Benefits: Easy to convert to Delaware corporation later
Don’t Choose Delaware If:
- You’re a simple local business with no growth ambitions
- You want the lowest possible costs and compliance burden
- You don’t need Delaware’s specific legal advantages
Delaware Formation Requirements and Costs
Required Information:
- LLC name (must include “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company”)
- Registered agent with Delaware address
- Organizer information (person filing paperwork)
- Purpose of business (can be very broad)
Delaware Costs (Unavoidable):
- State filing fee: $110
- Annual registered agent: $100-$200/year (if hiring professional)
- Annual franchise tax: $300 (due June 1st each year)
Total First-Year Investment:
- Northwest: $149 ($39 + $110), then $125/year registered agent + $300 franchise tax
- MyCompanyWorks: $189 ($79 + $110), then $119/year registered agent + $300 franchise tax
- DIY Formation: $110, then registered agent costs + $300 franchise tax
Delaware Privacy Protection Strategies
Delaware makes LLC information publicly searchable, including:
- Business name and address
- Registered agent information
- Organizer details
- Formation date and status
Privacy Protection Options:
- Use Formation Service Address: Northwest lets you use their address instead of yours
- Nominee Organizer: Some services can serve as organizer to keep your name off initial filings
- Delaware Registered Agent: Use a Delaware address for all official communications
Jake’s Privacy Recommendation: For maximum privacy, use Northwest’s address protection during formation. You can’t add this retroactively—it needs to be done during initial filing.
Delaware Formation Service Red Flags
Warning Signs to Avoid
Guarantee Claims: No service can guarantee venture capital approval or specific business outcomes Pressure for Expedited Processing: Delaware processes in 24-48 hours standard—expedited processing is rarely necessary Generic Delaware Advice: If they can’t explain Delaware’s Chancery Court system, they don’t understand Delaware’s advantages Hidden Annual Fees: Watch for auto-renewing compliance services that Delaware doesn’t actually require
Questions to Ask Potential Services
- “What’s Delaware’s current standard processing time?” (Answer: 24-48 hours online)
- “Can you explain Delaware’s franchise tax calculation?” (Tests Delaware knowledge)
- “What privacy protection do you offer during formation?” (Should mention address options)
- “Do you understand Delaware’s Chancery Court advantages?” (Tests business sophistication)
DIY Delaware LLC Formation: When It Makes Sense
Delaware DIY Advantages
- Lowest cost (just $110 state fee)
- Complete control over timing and information
- No ongoing service relationships
- Learn Delaware requirements firsthand
When to Consider DIY
- You’re comfortable with detailed legal forms
- You don’t need privacy protection
- You plan to be your own registered agent
- You have time to research Delaware requirements
- Your structure is simple (single-member, basic ownership)
When to Hire a Service
- Privacy protection is important
- You want Delaware expertise and support
- You prefer professional registered agent service
- Your structure is complex (multiple members, investment planning)
- You value time over money savings
Delaware Formation Timeline and Next Steps
Expected Timeline
- Service processing: 1-2 business days for review and submission
- Delaware processing: 24-48 hours for online filings
- Document delivery: Immediate download or 3-5 days by mail
- Total timeline: 3-7 days start to finish
Post-Formation Delaware Checklist
- Federal EIN Application: Apply immediately for tax ID number
- Delaware Operating Agreement: Create comprehensive governance document
- Business Banking: Open Delaware LLC bank account
- Delaware Business Licenses: Research industry-specific requirements
- Franchise Tax Registration: Set up annual $300 payment system
Delaware Ongoing Compliance
- Annual Franchise Tax: $300 due June 1st each year
- Registered Agent Maintenance: Keep Delaware registered agent current
- Operating Agreement Updates: Modify as business evolves
- Good Standing Maintenance: File required reports and pay fees
Delaware vs. Other States: Formation Service Impact
Why Delaware Service Quality Matters More
Nevada/Wyoming Formation: Most services handle these states competently—differences are minor Delaware Formation: Requires understanding of complex legal environment and future business needs Service Impact: Poor Delaware formation service can limit your ability to use Delaware’s advantages
Delaware Formation Service Value Proposition
What You’re Really Buying:
- Delaware expertise and guidance
- Accurate form preparation for complex requirements
- Privacy protection during formation
- Ongoing support for Delaware-specific questions
- Professional registered agent services
What’s Not Worth Paying For:
- Expedited processing (Delaware is already fast)
- Generic operating agreements
- Unnecessary compliance services
- Expensive annual subscription packages
My Final Delaware LLC Service Recommendations
For Most Delaware LLCs: Northwest Registered Agent
Best for: Entrepreneurs who value privacy, expertise, and long-term support Why: Address protection, Delaware knowledge, transparent pricing, excellent customer service Total first-year cost: $149 ($39 + $110 state fee)
For Budget-Conscious Entrepreneurs: MyCompanyWorks
Best for: First-time Delaware LLC owners who want additional guidance Why: Good value with helpful templates and educational resources Total first-year cost: $189 ($79 + $110 state fee)
For DIY Enthusiasts: Self-Formation
Best for: Experienced entrepreneurs comfortable with legal forms Why: Lowest cost and complete control over process Total first-year cost: $110 (state fee only) + registered agent fees
For Existing Legal Service Users: Rocket Lawyer
Best for: Businesses already paying for comprehensive legal services Why: Makes sense within broader legal service ecosystem Total first-year cost: $0 (with membership) + $110 state fee + $250 registered agent
Delaware Formation Service FAQs
Should I Form My LLC in Delaware if I Live Elsewhere?
Only if you plan to raise venture capital, have complex ownership structures, or need Delaware’s specific legal advantages. For simple local businesses, your home state is usually better.
Can I Change Formation Services After Delaware Filing?
You can switch registered agent services, but you can’t retroactively add privacy protection or change the organizer information on your original filing.
What About LegalZoom for Delaware LLCs?
I don’t recommend LegalZoom for Delaware formations. They’re expensive, slow, and their customer service lacks Delaware expertise. Better options exist at lower cost.
Do I Need a Delaware Address to Form a Delaware LLC?
No, but you need a Delaware registered agent. This can be a service company, Delaware attorney, or Delaware resident who agrees to accept legal documents.
How Important Is the Operating Agreement for Delaware LLCs?
Critical. Delaware’s sophisticated legal environment requires a comprehensive operating agreement to take advantage of the state’s benefits. Don’t skip this step.
The Bottom Line: Delaware Formation Service Selection Strategy
Delaware LLC formation isn’t just about filing paperwork—it’s about positioning your business to take advantage of Delaware’s unique legal environment. The formation service you choose should understand these advantages and help you access them effectively.
My straightforward recommendation:
- Northwest Registered Agent for most Delaware LLCs (privacy + expertise)
- MyCompanyWorks if you want additional guidance and templates
- DIY formation if you’re experienced and budget-focused
- Avoid services that don’t understand Delaware’s specific advantages
The $40-80 difference in service costs is insignificant compared to the value of getting your Delaware LLC structure right from the beginning. Choose based on expertise and long-term value, not just the lowest advertised price.
Delaware rewards careful planning and precise execution. Your formation service should support these goals, not just process paperwork.
Jake Lawson has formed hundreds of Delaware LLCs and helped entrepreneurs navigate Delaware’s business environment for over 15 years. His recommendations are based on real-world testing and experience with Delaware’s legal requirements. Connect with Jake at llciyo.com for personalized Delaware LLC strategy guidance.