By Jake Lawson, LLC Formation Strategist
Texas doesn’t mess around when it comes to business—except when it comes to processing LLC paperwork. After helping over 1,200 entrepreneurs form their businesses, I can tell you that Texas processing times vary dramatically depending on how you file, and their current backlog situation is… challenging.
Let me give you the real story on Texas LLC approval times, including the tricks that can save you weeks of waiting.
The Bottom Line: Texas LLC Processing Times
Here’s what you can actually expect when forming your LLC in the Lone Star State:
Online Filing (Recommended): 2-3 weeks
Mail Filing (Avoid if possible): 2-3 months
Expedited Mail Filing: 2-3 weeks ($25 extra)
My advice: File online through Texas’s SOSDirect system unless you absolutely can’t. It’s faster, more reliable, and you’ll get immediate confirmation when your LLC is approved.
Texas’s Two Online Filing Systems (And Which to Choose)
Texas offers two different online filing platforms, and yes, they have different processing times:
SOSDirect (The Faster Option)
- Processing time: 10-12 business days
- Best for: Standard LLC formations
- Why I recommend it: Faster processing and more reliable system
SOSUpload (The Slower Option)
- Processing time: 13-15 business days
- Best for: Complex filings with multiple documents
- Reality check: Only use this if SOSDirect doesn’t meet your needs
The difference matters. Those extra 3-5 business days can impact your timeline for getting an EIN, opening bank accounts, and starting operations.
Mail Filing: Why You Should Avoid It
Mail filing in Texas is currently a disaster. The Secretary of State is severely backlogged with paper filings, leading to processing times that would make a DMV jealous.
Current mail processing reality:
- Standard mail: 4-8 weeks processing + mail transit time = 2-3 months total
- Expedited mail: Supposed to be 4-5 business days, actually taking 10-12 business days
- The problem: Texas gets overwhelmed with paper filings and prioritizes online submissions
When mail filing might make sense:
- You’re filing a complex formation that the online system can’t handle
- You’re including additional documents that require physical signatures
- You’re a masochist who enjoys waiting months for basic paperwork
Texas Expedited Processing: What Actually Works
Texas offers expedited processing, but only for mail filings—and it’s not working as advertised.
Expedited mail filing:
- Cost: $25 extra (on top of the $300 filing fee)
- Promised time: 4-5 business days
- Actual time: 10-12 business days (still better than standard mail)
- My take: Worth it if you must file by mail, but online filing is still faster
No expedited option for online filings because they’re already processed relatively quickly.
The Real Timeline: What to Expect
Based on current processing times and my clients’ experiences, here’s the realistic timeline:
Online Filing Timeline
Day 1: Submit your Certificate of Formation online
Days 2-3: Application enters processing queue
Days 10-15: Application reviewed and approved
Day 15: Receive approval documents via email
Total time: 2-3 weeks from submission to approval
Mail Filing Timeline
Week 1: Documents travel to Austin
Weeks 2-9: Documents sit in processing backlog
Week 10: Documents finally reviewed and approved
Week 11-12: Approval documents mailed back to you
Total time: 2-3 months from submission to receiving approval
How to Track Your Texas LLC Application
Texas provides an online tracking system that actually works pretty well:
Texas Business Filing Tracker: Use your confirmation number to check status online
What you’ll see: Received, processing, approved, or rejected status
Update frequency: Usually updated daily during business hours
Pro tip: Don’t obsess over checking daily. Texas processing happens in batches, so status often jumps from “processing” to “approved” without intermediate updates.
What You Get When Your LLC Is Approved
Texas sends you everything electronically for online filings:
Welcome Letter: Official notification of approval
Certificate of Filing: Proof that your documents were processed
Certificate of Formation: Your official formation document (stamped and approved)
All documents are immediately available for download once approved—no waiting for mail delivery.
Should You Use an LLC Formation Service in Texas?
Formation services won’t make Texas approve your LLC any faster, but they can handle the paperwork headaches for you.
When Services Make Sense:
- You want someone else dealing with Texas’s bureaucracy
- You need a registered agent service anyway
- You’re forming multiple entities and want to delegate
- You’re unsure about completing the paperwork correctly
My Texas Formation Service Recommendations:
Northwest Registered Agent – My top choice
- Cost: $39 + $300 state fee
- Why: 20+ years experience, excellent support, and they let you use their address for privacy
- Best for: Anyone wanting reliable service with privacy benefits
ZenBusiness – Budget option
- Cost: $0 + $300 state fee (watch for upsells)
- Why: Free formation with optional add-ons
- Best for: DIY-minded folks who want some help
Texas LLC Costs: The Complete Breakdown
| Requirement | DIY Cost | With Service |
| Name Search | Free | Free |
| Certificate of Formation | $300 | $300 (state fee) |
| Registered Agent | $0-150/year | Often included |
| Operating Agreement | Free (template) | Usually included |
| EIN from IRS | Free | Free |
| Total First Year | $300-450 | $339-449 |
Note for Veterans: Texas offers free LLC formation for qualifying veterans—a $300 savings that makes the decision easy.
Why Texas Processing Takes So Long
Understanding the delays helps set realistic expectations:
Volume: Texas processes more business formations than most other states combined
Paper backlog: Mail filings create a massive bottleneck
Staff limitations: The Secretary of State office is understaffed for the volume
Complex reviews: Texas has detailed name availability and formation requirements
The good news: Online filings bypass most of these bottlenecks.
Common Texas LLC Filing Mistakes That Cause Delays
❌ Name conflicts: Not checking name availability thoroughly before filing
❌ Incomplete forms: Missing required information or signatures
❌ Wrong filing method: Using mail when online would be faster
❌ Registered agent errors: Invalid addresses or unavailable agents
❌ Payment issues: Incorrect fees or payment method problems
After Your Texas LLC Is Approved: Next Steps
Once you get that approval email, here’s what to tackle immediately:
Day 1: Get Your EIN
- Apply directly through IRS.gov (free and takes 15 minutes)
- You’ll need this for banking and tax purposes
- Don’t pay anyone for EIN services—it’s free from the IRS
Week 1: Open Business Banking
- Most banks require the approved Certificate of Formation
- Shop around for business accounts with reasonable fees
- Consider community banks for better service
Week 2: Handle Ongoing Compliance
- Draft or finalize your Operating Agreement
- Understand Texas franchise tax requirements (usually $0 for small LLCs)
- Set up bookkeeping and record-keeping systems
Texas vs. Other States: Processing Speed Comparison
| State | Typical Processing Time | My Rating |
| Texas (online) | 2-3 weeks | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Delaware | 1-2 weeks | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Wyoming | 2-3 days | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| California | 3-5 days | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Florida | 3-5 days | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Texas isn’t the fastest, but it’s not the slowest either. The key is using the online system to avoid the mail processing nightmare.
When to Contact the Texas Secretary of State
Don’t call unless:
- Your application has been processing for over 20 business days (online)
- Your application has been processing for over 10 weeks (mail)
- You received a rejection and need clarification
- You need to make corrections to a pending application
Texas Secretary of State Contact:
- Phone: 512-463-5555
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM Central Time
- Reality check: Expect long hold times during busy periods
Special Considerations for Texas LLCs
Veterans Benefits
Texas offers free LLC formation for qualifying veterans. If you qualify, this saves you $300 and makes the choice obvious.
No Publication Requirements
Unlike states like New York, Texas doesn’t require newspaper publication—saving you thousands in additional costs.
Business-Friendly Environment
Texas has no state income tax and relatively low compliance burdens, making it attractive for businesses nationwide.
The Bottom Line on Texas LLC Timing
Texas LLC formation takes 2-3 weeks if you file online, or 2-3 months if you’re crazy enough to file by mail. The online system works well once you understand it, and the approval process is straightforward.
My recommendation: File online through SOSDirect, budget 3 weeks for approval, and get started on your EIN application immediately after approval. Don’t overthink the timing—focus on building your business once the paperwork is handled.
Texas may not be the fastest state for LLC formation, but it’s a great place to do business once you’re up and running.
Ready to form your Texas LLC? Start with a thorough name search, gather your formation documents, and file online for the fastest processing. Remember that this is just the first step—the real work begins after your LLC is approved.
Questions about Texas LLC formation timelines or next steps? I’ve guided hundreds of businesses through the Texas formation process and can help clarify what to expect for your specific situation and timeline needs.