By Jake Lawson, LLC Formation Strategist
Planning to launch your LLC in North Dakota? Here’s the unvarnished truth about timing: you’re looking at 5 business days for online filings or 2-3 weeks if you go old-school with mail.
After helping over 1,200 entrepreneurs navigate LLC formation across all 50 states, I can tell you North Dakota keeps things refreshingly straightforward—no expedited options, no speed trap fees, just consistent processing times that won’t leave you guessing.
North Dakota LLC Processing Times: The Real Numbers
Let me break this down with the actual data from the North Dakota Secretary of State:
| Filing Method | Processing Time | Total Approval Time |
| Online Filing | 5 business days | 5 business days |
| Mail Filing | 5 business days | 2-3 weeks (including mail transit) |
| Expedited Processing | Not available | Not available |
What “Processing Time” Actually Means
Here’s where some formation services get fuzzy with their language. Processing time is strictly the period the North Dakota Secretary of State needs to review your Articles of Organization and officially approve your LLC. This doesn’t include the time your paperwork spends in transit or sitting in someone’s inbox.
Once approved, you’ll receive your official LLC documents either electronically (for online filers) or by mail (for traditional filers).
Online vs. Mail Filing: Why Speed Matters
Online Filing: The Smart Choice
- Total timeline: 5 business days
- Approval method: Electronic confirmation
- Cost: Same $135 state filing fee
- My take: Unless you enjoy waiting for no reason, file online
Mail Filing: The Slow Lane
- Total timeline: 2-3 weeks
- Approval method: Physical documents mailed back
- Hidden cost: Your time and sanity
- My take: Only choose this if you’re filing from a remote location without reliable internet
The Expedited Filing Reality Check
Here’s something that surprises many founders: North Dakota doesn’t offer expedited LLC processing. Period. No amount of extra fees will speed up your approval.
This actually makes North Dakota refreshingly honest compared to states that charge $50-200 for “rush” processing that only shaves off a day or two. You know exactly what you’re getting: one week for online filings, three weeks for mail.
Fastest Path to Your North Dakota LLC
Want your LLC approved as quickly as possible? Here’s my step-by-step strategy:
Step 1: File Online Yourself
The fastest route is DIY online filing through the North Dakota Secretary of State’s website. No middleman delays, no processing queues at formation services.
Step 2: Have Your Documents Ready
Before you start, gather:
- Your chosen LLC name (make sure it’s available)
- Registered agent information
- Member/manager details
- $135 filing fee
Step 3: File Early in the Week
Pro tip from my years of experience: file Monday through Wednesday. Weekend and late-week filings often get processed the following week, adding unnecessary delays.
Should You Use an LLC Formation Service?
Here’s the reality check: LLC formation services won’t make North Dakota approve your LLC any faster. They’re subject to the same 5-business-day processing timeline as everyone else.
So why consider them? Three legitimate reasons:
- Paperwork accuracy: They handle the details so you don’t risk rejection for simple errors
- Registered agent service: Most provide this as part of their package
- Time savings: You focus on your business while they handle the bureaucracy
My Top Picks for North Dakota LLCs
If you decide to hire help, here are the services I’ve tested and recommend:
Northwest Registered Agent – $39 + state fees
- 20+ years in business
- Excellent customer support
- Privacy-focused (uses their address on filings)
- Best overall value
ZenBusiness – $49 + state fees
- User-friendly platform
- Good for first-time LLC owners
- Solid registered agent service
Avoid the expensive options: LegalZoom and similar services charging $200+ don’t offer any speed advantages in North Dakota.
North Dakota LLC Costs: What You’ll Actually Pay
Let’s talk real numbers. Here’s what forming an LLC in North Dakota actually costs:
| Requirement | Cost | Required |
| Name Reservation | $10 (optional) | No |
| Articles of Organization | $135 | Yes |
| Registered Agent | $0-150/year | Yes |
| Operating Agreement | $0 (draft yourself) | Recommended |
| EIN from IRS | $0 | Usually needed |
| Annual Report | $50/year | Yes |
Bottom line: Expect $135-285 in year one, depending on whether you hire a registered agent.
Common Timing Mistakes to Avoid
In my 15 years helping entrepreneurs, I’ve seen these timing mistakes repeatedly:
Mistake #1: Banking on Expedited Processing
North Dakota doesn’t offer it. Plan accordingly and don’t promise clients or partners unrealistic launch dates.
Mistake #2: Choosing Mail Filing for “Security”
Electronic filing is just as secure and three times faster. The state’s online system uses standard encryption protocols.
Mistake #3: Waiting for “Perfect Timing”
Your LLC approval timing is predictable in North Dakota. Don’t delay your business launch waiting for some perfect moment—file when you’re ready to operate.
After Approval: Your Next Steps
Once your North Dakota LLC is approved, you’re not quite done. Here’s your post-approval checklist:
- Get Your EIN: Apply directly with the IRS (it’s free and takes 10 minutes online)
- Open Business Banking: Most banks require your Articles of Organization and EIN
- Draft an Operating Agreement: Even single-member LLCs benefit from this protection
- Understand Annual Requirements: North Dakota requires annual reports by November 15th ($50 fee)
How North Dakota Compares to Other States
Since I track LLC formation times across all 50 states, here’s how North Dakota stacks up:
Faster than North Dakota:
- Delaware: 2-3 business days online
- Wyoming: 2-3 business days online
- Nevada: 1-2 business days online
Similar to North Dakota:
- Montana: 5 business days
- South Dakota: 5-7 business days
- Nebraska: 5-7 business days
Slower than North Dakota:
- New York: 2-3 weeks
- California: 2-4 weeks
- Illinois: 2-3 weeks
Should You Form Your LLC in North Dakota?
This is where I see people make expensive mistakes. Just because North Dakota has reasonable processing times doesn’t mean you should form your LLC there if you live elsewhere.
Form in North Dakota if:
- You live or operate primarily in North Dakota
- You have substantial business connections to North Dakota
- Your business is location-independent and you want North Dakota’s business benefits
Don’t form in North Dakota if:
- You live in another state and plan to operate there
- You’re chasing slightly faster processing times in other states
- You haven’t researched the tax implications
Remember: if you form out-of-state, you’ll likely need to register as a “foreign LLC” in your home state anyway, adding time, complexity, and fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I speed up my North Dakota LLC approval?
No. North Dakota doesn’t offer expedited processing for LLCs. Online filing (5 business days) is as fast it gets.
What happens if my LLC application is rejected?
Rejections are rare with proper preparation, but they do happen. Common issues include name conflicts, incorrect registered agent information, or incomplete forms. The state will return your application with specific correction instructions.
Do I need a North Dakota address to form an LLC there?
No, but you need a North Dakota registered agent with a physical address in the state. Many formation services provide this.
Can non-US residents form North Dakota LLCs?
Yes. North Dakota doesn’t restrict LLC ownership based on citizenship or residency, making it accessible for international entrepreneurs.
The Bottom Line
North Dakota LLC formation is straightforward: 5 business days online, 2-3 weeks by mail, no expedited options available. It’s not the fastest state, but it’s reliable and won’t surprise you with hidden delays or excessive fees.
My advice? If North Dakota makes sense for your business situation, file online and plan for a one-week approval timeline. Focus your energy on preparing for post-approval tasks rather than trying to shave off a day or two from an already reasonable process.
Ready to form your North Dakota LLC? Consider starting with our recommended formation services, or if you’re comfortable with paperwork, file directly with the North Dakota Secretary of State online.
Want personalized guidance for your specific situation? Browse our comprehensive LLC formation guides or check out our unbiased reviews of the top formation services. No upsells, no affiliate spam—just the real story behind each provider.
About Jake Lawson: With 15+ years in business formation and over 1,200 successful LLC launches, Jake provides no-nonsense guidance on U.S. business formation. His reviews and comparisons have helped entrepreneurs save thousands in unnecessary fees while avoiding formation pitfalls.