LLC Formation Cost in Delaware (2026)
Complete guide to Delaware LLC filing fees, annual costs, and requirements
Delaware LLC Cost Calculator
Delaware LLC Costs — Complete Breakdown
| Cost Item | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization filing fee | $90 | One-time |
| Annual report / registration fee | $300 | Annual |
| Registered agent service | $50–$300 | Annual |
| Operating agreement | $0–$500 | One-time |
| EIN (Employer ID Number) | $0 (free via IRS) | One-time |
| Business bank account | $0–$15/mo | Monthly |
| Special requirement | Varies | Registered agent typically $300+/yr (more expensive than most states due to demand) |
Forming an LLC in Delaware: What You Need to Know
Delaware is the most popular state for venture-backed startups and corporations — not because it's cheap (registered agents cost $300+/year and you need a Delaware office) but because VC firms, investors, and large corporations prefer Delaware's Court of Chancery and flexible corporate law. Delaware LLCs are less commonly preferred than Delaware C-corps for startup fundraising.
Money-Saving Tips for Delaware LLC Formation
Only form in Delaware if you plan to raise venture capital (where investors expect it) or need the legal protections of Delaware's Court of Chancery. For typical small businesses, your home state is almost always cheaper and simpler. A Delaware LLC still requires foreign registration in states where you operate.
Form Your Delaware LLC Today
Bizee handles all Delaware LLC paperwork for $0 service fee (you only pay the $90 state filing fee) and includes 1 year of free registered agent service — saving you $125 immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Delaware?
Forming an LLC in Delaware requires a $90 state filing fee (Articles of Organization). Add $125/year for a registered agent service and $$300/year for the annual report — total first-year cost is approximately $515. Important additional cost: Registered agent typically $300+/yr (more expensive than most states due to demand).
Should I form my LLC in Delaware or another state?
If you conduct business primarily in Delaware, form your LLC here. Forming in another state (Wyoming, Delaware, New Mexico) and then operating in Delaware requires paying foreign registration fees in Delaware anyway — you end up paying both states' fees. Wyoming or New Mexico make sense only if you genuinely have no state-specific business presence and want lower costs or more privacy.
Do I need a registered agent in Delaware?
Yes — Delaware law requires every LLC to maintain a registered agent with a physical street address in Delaware during normal business hours. You can serve as your own registered agent if you have a Delaware address, but most business owners use a professional service ($50–$300/year) for privacy (your name and address are kept off public records) and reliability (someone is always available during business hours).
What are the annual costs to maintain an LLC in Delaware?
Annual Delaware LLC costs: Annual report fee: $300. Registered agent: $50–$300/year. Special costs: Registered agent typically $300+/yr (more expensive than most states due to demand). Add bookkeeping/accounting ($100–$500/month) and business insurance ($500–$2,000/year) for a realistic total operating cost.
Delaware LLC Facts
- State filing fee
- $90
- Annual report fee
- $300/yr
- Registered agent
- $50–$300/yr
- Processing time
- 3–5 business days (or 1 day expedited +$50)
- First year total
- ~$515
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State LLC filing fees