$110
to file the Certificate of Formation
$400
state cost per year after
$0–$99+
registered agent per year
How to start an LLC in Delaware, step by step
- Choose and check your LLC name. The name must be distinguishable from other businesses on file in Delaware and include “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company”. Search the state’s business records first. Optional: reserve it ($75 for 120 days).
- Appoint a registered agent. Every Delaware LLC needs a registered agent with a physical address in the state. Yes — Delaware law even lets the LLC act as its own agent — but only with a real Delaware office that is staffed to accept service of process. Owners outside Delaware use a commercial agent. Commercial services start at $99 a year among those we compared.
- File the Certificate of Formation. File with the Delaware Division of Corporations — Document Filing and Certificate Request Service or mail. State fee: $110. Delaware LLCs also owe the annual LLC tax every June 1.
- Sign an operating agreement. It sets out ownership, management and what happens if a member leaves. Banks often ask for it, and it helps show the LLC is separate from you.
- Get an EIN from the IRS. Free, online in minutes if the responsible party has an SSN or ITIN; by phone or fax for owners outside the US.
- Open a business bank account. Keep LLC money separate from personal money. Online business accounts with $0 monthly fees are available.
- Set up a business phone, email and website. A separate number and an email on your own domain keep your personal details private and help with banks and card issuers. Virtual numbers start around $14–$15 a month.
- Get licenses, permits and insurance. Check city and county licenses for your industry, and consider general liability insurance before you start working with clients.
- Put recurring state filings on your calendar. Delaware LLC annual tax: On or before June 1 each year, for the prior year ($400).
Registered agent services
Prefer to hire a registered agent in Delaware?
Commercial agents receive legal and state mail for you and keep your home address off public records. These are the three lowest yearly prices we verified on each provider’s site; confirm at checkout. Full comparison.
Zenind
First year: $99. After that: $99/yr.
Best for: Lowest ongoing price · non-US founders
Read our Zenind review →See Delaware pricingNorthwest Registered Agent
First year: $0 with $39 LLC formation, or $125. After that: $125/yr.
Best for: Privacy + business address · multi-state
Read our Northwest Registered Agent review →See Delaware pricingBizee
First year: $0 with LLC formation. After that: $149/yr standalone price (renewal after the free year not published).
Best for: Forming a new LLC (first year free)
Read our Bizee review →See Delaware pricingWe may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. How we’re funded.
All Delaware LLC fees in one place
Every state fee a Delaware LLC can run into, from formation to closing. The typical recurring state cost is $400 a year ($400 annual LLC tax).
| Filing or service | State fee | When |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Formation | $110 | Once, to form the LLC |
| Name reservation (optional) | $75 for 120 days | Before forming, if you want to hold a name |
| Delaware LLC annual tax | $400 | Every year |
| Registered agent | $0 if you qualify to serve yourself; $99–$199/yr for a service | Ongoing |
| Change of registered agent | $50 | When you switch agents |
| Certificate of Good Standing (Short Form Certificate of Status) | $50 short form · $175 long form | When a bank, lender or another state asks |
| Trade name | See Delaware One Stop | Only if you trade under another name |
| Certificate of Cancellation | $220 plus any unpaid annual taxes | Once, to close the LLC |
After you form your Delaware LLC
Most of the work comes after formation. Open a business account, get insured and keep your yearly filings on time — missing them costs late fees and, eventually, your LLC’s good standing (Delaware filing details).
Mercury
$0/mo
- $0 monthly fee, no minimum balance, no opening fees
- Free ACH and free domestic wires, sent and received
- Free outgoing USD international wires
Watch out: No cash deposits
NEXT Insurance
General liability from $19/mo
- Buy online in about 10 minutes, coverage effective after payment
- Unlimited free certificates of insurance (COI), 24/7
- General liability from $19 a month
Watch out: Starting prices are not guaranteed
Gusto
From $49/mo + $6/person
- Solo plan built for paying yourself a reasonable salary as an S corp
- Unlimited payrolls with automatic tax filings
- Contractor payments and 1099s
Watch out: Per-person fee adds up with larger teams
Free Delaware deadline reminders
We email you 60, 30 and 7 days before each filing is due.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Delaware?
The state filing fee for the Certificate of Formation is $110. After that, expect about $400 a year in state fees ($400 annual LLC tax), plus a registered agent if you use a service.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Delaware?
Processing times vary with the state’s workload; filing online is usually fastest. Check the Delaware Division of Corporations for current times and expedite options.
Do I need a registered agent to start an LLC in Delaware?
Yes. The agent's business office must be the same as the LLC's registered office in Delaware, with a full street address, and be open (or the individual present) often enough to accept service of process. An agent may not operate solely through a virtual office or mail-forwarding service.
Can I be my own registered agent in Delaware?
Yes — Delaware law even lets the LLC act as its own agent — but only with a real Delaware office that is staffed to accept service of process. Owners outside Delaware use a commercial agent.
What does a Delaware LLC have to file every year?
Delaware LLC annual tax — On or before June 1 each year, for the prior year. Fee: $400.
Do I need an operating agreement in Delaware?
It’s strongly recommended: banks often ask for it, and without one the state’s default rules govern ownership, profits and buyouts.
Can a non-US resident start an LLC in Delaware?
Yes. You don’t need to be a US citizen or resident. You’ll need a registered agent in the state, an EIN (by phone or fax without an SSN) and a bank that accepts non-resident owners.