New York LLC Name Search & Entity Availability
Verify legal availability against the New York Department of State (Division of Corporations) database, review statutory requirements, and secure your brand across domains and social networks.
Scan Your Proposed New York Business Name
Instant real-time checks across DNS domains, major social handles, and federal trademark databases.
New York LLC Formation Cost & Fee Breakdown
Statutory fees and ongoing compliance requirements for New York.
| Fee Type | Cost | Authority / Schedule | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Filing Fee (Articles of Organization) | $200 | New York Department of State (Division of Corporations) | Yes (One-time) |
| Annual / Biennial Compliance Fee | $9 biennial statement (+ NY annual filing fee based on gross income) | Annual / Biennial Schedule | Yes (Recurring) |
| Registered Agent Service | $0 - $39/yr (Northwest) | Commercial Agent or Self | Yes (Required) |
| Federal EIN (Tax ID) | $0 (Free) | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) | Recommended |
New York LLC Naming Rules & Guidelines
Official statutory naming constraints administered by the New York Department of State (Division of Corporations).
Must contain 'Limited Liability Company', 'L.L.C.', or 'LLC'. Requires publishing notice of formation in two county newspapers within 120 days.
How to Form an LLC in New York (Step-by-Step)
Choose a Compliant New York LLC Name
Your business name must contain a statutory designator such as "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company". It must be distinguishable from all other registered active entities on file with the New York Department of State (Division of Corporations).
Appoint a Registered Agent in New York
You must appoint a registered agent with a physical street address in New York (P.O. Boxes are not permitted). The agent accepts service of process and official legal notices during standard business hours.
File Formation Documents & Pay $200
Submit your official Articles of Organization to the New York Department of State (Division of Corporations). The standard state filing fee is $200 with an estimated processing time of 1-3 business days.
Draft an LLC Operating Agreement
An Operating Agreement outlines internal governance, voting thresholds, equity percentages, and profit disbursements. Having an executed operating agreement protects corporate liability separation in court.
Obtain a Free Federal EIN from the IRS
Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) acts as your business's Federal Tax ID. It is required for business checking accounts, merchant services, and hiring staff.
Maintain Annual Compliance & Reports
Stay in continuous good standing with New York by filing your required statutory reports: $9 biennial statement (+ NY annual filing fee based on gross income).
New York LLC — Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers on cost, timing, naming rules, and compliance.
How much does it cost to form an LLC in New York?
The New York Department of State (Division of Corporations) charges a $200 filing fee for Articles of Organization. Most founders also budget for a registered agent and optional expedited processing.
How long does it take to get an LLC approved in New York?
Standard processing time is 1-3 business days. Online filings are typically the fastest option.
What are the LLC naming requirements in New York?
Must contain 'Limited Liability Company', 'L.L.C.', or 'LLC'. Requires publishing notice of formation in two county newspapers within 120 days.
Does New York require a registered agent for an LLC?
Yes. New York requires every LLC to maintain a registered agent with a physical street address in the state (P.O. boxes are not accepted) to receive legal documents during business hours.
What annual reports or fees does a New York LLC owe?
Ongoing compliance costs $9 biennial statement (+ NY annual filing fee based on gross income). Missing the filing deadline can trigger late fees or administrative dissolution, so calendar it.
Where do I officially file my New York LLC?
File directly with the New York Department of State (Division of Corporations) through their official business entity portal. Always verify name availability in the state registry before filing.