With 24-hour expedited service, a California LLC or corporation can be approved by the next business day. Same-day service is available if the filing reaches the Secretary of State by 9:30 a.m. Standard online filings depend on the state’s queue, which moves daily and can stretch to weeks in busy periods such as December.
The state’s service levels
| Level | State fee | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (online) | None beyond the filing fee | Varies with the state’s queue |
| 24-hour expedite | $350 | Response within 24 hours, business days |
| Same-day expedite | $750 | Received by 9:30 a.m., response by 4:00 p.m. |
The Secretary of State posts its current processing dates on its website. Expedite fees are kept by the state even if the filing is rejected.
Our timing
- Next business day: LLC with privacy $625. Order by 12:00 noon PT on a business day. We file that day with 24-hour expedited service, so your company is eligible for approval the next business day.
- 3 to 5 business days: our standard service, filed without the state expedite fee. LLC with privacy $499; without privacy $299.
- Same day: call 310-980-4455 early in the morning.
Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding California state holidays.
Forming late in the year
An LLC formed in, say, November owes its first $800 for that short year and another $800 for the next year a few months later. If you don’t need the LLC until January, ask us about choosing a filing date in the new year. See California franchise tax.
Source: Secretary of State, service options.
Questions
Can I form an LLC in California on a weekend?
You can order any time, but the state processes filings on business days. Weekend orders are filed the next business day.
Does a registered agent speed up approval?
No. Only the Secretary of State controls approval time. Speed comes from expedited service and an error-free filing.
Last reviewed October 18, 2026 against California Secretary of State and Franchise Tax Board sources. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.