StartupOwl is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click links on this page - at no extra cost to you.

LLC Formation·Best Overall·Updated June 29, 2026

Best LLC Formation Services in Delaware

Filing an LLC in Delaware costs $90 online through the Division of Corporations, with standard processing in 3-5 business days.

June 29, 202615 min read
Daniel Wong
Written byDaniel Wong
Legal & Compliance Analyst
6 services reviewed
Independently tested
Updated quarterly

Quick Comparison of All 6 Services

Compare pricing and ratings at a glance, then visit a service or read the full review below.

Delaware

Sets the state fee and annual report below.

Include in every price

The agent is required in every state and the main reason provider prices differ. State fees go to the state and are identical with every provider.

Every price below is the full amount due, the $110 Delaware filing fee is already in it. That fee goes to the state, not the company, and is identical whoever files for you. Only the provider's own fee varies. what the service charges $110 Delaware state fee

NR logo

Northwest Registered Agent

4.8Best Overall
Registered agent free year 1, then $125 a yearBusiness address, domain, email and website includedOne flat price, no upsells at checkout

Due today

$149

Registered agent included, free year 1State fees included

Then every year

$425

$125 agent renewal + $300 franchise tax

Z logo

ZenBusiness

4.5Best for LLC Formation
$0 formation with guided, beginner friendly setupFree year of compliance remindersAgent costs $199 a year here, most of the price

Due today

$309

Registered agent includedState fees included

Then every year

$499

$199 agent renewal + $300 franchise tax

TB logo

Tailor Brands

4.2Best for Branding
$0 filing with logo and website tools built inWeekend support and a guided setupAgent $199 a year plus pre-checked trial add-ons

Due today

$309

Registered agent includedState fees included

Then every year

$499

$199 agent renewal + $300 franchise tax

L logo

LegalZoom

2.8Most Recognized
Best known brand with a big legal document libraryAgent costs $249 a year, priciest in this listAggressive upsells during checkout

Due today

$359

Registered agent includedState fees included

Then every year

$549

$249 agent renewal + $300 franchise tax

D logo

Doola

4.0Best for Non-US Founders
Built for non US founders, EIN and banking helpAgent and virtual address inside the $297 planPlan renews at $297 a year and is mandatory

Due today

$407

Registered agent included in the planState fees included

Then every year

$597

$297 plan renewal + $300 franchise tax

Special offer, 30% off every plan as of July 30, 2026. Starter is $208 instead of $297, and the discount applies to the higher tiers too. Doola shows no end date for it, so check the current price on their site before you buy.

HC logo

Harbor Compliance

3.4Best for Regulated Industries
Dedicated compliance specialist for every accountOne business day filing at no extra feeAgent $99 year 1, renews at $149 a year

Due today

$308

Registered agent includedState fees included

Then every year

$449

$149 agent renewal + $300 franchise tax

* Based on prices and renewal rates verified July 26, 2026. Provider and government fees change.

Compare every detailShow
Service
NR logo

Northwest Registered Agent

Best Overall
From $39
4.8
ZB logo

ZenBusiness

Best for LLC Formation
From $0
4.5
TB logo

Tailor Brands

Best for Branding
From $0
4.2
FN logo

FileNow

Best for Speed
From $49
4.2
SF logo

Swyft Filings

Best for Fast Filing
From $0
3.2
LZ logo

LegalZoom

Most Recognized
From $0
2.8

How We Chose the Best LLC Services for Delaware

Delaware's status as the go-to incorporation state means every formation service claims expertise here, so we dug deeper than marketing promises. We filed through the Division of Corporations, tested 3-to-5-day standard processing, and examined how each service explained the $90 filing fee alongside the annual $300 franchise tax that surprises many first-time filers. The ability to correctly set up Series LLCs and navigate the Court of Chancery's business-friendly framework separated the top picks from the rest.

Delaware is one of the few states that allows truly anonymous LLCs. Your formation documents never list member or manager names, which makes the choice of formation service matter more here than in most states. Pick a provider that actually protects that privacy instead of undermining it with unnecessary public filings.

12

Services Tested

200

Hours of Research

50

States Covered

June 29, 2026

Last Updated

Full Reviews

1
NR logo
From $39
Best Overall

Northwest Registered Agent

A transparent LLC formation service that bundles a complete business identity (address, domain, email, phone, website) into a single $39 fee with no upsells.

4.8
Get Started

From $39 + state fees

Pricing Plans

Popular
$39

LLC Formation + Business Identity

+ state fees

  • Preparation and filing of Articles of Organization
  • 1 full year of Registered Agent service included
  • Operating Agreement draft

Northwest Registered Agent is our top pick for LLC formation. Their $39 package now includes what they call a Business Identity: a business address, domain name, website with hosting, email, phone service, and mail scanning, on top of the formation filing and a year of registered agent service. No tiered plans, no upsell games during checkout. They are a family-owned, privately held company with U.S.-based Corporate Guides who actually know what they are talking about. The dashboard is more utilitarian than polished, but that is a fair tradeoff for the most complete formation package at this price.

Pros

  • Flat $39 formation fee with no tiered packages or hidden add-ons.
  • Full Business Identity included: business address, domain, email, website, and phone service.
  • Free year of registered agent service with privacy protection.
  • Free mail scanning (up to 5 documents) and renewal reminders.
  • Same-day filing with no extra rush fees.
  • U.S.-based Corporate Guides who actually answer the phone.

Cons

  • Customer support is not available on weekends.
  • Online cancellation process can be cumbersome.
  • Trial digital services auto-renew if you forget to cancel.

Best For: Founders who want a complete business setup (formation, address, domain, email, website, phone) in one flat-fee package with no upsells.

Read full review
Get Started

From $39 + state fees

2
ZB logo
From $0
Best for LLC Formation

ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness offers a phenomenal $0 base plan and an incredibly intuitive dashboard, making it our top recommendation for first-time founders.

4.5
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

Pricing Plans

$0

Starter

+ state fees

  • Name availability search
  • Articles of formation filing
  • Electronic document access
Popular
$199/yr

Pro

+ state fees

  • All Starter features
  • 1-day rush processing
  • Operating agreement template
$399/yr

Premium

+ state fees

  • All Pro features
  • Business document templates
  • Registered Agent service

ZenBusiness offers the smoothest LLC formation experience available. The guided setup walks first-time founders through every step, and the $0 Starter plan only requires you to pay state fees. The dashboard sends compliance reminders so you do not miss deadlines. Watch for pre-checked upsells during checkout that trigger recurring annual costs, and know that the Pro plan renewal jumps to $199/year. A strong choice if you want a polished, beginner-friendly formation process.

Pros

  • $0 Starter plan requiring only state filing fees
  • Highly intuitive dashboard that simplifies the formation process
  • Responsive support team available on Sundays
  • First year of Worry-Free Compliance included for free
  • Excellent mobile app for managing your business on the go

Cons

  • Heavy push for add-on services during the checkout process
  • Registered agent and compliance renewals become expensive after the first year
  • Difficult-to-cancel auto-renewing subscriptions

Best For: First-time founders needing an easy, guided, and affordable LLC setup

Read full review
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

3
TB logo
From $0
Best for Branding

Tailor Brands

Tailor Brands bundles logo design and a website into LLC formation, then charges $199 a year for the registered agent almost everyone needs.

4.2
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

Pricing Plans

$0

Lite

+ state fees

  • Filing of Articles of Organization
  • Standard processing, up to 14 business days
  • Business coaching program access
Popular
$199/yr

Essential

+ state fees

  • Everything in Lite
  • Expedited processing, 1 to 2 business days
  • Operating agreement creation
$249/yr

Elite

+ state fees

  • Everything in Essential
  • 1-year free domain hosting
  • AI-powered website builder

Formation is the free part. The logo and website builders are easy to use, and the guided setup is beginner friendly. The catch is checkout. Plan prices stay hidden until the end, a $39 a month bookkeeping trial comes pre-checked, and the registered agent most founders need costs $199 a year. That puts the real first-year cost near $309 in a state like Delaware. If you want branding and formation together, it works. If you only need the LLC, Northwest files for a flat $39 with no upsells.

Pros

  • Free Lite plan covers the LLC filing and standard processing
  • Beginner-friendly dashboard that is easy to navigate
  • Built-in logo maker and website builder in one dashboard
  • Customer support available on weekends
  • Guided questionnaire walks you through setup

Cons

  • Plan prices stay hidden until the end of the questionnaire
  • Pre-checked $39 a month bookkeeping trial you must cancel yourself
  • Registered agent service costs $199 a year, more than budget rivals

Best For: First-time founders who want LLC filing and basic branding tools in one place.

Read full review
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

4
FN logo
From $49
Best for Speed

FileNow

FileNow guarantees 24-hour processing on all orders, but its lack of a free entry-level plan makes it less competitive for founders on a strict budget.

4.2
Get Started

From $49 + state fees

Pricing Plans

$49

Starter

+ state fee

  • Filing Articles of Organization / Incorporation
  • Unlimited Phone & Email Support
  • Electronic Delivery of State Documents
Popular
$199

Premium

+ state fee

  • Filing Articles of Organization / Incorporation
  • Unlimited Phone & Email Support
  • Electronic Delivery of State Documents

FileNow delivers a remarkably fast and straightforward LLC formation experience. We appreciate that 24-hour processing is standard across all plans instead of being an expensive add-on. The checkout process is completely transparent with zero pre-checked upsells or hidden fees. However, because the base plan costs $49 and does not include a registered agent, budget-conscious founders might prefer cheaper alternatives.

Pros

  • 24-hour order processing included on all plans at no extra cost
  • Transparent pricing with zero hidden fees or pre-checked subscriptions
  • Simple two-tier pricing makes choosing a package easy
  • Premium plan provides excellent value by bundling essential startup documents
  • Customer support is accessible via phone, chat, and email

Cons

  • No free formation tier available
  • Starter plan does not include registered agent service
  • Lacks advanced legal tools and ongoing compliance dashboards

Best For: Entrepreneurs who prioritize fast 24-hour processing and straightforward, transparent pricing.

Read full review
Get Started

From $49 + state fees

5
SF logo
From $0
Best for Fast Filing

Swyft Filings

Swyft Filings offers exceptionally fast processing speeds, but you must navigate a minefield of expensive upsells during checkout.

3.2
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

Pricing Plans

$0

Basic

+ state fees

  • Preparation and filing of LLC documents
  • Business name availability check
  • Standard processing (7-10 business days)
Popular
$199

Standard

+ state fees

  • Everything in Basic
  • Federal Tax ID (EIN) obtainment
  • Custom Operating Agreement
$299

Premium

+ state fees

  • Everything in Standard
  • Expedited processing (1 business day)
  • 2 months of unlimited attorney consultations

Swyft Filings lives up to its name by offering some of the fastest LLC formation times on the market. Their 5-step setup process is simple and easy for beginners to understand. However, their aggressive upsells and missing registered agent service make their $0 starting price highly deceptive. We recommend them only if you desperately need same-day processing and know exactly which add-ons to decline.

Pros

  • Exceptionally fast processing speeds
  • Streamlined 5-step application interface
  • Knowledgeable and responsive phone support
  • Basic package starts at $0 plus state fees
  • No confusing legal jargon during setup

Cons

  • Registered agent service costs an extra $149 per year
  • Aggressive multi-page upsell flow
  • Difficult cancellation process for ongoing subscriptions

Best For: Founders needing fast turnaround who can navigate heavy upsells.

Read full review
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

6
LZ logo
From $0
Most Recognized

LegalZoom

A famous name with an aggressive checkout process and expensive recurring fees.

2.8
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

Pricing Plans

$0

Basic

+ state filing fees

  • Articles of organization filing
  • Business name availability check
  • Digital welcome packet
Popular
$249

Pro

+ state filing fees

  • Everything in the Basic package
  • Operating Agreement
  • EIN registration
$299

Premium

+ state filing fees

  • Everything in the Pro package
  • Business attorney guidance (30-day subscription)
  • Bookkeeping tools (6-month subscription)

LegalZoom relies heavily on its brand recognition to charge premium prices for basic services. While the platform is easy to navigate and offers excellent legal document libraries, the checkout process is a maze of expensive upsells and auto-renewing trials. We do not recommend it if you are on a budget. You will end up paying significantly more for registered agent and compliance services than you would with competitors.

Pros

  • Highly intuitive platform that is easy for absolute beginners to navigate.
  • Access to a massive library of legal documents and forms.
  • Long-standing brand reputation provides reliability and peace of mind.
  • Customer support is available seven days a week.
  • Basic LLC formation is free excluding mandatory state fees.

Cons

  • Incredibly aggressive upselling for simple tasks like obtaining an EIN.
  • Registered agent fees are heavily inflated at $249 per year.
  • Checkout includes pre-selected free trials that auto-renew at high prices.
  • Standard processing times are slow unless you pay a $99 expedite fee.

Best For: Founders prioritizing brand recognition and access to an extensive legal document library.

Read full review
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

Editorial Standards & Affiliate Disclosure

StartupOwl may earn a commission when you use our links - at no additional cost to you. Our editorial team independently selects and ranks all services. Affiliate relationships do not influence our ratings or recommendations. Read our editorial policy →

What Makes a Good LLC Service for Delaware Founders

Delaware's Court of Chancery is the single biggest reason businesses incorporate here. It uses judges instead of juries for business disputes, and decades of case law give you predictable outcomes that no other state can match.

Series LLCs are available in Delaware, letting you create multiple protected "cells" under one parent LLC without filing separate entities. This is useful if you hold multiple rental properties or run distinct business lines, and only a handful of states recognize this structure.

Delaware does not charge sales tax, which matters if you sell physical goods. Compare that to neighboring Pennsylvania at 6% or New Jersey at 6.625%.

Your LLC's operating agreement is required by law in Delaware, not just recommended. If you skip it, you default to the Delaware LLC Act's provisions, which may not reflect your actual ownership arrangement.

What to Do After You File Your Delaware LLC

  1. Get your State of Delaware Business License from the Division of Revenue if you conduct any business activity in the state. The general annual fee is $75 for your first location.
  2. File your Annual Franchise Tax and pay the $300 flat fee by June 1st each year. Missing this deadline triggers a $200 late fee plus 1.5% monthly interest.
  3. Draft and sign your operating agreement. Delaware requires this document by law, and it governs member rights, profit distribution, and management authority.
  4. Apply for an EIN from the IRS. This is free and takes minutes online. You need it to open a business bank account, hire employees, or file federal taxes.
  5. File your Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with FinCEN. LLCs formed in 2024 or later must file within 90 days of formation. Existing LLCs have until January 1, 2026.
  6. Open a dedicated business bank account to maintain your LLC's liability protection. Delaware courts will pierce the veil if you commingle personal and business funds.

Delaware LLC Tax Overview

Delaware has a state income tax ranging from 2.2% to 6.6%, but LLCs that operate entirely outside Delaware and have no physical presence in the state owe zero Delaware income tax. You will still owe the $300 annual franchise tax regardless of where you operate or how much revenue you earn.

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For in Delaware

  • Annual Franchise Tax - Delaware charges a flat $300 per year due June 1st, even if your LLC earns nothing. This is separate from the filing fee and catches first-time founders off guard.
  • Late Fee Penalty - Miss the June 1st franchise tax deadline and you owe an immediate $200 penalty plus 1.5% monthly interest on the unpaid balance.
  • Business License Fee - If you operate in Delaware, the state requires a $75 annual business license from the Division of Revenue.
  • Reinstatement Cost - If your LLC falls out of good standing, reinstatement costs $200 plus all back franchise taxes and penalties, which compounds quickly after multiple missed years.

Frequently Asked Questions About Delaware LLCs

How much does it cost to form an LLC in Delaware?

The state filing fee is $90 for online filing through the Division of Corporations. You can pay an additional $100 for 24-hour expedited processing. On top of that, budget $300 per year for the annual franchise tax and $75 for a business license if you operate in the state.

Does Delaware require a registered agent?

Yes. Your registered agent must be an individual resident of Delaware or a business entity authorized to operate in the state with a physical street address. P.O. boxes are not accepted. The agent must be available during normal business hours to accept service of process.

How long does LLC formation take in Delaware?

Standard online filing takes 3-5 business days through the Division of Corporations. If you need it faster, 24-hour expedited processing is available for an extra $100. Most formation services can submit your paperwork the same day you order.

Can I form an anonymous LLC in Delaware?

Yes. Delaware does not require you to list member or manager names on your Certificate of Formation. Only the registered agent's name and address appear on public record. Pairing this with a formation service that acts as your registered agent, like Northwest Registered Agent, keeps your personal information completely off state filings.

About the Author

Daniel Wong

Legal & Compliance Analyst

Daniel grew up in the shadow of Silicon Valley but chose the legal route over engineering, working as a paralegal for a corporate law firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions. He realized that early-stage founders were constantly making catastrophic legal mistakes because they couldn't afford a $500/hour attorney, prompting his move to B2B media.

Was this article helpful?

Questions about LLC services in Delaware

No comments yet. Ask the first question and a member of our team will answer.

Leave a comment

Comments are reviewed before they appear. We never publish your email address.