24 Hour LLC Guarantee
Form a Nevada LLC 
Business Formation 
Registered Agent Service 
Tax ID / EIN 
Legal Services 
Start up Coach 
Taxes and Bookkeeping 
Business Credit 
Call Today 
If you’re starting an LLC, you must file its Articles of Organization with your chosen state. This can be done online or by mail, although your chosen option can determine how fast your LLC will be formed.
To help you decide, we’ve discussed the differences between online and mail filings below.
Key Takeaways
- Processing times for online and mail filings vary by state. Online filings are processed immediately, while mail filings can take several weeks to be reviewed and approved.
- All 50 states charge a fixed fee for filing Articles of Organization online and by mail. However, it can come with additional fees and costs.
- The status of online filings can be tracked immediately. For mail filings, there’s no way to know whether your filing has been processed.
- State business portals have automated systems that check for errors on online filings. Mail filings with errors are returned and required to be corrected and resubmitted.
- Other factors to consider when choosing between online and mail filings include:
- Document security and management
- Online portal functionality
- Professional services
- Do-it-yourself filings
- Environmental impact
- Remote work
Processing Times for Online & Mail Filings
Online and mail filings for the Articles of Organization are reviewed within specified periods. To understand processing times for both options, let’s look at how filings are handled.
How Are Online Filings Processed?
If you file your LLC’s Articles of Organization online, the state’s system will process the filing immediately. Employees don’t need to handle or scan your document or enter the information manually into a computer. The automated systems on online business portals can check your filing right away, identifying any errors before staff members can review it.
As a result, your LLC can be registered with its home state as soon as possible.
How Are Mail Filings Processed?
Conversely, mail filings for the Articles of Organization can be processed within several days or months. The only drawback is that LLC owners have to wait until their filings are approved.
When your Articles of Organization are mailed to the state, it’ll:
- Go through postal systems.
- Be sorted by submission date.
- Undergo manual reviews, with state employees entering essential information manually.
Also, inclement weather, postal service disruptions, and a high volume of submissions can determine dates of receipt. And if your state’s filing office finds errors, it may ask you to correct them by a specific due date. Expect the office to send you a rejection letter, wait for a revised document, and review it again before approving.
The Total Cost of Filing Options
Each state charges fixed fees for online and mail filings. However, indirect expenses and the time spent on submitting the Articles of Organization can determine the total cost of your chosen option.
In some states, you may be required to pay an additional fee for online filings. Let’s take Wyoming as an example. If you register an LLC with the state via its online business portal, you’ll be charged $3.75 on top of the base filing fee. The extra cost is called a “convenience fee” that covers services such as electronic storage and sending confirmation emails.
On the other hand, mailing an LLC’s Articles of Organization to your chosen state comes with some hidden costs. The United States Postal Service’s Priority Mail Return services cost a minimum of $10.45, with an additional $100 for insurance that can be increased. Delays can force you to pay more.
Related Resource: Learn about forming an LLC online from the NCH blog.
Tracking Your Filing Status
Processing updates are another important factor in selecting the best filing option for your LLC. Below, we’ve listed the advantages and disadvantages of online and mail filings when it comes to tracking their status.
Filing Option | Factors to Consider |
Online |
|
|
The Process for Checking Errors
Some LLCs make mistakes when filing their formation documents. But when it comes to online and mail submissions, all 50 states check errors differently.
The automated systems on state business portals validate the information provided by the Articles of Organization upon submission. Official business registration websites also indicate required fields, display information in a specific format, and flag errors immediately.
Furthermore, state business portals can send you an email about the errors detected by their systems. They allow you to revise incorrect information and resubmit it in seconds. With mail submissions, errors aren’t usually discovered until they’re received. Mailing a corrected document takes some time, costing you more than online submissions.
Related Resource: Know the key differences between an LLC’s Articles of Organization and operating agreement.
Document Security & Management
Most state business portals protect sensitive information about your LLC by:
- Using advanced encryption
- Storing data on secure servers with regular backups for uninterrupted access
- Requiring digital signatures and creating timestamps
Meanwhile, mailing your Articles of Organization exposes sensitive information to threats such as theft, physical damage, and human error. You won’t be able to protect the document until it’s received by the state.
Other Factors to Consider
Besides the factors we’ve mentioned above, you should consider the following when choosing between online and mail filings.
Online Portal Functionality
States like Nevada, Delaware, and Wyoming maintain user-friendly online portals that help streamline LLC formation. These websites offer multiple services, including business registration and LLC renewal. (NCH has shared a full guide to LLC renewal in Nevada.)
Other state portals allow you to file your Articles of Organization and other basic documents. But if you need additional services, you may want to use another online portal.
Professional Services
Choosing between online and mail filing also determines how easy it is to integrate professional services into your LLC formation process.
Many business formation services prefer online filing because it helps speed up their workflows. This way, they can submit error-free filings, monitor their status, and update clients about their filings immediately.
Start your Nevada LLC in
24 hours guaranteed
You don’t need to live in Nevada to enjoy the best asset protection
and audit defense a Nevada LLC can provide.
Do-It-Yourself Filings
If you want to file your Articles of Organization yourself, online filings are a great option.
State business portals guide you through the filing process and check your information upon submission. And since online forms are interactive, you can submit a complete and accurate filing. Mail filings make this challenging to achieve.
Bonus Tip
Find out whether you should open an LLC online without expert help from Ask NCH.
Environmental Impact
When you file Articles of Organization online, you save on paper and mailing costs. You won’t need to keep physical copies of your formation documents, either. (Still, we recommend practicing proper record-keeping.)
Remote Work
Online filing can also benefit you if you’re operating an LLC remotely. Mailing the Articles of Organization to your advisors and partners can take time, especially if they work from different locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file Articles of Organization if I’m outside of my chosen state?
Yes, you can file Articles of Organization if you’re outside of your chosen state.
All 50 states accept online and mail filings for the Articles of Organization. Online filing offers a faster and more convenient way to form an LLC. Meanwhile, mail filings can be delayed, affecting processing times as a result.
What information does my Articles of Organization need to provide?
At most, your Articles of Organization needs to provide the following information about your LLC:
- The company’s legal name
- A valid business address
- Your chosen registered agent’s name and address
- The nature of your LLC’s operations
- The names and addresses of the company’s members or managers
When can I expect my filing to be processed?
If you submit your Articles of Organization online, the document will be processed immediately. Mail submissions take several weeks to review. For the latter, you can pay an additional fee for expedited processing.
Do online & mail filings cost the same amount?
Each state charges a fixed fee for online and mail filings. However, factors such as the extra costs associated with certified mail determine the total cost of both options.
In general, online filings are more cost-effective than mail filings. They’re also processed immediately, saving you plenty of time. Some states charge a “convenience fee” for online filings, though.
Does online filing make providing additional documents easier?
Yes, online filing makes providing additional documents easier.
Many state business portals will let you upload documents such as IDs, statements of consent, and other required forms. Ultimately, you experience fewer delays in filing your Articles of Organization.
Also, you can change the documents you’ve uploaded. This increases convenience and ensures a complete application.
How do I know whether my filing has been approved?
If you choose online filings, you’ll get real-time updates and confirmation emails. For mail filings, your Secretary of State or equivalent office will send you an approval or rejection letter. Rejection letters usually state why your filing was rejected and how to address the issue.
Can online filings reduce the chance of mistakes or rejected applications?
Yes, online filings can reduce the chance of mistakes or rejected applications.
State business portals use automated systems that check for errors and indicate required fields. As a result, you don’t risk submitting filings without signatures, required information, or outdated details. This leads to faster processing and eventual approval.
What happens if there are errors in my filing?
Online systems flag errors immediately. Then, you’ll be prompted to correct those errors and resubmit your filing.
Conversely, mail filings with errors will be returned to you. You must send the corrected document to your state’s filing office.
Is online filing more secure than mail?
Yes, online filing is more secure than mail.
Advanced encryption, regular backups, and digital authentication protect sensitive information submitted online. Meanwhile, mailed documents can be stolen, misplaced, or damaged before they’re received by the state.
Which states offer the best online filing systems?
The answer depends on the level of functionality of each state’s online filing system.
States such as Nevada, Delaware, and Wyoming maintain online portals with user-friendly interfaces, a full set of services, and real-time status updates. Other jurisdictions may offer basic online filing services for select documents.
Expert Tips From NCH
- Choose expedited processing for time-sensitive LLC launches. Most states can process filings for the Articles of Organization upon receipt or within 24 hours.
- Keep digital copies of all filed documents. Download and backup these documents for accessibility and legal purposes.
- Consider how long it takes to submit the Articles of Organization. Online filings save you more time than mail filings.
- Test your state’s online business portal. It’ll help you choose the best one for the LLC formation process.
- Seek expert assistance for LLC formation in multiple states. Business formation specialists will discuss state-specific requirements and how to adhere to them with you.
Choose the Best Filing Option for Your LLC
While all 50 states allow you to file an LLC’s Articles of Organization online and by mail, you must consider the benefits and drawbacks of each option. We encourage you to use our guide to make the right choice for your new business.
Are you ready to start an LLC? NCH is here to help you register your business with your state.
DISCLAIMER: The above material has been prepared for informational purposes only, containing opinions of the provider and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consider consulting tax, legal, and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.