Start a Business by State › Delaware
How to start an LLC in Delaware: checklist (2026)
To start an LLC in Delaware, file the Certificate of Formation of a Limited Liability Company with the Delaware Secretary of State for $110, name a registered agent, get a free EIN and check your local licenses. Mainstay Filing, our best overall pick, does the filing, the agent, the EIN application and the report for $199 a year.
- Official sources, checked October 20, 2026
Delaware checklist
- File the formation document. Certificate of Formation of a Limited Liability Company, Delaware Secretary of State, $110.
- Name a registered agent. Required. The LLC itself, a Delaware resident, or a business entity formed in Delaware or authorized to do business there.
- Get an EIN. Free from the IRS online.
- Check licenses. Delaware Division of Revenue says: “All businesses operating in Delaware need a business license from Division of Revenue.” (state business license or registration).
- Keep it current. Annual LLC Tax, yearly: $400, due annual alternative-entity tax due on or before june 1.
Mainstay Filing
$199 / year, same at renewal
- LLC formation, prepared and filed
- Registered agent, all year
- EIN application (with an SSN or ITIN)
- Annual report filed every year it is due where the state requires one
- Compliance reminders and stored documents
Price from the Mainstay Filing pricing and FAQ pages, checked October 21, 2026. State fees are passed through at cost and shown before you pay.
Questions
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Delaware?
The state filing fee is $110 for the Certificate of Formation of a Limited Liability Company. The first Annual LLC Tax later costs $400.
Do I need a registered agent in Delaware?
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.
Do I need a business license in Delaware?
Delaware Division of Revenue says: “All businesses operating in Delaware need a business license from Division of Revenue.” (state business license or registration).
Sources
- 6 Del. C. § 18-201 (Certificate of formation); filing fees under 6 Del. C. § 18-1105(a)(3) (multira state research spine): delcode.delaware.gov/title6/c018/sc02/index.html, checked August 12, 2026
- Delaware formation fee: Filing fee, official source read 2026-10-01: delcode.delaware.gov/title6/c018/sc11/index.html, checked October 1, 2026
- Delaware yearly filing: Recurring obligation, official source read 2026-10-01: corp.delaware.gov/alt-entitytaxinstructions/, checked October 1, 2026
- Delaware yearly filing: Recurring obligation, official source read 2026-10-01: corp.delaware.gov/paytaxes/, checked October 1, 2026
- Delaware yearly filing: HB 400, official source read 2026-10-01: legis.delaware.gov/json/BillDetail/GetPdfDocument?fileAttachmentId=653909, checked October 1, 2026
- Delaware registered agent statute (6 Del. C. § 18-104): delcode.delaware.gov/title6/c018/sc01/index.html, checked October 20, 2026
- Delaware Secretary of State: corp.delaware.gov/, checked October 20, 2026
- IRS: Get an employer identification number: www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number, checked October 21, 2026
- Delaware Division of Revenue (business license statement): firststeps.delaware.gov/general_business_license/, checked October 21, 2026