How to form an LLC in New Jersey
File a Certificate of Formation (Public Records Filing for New Business Entity) with the NJ Department of the Treasury, Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (DORES). State filing fee $100.
Due to form
$100
State filing fee
How to file
Online or by mail
Online filings typically immediate; mail standard queue; expedite options listed.
Keeping it active
Annual Report
Last day of the anniversary month of formation · $75
The steps in New Jersey
- 1
Choose a name
It must be distinguishable from other businesses on file and end with “Limited Liability Company”, “LLC”, “L.L.C.”. Must be distinguishable; reservation $50 (N.J.S. 42:2C-93). You can reserve a name first for $50 (optional).
- 2
Appoint a registered agent
One agent (individual or registered corporation in good standing) with NJ street registered office; PO box only alongside street address.
- 3
File the Certificate of Formation (Public Records Filing for New Business Entity)
File with the NJ Department of the Treasury, Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (DORES). You can file online or by mail. New Jersey requires its own form or online system: LLCPros gives you a worksheet with every answer to copy in. Fee: $100.
- 4
Sign an operating agreement
Not filed with the state, and not required by New Jersey law, but banks and partners often ask for one. LLCPros prepares one from your answers.
- 5
Get an EIN and keep up with reports
Get a free Employer Identification Number from the IRS, open a business bank account, then file the Annual Report (last day of the anniversary month of formation).
Fees
| Filing fee — Certificate of Formation (Public Records Filing for New Business Entity) | $100 |
| Optional: Expedited (8.5 business hours) expedite | +$25 |
| Optional: Same-day fax expedite | +$50 |
| Optional: 2-hour expedite | +$500 |
| Optional: 1-hour expedite | +$1,000 |
| Optional: name reservation | $50 |
| Later: Annual Report | $75 |
Formation fee cut from $125 to $100 by P.L.2026, c.24, effective July 1, 2026. Fax-back $0.10/page.
State taxes to know about
LLCs taxed as partnerships with more than 2 owners owe NJ partnership filing fee ($150 per owner, capped); otherwise per federal classification.
Questions about New Jersey LLCs
›How much does it cost to form an LLC in New Jersey?
The New Jersey filing fee for the Certificate of Formation (Public Records Filing for New Business Entity) is $100. Optional expedited processing costs more.
›What document forms an LLC in New Jersey?
You file a Certificate of Formation (Public Records Filing for New Business Entity) with the NJ Department of the Treasury, Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (DORES).
›Does New Jersey require a registered agent?
Yes. One agent (individual or registered corporation in good standing) with NJ street registered office; PO box only alongside street address.
›Does a New Jersey LLC file an annual report?
Yes: the Annual Report, last day of the anniversary month of formation, fee $75.
Double-check with the state
We could not confirm these on an official New Jersey page when we last checked (November 12, 2026). Your filing plan lists them too.
- When the annual (or biennial) report is due, and its fee
- Expedited filing options and their fees
- The current filing fee and any service charge
- Exactly what the state’s form or online filing asks for