Start an LLC in New Jersey
Start a New Jersey LLC by filing the Public Records Filing for New Business Entity with the New Jersey Division of Revenue for $125.
You can use our free tool to fill out the paperwork right here yourself. Or hire Northwest to do it for you and we’ll provide one year of registered agent service and a business identity—all for $39.
How to Start an LLC in New Jersey
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a permanent public record. Starting one requires sharing personal information with the government, banks, landlords, vendors, and of course, customers. We provide a Free Business Identity to anyone who needs it—that’s a domain name, website, phone line, email address, and Brand Protection on day one. This helps protect your privacy and keep you in control of your intellectual property.
1. Name Your LLC
When naming your LLC, you’ll need to meet basic state requirements—such as including a proper identifier (like “LLC”) and ensuring your name isn’t identical to one already registered in New Jersey. Once you’ve chosen a name, it’s important to run a business name search and check for existing trademarks to avoid potential conflicts.
Beyond these requirements, it’s worth thinking about the bigger picture. Your business name should be easy to spell, pronounce, and remember so customers can find and refer others to you without confusion. It should also reflect your products or services, helping people quickly understand what you offer. Consider whether the name is available as a domain and across social media platforms, so you can build a consistent and recognizable online presence. Taking the time to choose the right name can strengthen your business identity and support your long-term success.
New Jersey only allows out-of-state businesses to use DBA (“doing business as”) names. In-state businesses who want to use a name other than what’s on their LLC’s paperwork must instead register for an alternate name by submitting form C-150G to the New Jersey Division of Revenue. It costs $50 to file.
2. Register Your Domain Name
A domain name is a web address that connects to a website. For example, northwestregisteredagent.com is our domain.
When Northwest forms your LLC, we help you register your domain name in less than 10 minutes and provide you with a customizable website. Don’t need a website yet? We also provide a free business email address attached to your custom domain.
While it’s not required, it’s smart to secure your domain name as soon as you form your LLC, before a competitor can claim it. That way, when you’re ready to launch a business website and create a professional email account, you’ll have a domain that matches (or complements) your registered business name.
3. Appoint a Registered Agent
Your New Jersey registered agent is responsible for accepting important legal mail (called service of process) on your LLC’s behalf and getting it to you quickly. A registered agent must have a physical address in New Jersey and be willing to list that address on your LLC formation documents.
You’re legally required to appoint a registered agent in New Jersey. In fact, you won’t be able to complete your formation paperwork before you have a registered agent.
The registered agent you use is a key part of your business identity. What’s a business identity? It’s the way you present yourself to the world, including potential customers and clients. You start building a business identity as soon as you form a business, and at Northwest, our Registered Agent Service can help strengthen that identity.
You can act as your own registered agent as long as you’re okay with 1) having your address on the public record and 2) maintaining regular business hours at this address.
4. Submit LLC Public Records Filing
Per New Jersey state LLC statutes, to legally form your LLC, you have to file a Public Records Filing for New Business Entity to the New Jersey Division of Revenue. Corporations and limited partnerships also use this form, so you don’t have to fill out every single field. Submit the form online, by mail, or by fax.
If you file online, the state will process your application within 1-2 days of receiving it. If you file by mail or fax and don’t pay extra for expedited service, it could take up to nine weeks to process your LLC’s paperwork.
The costs to form a New Jersey LLC start at $125 to submit a Public Records Filing for New Business Entity to the New Jersey Division of Revenue. There are more fees you’ll need to take into consideration, however.
You can file your LLC formation paperwork online in New Jersey.
The information required on the Public Records Filing includes…
- Company name: Include an indicator like LLC
- Type of entity: List LLC as the entity type
- Business purpose: Keep it brief. For example: deli or bookstore. Or you can add something generic like: performing lawful business in New Jersey.
- Duration: If relevant, add a date for your LLC to automatically dissolve. Most LLCs skip this field.
- Registered agent: This is someone designated to accept service of process on behalf of your LLC.
- Registered office: This must be a physical address in New Jersey where your registered agent is present during office hours.
- Main business address: This address can be outside of New Jersey and does not have to be a physical address.
- Signature: Anyone authorized to do business on behalf of your LLC may sign, including your registered agent. If you hire us, we sign here.
Note: All of the information on this form will become part of the public record. Don’t like the sound of that? Hire a professional registered agent like Northwest!
Your name and address becomes part of the record when you list it on your LLC formation paperwork. This is annoying because it makes it easier for marketers to target you with junk mail. To avoid that, hire a registered agent company like Northwest. We put our information on the form wherever we can, helping you keep your private information protected.
Fast Local
NJ LLC Registration
Get Help Today
Create an Operating Agreement
An operating agreement is an internal document that describes the ins and outs of how your business will be run. It should go into almost painful detail about everything from how voting works to how the LLC handles disputes. Even if you’re the only member of an LLC, you still need an operating agreement to do things like open bank accounts.
An operating agreement is a complex document. Check out our New Jersey operating agreement we had our attorneys draft up for you.
No, New Jersey law does not require any sort of operating agreement. But you still need to make one, because an operating agreement is a legally binding document that details how your LLC will handle everything from membership transfers to allocating profits and losses.
You should also put your operating agreement in writing. A written operating agreement holds up better if you find yourself involved in a court dispute with, say, another member of your LLC.
You can tailor your operating agreement to your LLC’s needs, but at minimum, the document should cover the following:
- Profits, losses, and distributions
- Initial investments
- Voting rights and decision-making powers
- Transfer of membership interest
- Dissolving the business
You’ll also want to include the structure and management type for your LLC in your operating agreement. There are many types of LLC structures and formations from single member to multi-member and so many more.
Get an EIN
Next, you’ll need to get an EIN (also called an FEIN, Federal Employer Identification Number, or Tax ID Number). This is the number your LLC will use for tax purposes.
You can apply for an EIN from the IRS for free online (fastest), by mail, fax, or over the phone (for international applicants only).
Multi-member LLCs and all businesses with employees are required to have an EIN. But even if you don’t have employees and will be running a single-member LLC, you may need an EIN to open a bank account for your business. Giving out your EIN is also more secure than listing your Social Security number.
Note: You can hire us to get your EIN for your LLC.
A New Jersey entity ID is not the same as an EIN. An EIN is issued by the IRS, while the State of New Jersey issues NJ entity IDs. However, the NJ entity ID will start with the same numbers as your EIN, plus three additional numbers at the end.
File Your Annual Report
Your New Jersey Annual Report is due at the end of your LLC’s anniversary month. So if you formed your LLC on May 14, your annual report would be due by May 31 the next year (and every subsequent year). It costs $75 to file a New Jersey Annual Report, and the filing must be submitted online. We can also file your annual report for you.
All LLCs that do business in New Jersey are required to file an annual report. The main purpose of filing an annual report is to make sure the state has up-to-date contact information for your LLC.
The State of New Jersey will eventually dissolve your LLC if you don’t file your annual report.
LLCs are taxed as pass-through entities by default in New Jersey. As an alternative, they can file paperwork with the IRS to be taxed as an S-corp or a C-corp.
You’ll want to check with your local county clerk to see if your LLC will need any business licenses or permits. New Jersey, however, does not require a state general business license.
*This is informational commentary, not advice. This information is intended strictly for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or a substitute for legal counsel. This information is not intended to create, nor does your receipt, viewing, or use of it constitute, an attorney-client relationship. More information is available in our Terms of Service.
Ready to Start an LLC in New Jersey?
