How to Form an LLC in Wyoming

Step 1: Choose a Name That Meets Wyoming's Rules

Under W.S. 17-29-108, your Wyoming LLC name must include "Limited Liability Company" or an abbreviation such as "LLC," "L.L.C.," "Limited Company," "LC," or "L.C." It must be distinguishable from existing names on file; entity designators, singular and plural forms, "The," "And," "&," spacing, capitalization, and punctuation don't make a name distinguishable. Search the WyoBiz business entity search before filing. If you're not ready to file, reserve an available name for $60; the reservation lasts 120 days.

Step 2: Name a Registered Agent

Wyoming requires a registered agent who is at least 18 and resides in Wyoming, or a business entity authorized to transact business in Wyoming, with a physical Wyoming street address that isn't a P.O. box, drop box, mail-forwarding service, or UPS Store address. The agent must sign a Consent to Appointment that accompanies your filing. A member or manager who is a Wyoming resident and at least 18 can serve as the LLC's registered agent if they consent.

Step 3: File Articles of Organization

File your Limited Liability Company Articles of Organization with the Wyoming Secretary of State's Business Division for $100, online through WyoBiz. Online filings activate the company immediately upon completion. Paper filings are processed in the order received and can take up to 15 business days; Wyoming doesn't offer expedited processing for initial formations, since they can already be completed online with no wait.

Step 4: Get an EIN From the IRS

Once your Articles of Organization are approved, apply for a free EIN directly from the IRS, usually issued immediately through the online application. Have your Wyoming filing information ready, since the application asks for your LLC's exact legal name and formation date.

Step 5: Put an Operating Agreement in Place if You Want One

Wyoming doesn't require an operating agreement by law. Its LLC Act defines one broadly, as oral, written, implied, or any combination, among the members, including a sole member, but it's never filed with the state. Many owners still put one in writing for banking and succession purposes.

Step 6: File Your Annual Report Every Year

Wyoming's Annual Report, with its License Tax, is due every year on the first day of your LLC's anniversary month, filed online through WyoBiz. The tax is $60 or two-tenths of one mill on the dollar ($.0002) of your company's assets located and employed in Wyoming, whichever is greater. Your LLC becomes delinquent the day after the due month ends, and if you still haven't filed within 60 days, the state administratively dissolves it; reinstatement then costs $100. If you'll sell taxable goods or services, register for a Sales/Use Tax License with the Department of Revenue's Excise Tax Division. For the full picture of Wyoming's fees and entity options, see our Wyoming LLC guide.

Wyoming's Low Ongoing Cost Only Helps if You Operate There

Wyoming's lack of state income tax and modest $60 annual report tax make it an inexpensive state to maintain an LLC in. But if you don't live or do business in Wyoming, forming there usually means also registering as a foreign LLC in your home state, which adds a second filing fee and a second registered agent requirement, often erasing the savings.

The Registered Agent Address Rules Are Strict

Wyoming specifically disallows a P.O. box, drop box, mail-forwarding service, or UPS Store address for a registered agent, which is stricter than some other states. If you're acting as your own agent, confirm your address qualifies before you file, since an invalid address can delay approval.

Don't Miss the 60-Day Window Before Dissolution

Wyoming moves relatively quickly from a missed annual report to administrative dissolution, just 60 days past the due date. Set a reminder tied to your specific anniversary month rather than a generic calendar date, since the deadline varies by LLC.

A Series LLC Is a Newer Structure With Less Precedent

Wyoming's series LLC option, at $10 per series, can be a cost-effective way to separate assets or business lines without filing a wholly new LLC for each. But series LLCs are newer than standard LLCs and have less court precedent behind them, and not every state recognizes a Wyoming series the same way. This isn't tax or legal advice; talk to a professional if you're considering a series structure or Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) LLC for a specific purpose.