Wyoming LLC formation requirements

How to start an LLC in Wyoming

An LLC business structure offers various benefits, but it’s important to keep your LLC in compliance with state requirements in order to maintain those benefits. Here are some of the critical steps to take when forming an LLC in Wyoming.

Step 1: Decide on a name for your Wyoming LLC

Business owners must take into account a state’s naming requirements for LLCs when deciding on the legal name of their LLC. Here are some of the key requirements for Wyoming LLC names.

• Required words. The name of a Wyoming LLC must end with an LLC designator such as:
  • LLC
  • L.L.C.
  • Limited Liability Company
  • Ltd. Liability Co
  • Limited Company
  • LC
  • Limited
  • Ltd
• Unique. Generally, the name of a Wyoming LLC must not be too similar to the name of another business entity on file with the Wyoming Secretary of State.
• Prohibited or restricted words. Use of words such as, but not limited to, "bank", "academy", and “trust” require approval by the appropriate state department or agency. The name also cannot include words that suggest different types of business structures. (Ex. XYZCorp LLC)

Note: The State of Wyoming requires businesses with names starting with the letter "A" followed by a space to submit a paper filing for manual review. Business names containing special characters must also be filed by paper. (Ex. A & B Consulting).

Read Naming your startup business for more tips.

Step 2: Determine management structure (member vs. manager)

One of the reasons to choose an LLC as your business type is because it allows for flexible management. LLCs offers two management structures: member-managed and manager-managed. (“Member” is the term used for the owner of an LLC.) The difference between the two options comes down to the relationship between management and ownership.

• If an LLC is member-managed, then all members (owners) are active in the decision-making processes.
• If an LLC is manager-managed, then one or more managers are designated to make the day-to-day decisions on its behalf. A manager may be a member or a non-member.

For more information, read our article LLC members vs. LLC managers.

Step 3: Select your Wyoming registered agent

A registered agent is an individual or a company you appoint to receive and forward service of process and other important documents. Wyoming requires that you have a registered agent at the time of an LLC’s formation and maintain an agent throughout the life of your LLC’.

A registered agent must have a physical Wyoming address and be at their registered office during normal business hours. If using a professional registered agent service, that business must be registered or authorized to do business in the state.

Note: When creating an LLC in Wyoming, you will need to submit a completed and signed Consent to Appointment by Registered Agent form along with the LLC formation document.

Step 4: Prepare and file Articles of Organization

The Articles of Organization is the document that officially creates the LLC. When forming an LLC in Wyoming, you must file the Articles of Organization along with a Consent to Appointment by Registered Agent form with the Wyoming Secretary of State’s office.

You should also create an operating agreement for your LLC. Wyoming does not require you to file an operating agreement with the state. However, it is important for every LLC to have an operating agreement, which establishes the rules and structure of the business. See LLC operating agreements for more information.

Step 5: Obtain a federal employer identification number

A federal employer identification number (commonly referred to as an EIN or federal tax ID) is a business identification number issued by the IRS. An EIN is used when filing taxes, and is often used for other important business activities, such as opening a business bank account, obtaining a loan, or paying invoices. For more information, see Do I need an EIN for my LLC? 

Step 6: Meet your license, permit, and registration requirements in Wyoming

Your Wyoming LLC may be required to obtain licenses and permits before it can legally operate in Wyoming. There are many factors that go into determining which licenses, permits, and registrations are required for your business. Sample requirements include the following:

• Business licenses and permits. Your Wyoming LLC may need to obtain various licenses and permits at the federal, state, and local levels before it can legally operate. For example, your business may need to obtain sales and use tax license from the Department of Revenue, a local general business license, and other business- or occupation-related licenses and permits.
• Employee registrations. Employers are required to report the hiring of new or re-hired employees to the Wyoming New Hire Reporting Center and register with the Division of Workers’ Compensation and Unemployment Insurance.
• DBA name registration. Most states and local jurisdictions require a business operating under an assumed or DBA (doing business as name) to submit a registration. Although Wyoming does not require businesses to register a DBA, there is the option to register a DBA by filing an Application for Registration of Trade Name.