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How to start an LLC in Washington: checklist (2026)
To start an LLC in Washington, file the Certificate of Formation - Limited Liability Company with the Washington Secretary of State for $200, 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
Washington checklist
- File the formation document. Certificate of Formation - Limited Liability Company, Washington Secretary of State, $200. $180 filing fee plus the $20 online processing fee.
- Name a registered agent. Required. A commercial registered agent listed with the Secretary of State, a noncommercial agent (any person or business with a Washington address), or the holder of a named position in the company. The agent consents in advance.
- Get an EIN. Free from the IRS online.
- Check licenses. Washington Department of Revenue says: “get a business license if you meet any of the following conditions” (state business license or registration).
- Keep it current. Annual Report, yearly: $70, due last day of the entity's anniversary month.
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 Washington?
The state filing fee is $200 for the Certificate of Formation - Limited Liability Company. The first Annual Report later costs $70.
Do I need a registered agent in Washington?
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.
Do I need a business license in Washington?
Washington Department of Revenue says: “get a business license if you meet any of the following conditions” (state business license or registration).
Sources
- Washington formation fee: Filing fee, official source read 2026-10-01: www.sos.wa.gov/corporations-charities/frequently-asked-questions-faqs/fee-scheduleexpedited-service, checked October 1, 2026
- Washington formation fee: Filing fee, official source read 2026-10-01: www.sos.wa.gov/corporations-charities/business-entities/online-filing-instructions/start-domestic-wa-limited-liability-company-llc-online, checked October 1, 2026
- Washington Secretary of State, Corporations & Charities Division (multira state research spine): ccfs.sos.wa.gov/, checked August 12, 2026
- Washington Secretary of State, Corporations & Charities Division (multira state research spine): www.sos.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2024-04/4.2024%20-%20AR%20-%20Profit%20-%20M&M%20-%20Corp%20Sole.pdf, checked August 12, 2026
- Washington yearly filing: Annual report, official source read 2026-10-01: www.sos.wa.gov/corporations-charities/business-entities/online-filing-instructions/file-annual-report-multiple-entity-types-online, checked October 1, 2026
- Washington report due date (multira state research spine, due dates verified 714/714): app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=23.95.255, checked August 12, 2026
- Washington registered agent statute (RCW 23.95.415): app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=23.95.415, checked October 20, 2026
- Washington Secretary of State: www.sos.wa.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
- Washington Department of Revenue (business license statement): dor.wa.gov/open-business/apply-business-license, checked October 21, 2026