How to Start an LLC in Washington

Last updated on 05 Apr 2025

How to Form an LLC in Washington | Complete Guide

A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Form an LLC in Washington

Forming an LLC in Washington is a great and efficient means of starting your business while protecting your personal assets. An LLC, or Limited Liability Company, provides legal protection against business debts and liabilities. Although it's a fairly straightforward process, it's best to take the right steps to make sure everything is done correctly.

3 Easy Steps to Start Your LLC in Washington

Select a Name

Choose a unique name for your Washington LLC that complies with state requirements and isn't already in use by another business.

Appoint a Registered Agent

Designate a registered agent who will receive legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of your LLC.

File Formation Documents

Submit your Certificate of Formation to the Washington Secretary of State along with the required filing fee to officially form your LLC.

Formation Process

Select a One-of-a-Kind Name for Your Washington LLC

Selecting the proper name for your Washington LLC is important, and it has to be distinctive. Your LLC name cannot be taken by another company in Washington. You can determine whether your preferred name is available or not by accessing the business name search tool on the Washington Secretary of State's website.

Required Words: Your name for your LLC should contain the words "Limited Liability Company" or an abbreviation like "LLC," "L.L.C.," "Ltd.," "Company," or "Co."
Prohibited Words: Do not use words such as "Agency," "Board," "Bureau," "Commission," "Department," or "Municipal" unless you have been authorized to do so.
Name Restrictions: The name cannot suggest any connection to government agencies, like "State Department" or "FBI."
Domain Name: Also, be sure to see whether the domain name for your LLC is available, as reserving a website domain early can keep others from taking it.

Name a Registered Agent for Your Washington LLC

Washington requires all LLCs to have a registered agent. A registered agent receives legal papers, government communications, and tax alerts on behalf of your LLC.

Agent Options

You have a couple of choices for choosing a registered agent:

Yourself or an LLC member: You may serve as your LLC's registered agent, but you will need to have a Washington physical address and be accessible during regular business hours.
Professional registered agent service: Alternatively, you can outsource a professional registered agent service. They will keep your business in compliance and assist you with staying current on legal and tax deadlines.

Professional Services

Some of the best professional registered agent services in Washington include:

Best Washington Registered Agent Services

ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness is an excellent service for LLC formation and registered agent needs. They offer a worry-free compliance service and charge $199 per year for registered agent services. You'll also get access to a virtual dashboard to manage your LLC's important documents.

Pros:

Affordable, easy-to-use service.
Comprehensive compliance assistance.
Provides a layer of protection for your business from legal notices.

Cons:

Does not support nonprofit LLC structures.

Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent is renowned for its top-notch customer support and emphasis on privacy. Their registered agent service is $125 per year, and they offer a secure online portal to handle your LLC documents.

Pros:

Services LLCs and corporations in all 50 states.
Top-notch customer support with a privacy emphasis.
A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Cons:

Incorporation services are pricier than some competitors.

Submit Your LLC Formation Documents with the State

After you have secured your LLC name and registered agent, you must submit the Certificate of Formation (also known as Articles of Organization) to the Washington Secretary of State. You can submit electronically or by mail.

Filing Options

Online Filing: The quickest option, usually processed in 2 business days.

Mail Filing: If submitting by mail, send your documents to:

Washington Secretary of State
PO Box 40234
Olympia, WA 98504-0234

Filing In Person: Alternatively, you may file in person at:

801 Capitol Way S
Olympia, WA 98501-1226

Filing Fee

The Certificate of Formation filing fee is $200, payable online or check upon mail filing.

After Your LLC is Registered in Washington

Congratulations! Your LLC is formed. There are, however, a few more essential steps to get your business up and running:

Keep Personal and Business Assets Separate

In order to keep the liability protection available through an LLC, it's important to keep your business assets separate from your personal ones. Open up a business bank account to keep your finances in order.

Use an Accountant

An accountant can assist in filling out tax forms and make sure your business doesn't get hit with penalties.

Consider Drafting an Operating Agreement

While not mandated by Washington state law, an LLC operating agreement can prevent future conflicts by clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of LLC members.

Obtain Business Insurance

Even small businesses might want to get business insurance to cover against potential risks and lawsuits. Workers' compensation insurance is also a good idea if you have employees.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to start an LLC in Washington?

It costs $200 to file the Certificate of Formation in Washington. There are extra charges if you pay for expedited processing.

Do I require a DBA (Doing Business As) name in Washington?

No, a DBA is not required unless you intend to conduct business under a name different from your LLC's legal name. If you do decide to use a DBA, you will need to file it with the state.

How long does it take to process the Certificate of Formation?

If you file online, it's usually 2 business days. If you mail in your application, processing may take longer depending on the office workload of the Secretary of State.

Can I become an LLC in Washington if I am not a resident of the state?

Yes, you may create an LLC in Washington even though you are not a resident of the state. You will need to have a registered agent who has a Washington physical address, however.

What are the ongoing requirements for having an LLC in Washington?

Washington does not require LLCs to file annual reports, but your registered agent information must be kept current and you need to keep current with state tax compliance.

Can I rename my LLC in Washington?

Yes, you can rename your LLC by filing Articles of Amendment with the Washington Secretary of State. There is a filing fee for this.

Is an operating agreement necessary for an LLC in Washington?

No, a Washington operating agreement is not mandatory by law, but it is strongly advisable to define the LLC members' roles and responsibilities and prevent future misunderstandings.

Ready to Start Your Washington LLC?

Forming an LLC in Washington is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps. By following this guide and ensuring compliance with state regulations, you'll be well on your way to establishing a successful business with the liability protection you need.

Get Started Today