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Class 1 · Idaho

How to Start an LLC in Idaho (2026): 7 Steps and the 3 Best LLC Services

Here is the 2026 answer for starting an LLC in Idaho: Mainstay Filing ($199), Idaho Registered Agent.co ($199) and ID Registered Agent.org ($199), ranked in that order. After the picks come 7 short steps; the state's own charge to file is $100.

The Founder Classroom teaching team ·

Before you start

Fee to file
$100As listed on legislature.idaho.gov in October 2026
Annual report
No feeNext one due last day of the entity's anniversary month
State total, years 1 to 3
$100State charges only
Lesson steps
7Each one explained

In this lesson

  • Where and how to file in Idaho
  • What the agent rule says
  • The yearly upkeep
  • Which services we would use, and why

Teacher's pick

Who we'd use in Idaho

Same five criteria in every state; see how we grade.
Our pick

1. Mainstay Filing: best for skipping the annual report paperwork

$199 a year

For most new founders in Idaho, Mainstay Filing: the yearly $199 covers three lesson steps at once: filing, agent and annual report.

Over three years it costs $200 more than Idaho Registered Agent.co, and our grading puts the extra steps it handles ahead of that.

Filing the annual report is included, and the state charges no fee.

What you get

  • Filing with the state
  • Registered agent for the full year
  • Annual report filed each cycle
  • EIN application
  • State fee passed through at cost

What we like

  • $199 yearly, all in one
  • Renews at $199
  • No extra charge for the EIN application

Watch out for

  • Renews $100 higher than Idaho Registered Agent.co
Visit Mainstay FilingPartner link. We may earn money if you buy.
In-state service

2. Idaho Registered Agent.co: best for a low-cost Idaho start

$199 in year one, $99 after

Number 2 is Idaho Registered Agent.co: $199 up front with a free first agent year, $99 yearly from year two.

The annual report is not part of its price.

What you get

  • The formation filing
  • First year of agent service

What we like

  • Formation fee $199
  • Year one of agent service in the price
  • $99 a year after that

Watch out for

  • Does not file the annual report
  • EIN application not included ($99)
Visit Idaho Registered Agent.coPartner link. We may earn money if you buy.
In-state service

3. ID Registered Agent.org: best for a low agent renewal

$199 in year one, $99 after

Number 3 is ID Registered Agent.org: $199 up front with a free first agent year, $99 yearly from year two.

The annual report is not part of its price.

Same published prices as Idaho Registered Agent.co.

What you get

  • The formation filing
  • First year of agent service

What we like

  • Formation fee $199
  • $99 a year after that
  • Year one of agent service in the price

Watch out for

  • Does not file the annual report
  • EIN application not included ($99)
Visit ID Registered Agent.orgPartner link. We may earn money if you buy.

Compare the picks

#ServiceFirst yearFrom year twoThree-year total
1Mainstay Filing$199$199/yr$597Visit Mainstay FilingPartner link. We may earn money if you buy.
2Idaho Registered Agent.co$199$99/yr$397Visit Idaho Registered Agent.coPartner link. We may earn money if you buy.
3ID Registered Agent.org$199$99/yr$397Visit ID Registered Agent.orgPartner link. We may earn money if you buy.
Each company's listed price on November 12, 2026. Plus the $100 state fee in each case.

Starting an LLC in Idaho, step by step

  1. Step 1: Choose a name and check it is free

    Pick a name, then check it against the records at the Idaho Secretary of State so no other company already holds it.

    TipKeep a backup name handy.

  2. Step 2: Choose who will be the registered agent

    Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address. An Idaho resident, or a business entity authorized to do business in Idaho. An assumed business name (DBA) cannot serve.

    The address has to be a physical street address in Idaho. P.O. boxes and commercial mailboxes are not accepted.

    TipEach pick above can serve as the registered agent.

    Official source: As listed on legislature.idaho.gov in October 2026

  3. Step 3: Choose between doing it yourself and a service

    You can do this on your own for $100, or hand it to a service we picked for $199 on top.

  4. Step 4: Send in the Certificate of Organization Limited Liability Company

    The Idaho Secretary of State receives the Certificate of Organization Limited Liability Company along with $100, under Idaho Code § 30-25-201. Expect processing of About 7 to 10 days.

    Official source: As listed on legislature.idaho.gov in October 2026

  5. Step 5: Get your EIN

    The EIN is the company's federal tax number. It comes from the IRS once the state has approved the LLC. If you use Mainstay Filing, the EIN application is included.

  6. Step 6: Sign an operating agreement

    Even with one owner, a written operating agreement for the Idaho LLC is worth having in your records.

  7. Step 7: Stay in good standing with Idaho

    After year one the main job is the annual report (no fee, every year, by last day of the entity's anniversary month).

    Official source: As listed on legislature.idaho.gov in October 2026

The cost of this lesson

ItemPaid toAmount
The formation stepPaid to the state$100
Annual reportPaid to the stateNo fee
Help from a serviceThe service$199 up front
State fees, years one to threePaid to the state$100
Official state fees, cited under References. Three-year state total = filing + reports in years two and three + any minimum tax.

Why this order

The grade turned on lesson steps handled (35%), where Mainstay Filing came out ahead of Idaho Registered Agent.co.

Having the annual report handled outweighed Idaho Registered Agent.co's lower three-year cost.

Check your understanding

What does it cost to form an LLC in Idaho?

Idaho charges $100. With a service, add $199.

Which form creates the LLC?

It is called the Certificate of Organization Limited Liability Company, and it goes to the Idaho Secretary of State.

Is a registered agent required?

Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.

How long does Idaho take to process the filing?

Usually About 7 to 10 days.

What does Idaho require each year?

The annual report: no fee, every year, due last day of the entity's anniversary month.

Can I form the LLC without a service?

Yes, by filing yourself for $100 and naming a registered agent.

Which LLC service should a first-time founder use?

Mainstay Filing, Idaho Registered Agent.co and ID Registered Agent.org, ranked in that order.

Next up

Official references

  1. Idaho yearly filing: Annual report: due date, official (legislature.idaho.gov), confirmed October 2026
  2. Idaho Code § 30-25-201 (legislature.idaho.gov), confirmed August 2026
  3. Idaho formation fee: Filing fee, official source (sos.idaho.gov), confirmed October 2026
  4. Idaho formation fee: Filing fee, official source (legislature.idaho.gov), confirmed October 2026
  5. Idaho registered agent statute (legislature.idaho.gov), confirmed October 2026
  6. Processing, official source (sos.idaho.gov), confirmed October 2026
  7. Prices from Mainstay Filing's Idaho service page, November 12, 2026
  8. Prices from Idaho Registered Agent.co's pricing page, November 12, 2026
  9. Prices from ID Registered Agent.org's pricing page, November 12, 2026