How to Start an LLC in Washington (2026): 7 Steps and the 2 Best LLC Services
Lesson answer for Washington in 2026: if you want help with starting an LLC, use WA Registered Agent.org ($199) and Mainstay Filing ($199), in that order. After the picks come 7 short steps; the state's own charge to file is $200.
$70 a yearFiled and paid last day of the entity's anniversary month
Three years of state fees
$340Filing plus the recurring state fees
How many steps
7In order
Lesson goals
How the Washington formation filing works
What the registered agent rule asks of you
How to stay in good standing
Which services we would use, and why
Teacher's pick
Washington: our recommended services
Same five criteria in every state; see how we grade.
Our pick
1. WA Registered Agent.org: best for a small first bill
Formation $199 · renewal $99 a year
For most new founders in Washington, WA Registered Agent.org: it forms the Washington LLC for $199, agent included for year one and renews the agent at $99.
Three-year cost below Mainstay Filing gives it the top spot.
You file the annual report on your own every year.
Company prices as published on November 12, 2026. Add Washington's $200 fee to each row.
Starting an LLC in Washington, step by step
Step1
Step 1: Name the company
Your first homework: search the state's business records for the name you want. The Washington Secretary of State keeps that list.
TipWrite down two backup names before you search.
Step2
Step 2: Pick your registered agent
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address. 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.
The address has to be a physical street address in Washington. P.O. boxes and private mailboxes are not accepted.
TipEvery service in our picks can act as your registered agent.
Official source: Source: app.leg.wa.gov, confirmed October 2026
Step3
Step 3: File it yourself, or hire it out
Doing it yourself costs $200. Using one of our picks adds $199, and the agent comes with it.
Step4
Step 4: File Certificate of Formation - Limited Liability Company
Complete the Certificate of Formation - Limited Liability Company, pay $200 and file it with the Washington Secretary of State.
Official source: Source: sos.wa.gov, confirmed October 2026
Step5
Step 5: Request an EIN
When the approval arrives, apply to the IRS for the EIN. Your bank will want it for the business account. Mainstay Filing's yearly price includes the EIN application.
Step6
Step 6: Agree the house rules in writing
Even with one owner, a written operating agreement for the Washington LLC is worth having in your records.
Step7
Step 7: Keep the LLC active
The LLC stays active by filing the annual report every year and paying $70; the deadline is last day of the entity's anniversary month. Late: $25 added.
Official source: Source: sos.wa.gov, confirmed October 2026
Washington costs by step
Cost item
Payee
Cost
Forming the LLC
State
$200
Annual report
State
$70 every year
Late fee
State
$25
Optional service
Service
$199 to start
State fees, years one to three
State
$340
Official state fees, cited under References. Three-year state total = filing + reports in years two and three + any minimum tax.
Why this order
Lesson note: first place in Washington came down to three-year cost, worth 30% of the grade.
The three-year bill with WA Registered Agent.org is $397, and the gap to Mainstay Filing is $200.
Common questions
What does it cost to form an LLC in Washington?
Washington charges $200. With a service, add $199.
Which form creates the LLC?
It is called the Certificate of Formation - Limited Liability Company, and it goes to the Washington Secretary of State.
Is a registered agent required?
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.
What does Washington require each year?
The annual report: $70, every year, due last day of the entity's anniversary month.
Can I form the LLC without a service?
Yes. The state accepts filings from owners directly; budget $200 plus a registered agent.
Which LLC service should a first-time founder use?
In order: WA Registered Agent.org and Mainstay Filing. WA Registered Agent.org comes first because a $199 formation fee and $99 a year for the agent after that.