How to Start an LLC in Washington

Step 1: Name Your Washington LLC

Before you get started, you will need to pick a suitable name for your Washington LLC. 

This will need to comply with all applicable naming requirements under Washington law and be both succinct and memorable, as this will make it easily searchable by your potential clients.

1. Washington LLC Naming Guidelines

• Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
• Your name cannot include words that could confuse your LLC with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
• Restricted words (e.g., Bank, Attorney, University) may require additional paperwork and a licensed individual, such as a doctor or lawyer, to be part of your LLC.
• An LLC’s name cannot contain words or phrases like “Cooperative,” “partnership,” “corporation,” “incorporated,” or the abbreviations “Corp.,” “Ltd.,” or “Inc.,” or “LP,” “L.P.,” “LLP,” “L.L.P.,” “LLLP,” “L.L.L.P.”
• Professional LLCs must include either “professional limited liability company,” or “professional limited liability” and the abbreviation “Co.,” or the abbreviation “P.L.L.C.” or “PLLC.”
• Any PLLCs organized to render dental services must include the full names or surnames of all members, and no other word than “chartered” or “professional services” or the abbreviation “P.L.L.C.” or “PLLC.”

For more information, have a look at Washington State’s Official Naming Guidelines.

2. Washington Name Availability Search

To check whether your desired name has already been taken by another business entity in Washington, you can perform an Advanced Business Search on the Washington Corporations and Charities Filing System website.

If you’re not going to start your LLC right away, it might be a good idea to consider reserving your name for up to 180 days ($30 processing fee).

For more information, you can have a look at our Washington LLC Name Search guide.

3. Finding the Right Domain

You should check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don’t plan to make a business website right away, this is an extremely important step as it will prevent others from acquiring it, potentially saving you both time and money in the long term.

Once you have verified your name is available, you may now select a professional service to complete the LLC formation process for you.

FAQ: Naming a Washington LLC

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent in Washington

After you find the right name for your LLC, you will need to nominate a Washington registered agent. This is a necessary step in your Certificate of Formation (i.e., the document used to file and register your LLC with the Secretary of State).

What is a registered agent?

A registered agent is an individual or business entity responsible for receiving important tax forms, legal documents, notice of lawsuits, and official government correspondence on behalf of your business. You can think of your registered agent as your business’s primary point of contact with the state.

Who can be a registered agent?

A registered agent must be a resident of Washington or a business entity, such as a registered agent service, authorized to transact business in the State of Washington. You can choose to elect an individual within the company (e.g., yourself, etc.), use an attorney (not recommended due to the high cost), or go with a registered agent service.

It’s worth noting that, under Chapter 23.95 of the Washington State Legislature, to appoint a commercial registered agent in Washington State, the individual or entity must deliver a Commercial Registered Agent Listing Statement to the Office of the Secretary of State. This document should contain:

• The name of the individual or the name, type, and jurisdiction the entity was formed in.
• A declaration that the person is in the business of serving as a commercial registered agent in Washington State.
• The address of a business location in Washington State where service of process, notices, and demands can be delivered.

On top of this, the person or entity filing this statement must have a name that is distinguishable from all other commercial registered agents listed in the state records. 

FAQ: Nominating a Registered Agent

Step 3: File the Washington LLC Certificate of Formation

To register your Washington LLC, you’ll need to file the Certificate of Formation with the Washington Secretary of State. You can do this online, by mail, or in person.

Before filing, make sure you have completed your Certificate of Formation correctly. You will need to have filled in the following sections:

• Your LLC’s entity name
• Your reservation number (if you have a name reserved)
• Your LLC’s period of duration
• The effective date of this Certificate of Formation
• Whether your registered agent is a commercial registered agent
• The name and address of your registered agent
• Your LLC’s principal office
• The return address for this filing
• The name, address, and signature of the executor

Note: You can file your Initial Report alongside your Certificate of Formation online at no extra cost. If done separately, this report must be submitted within 120 days of formation and will cost $10 by mail.

File the Certificate of Formation

OPTION 1: File Online With the State of Washington

File Online

– OR –

OPTION 2: File By Mail

Download Form

State Filing Cost: $180 for filing by mail or $200 online, payable to the Secretary of State (nonrefundable).

Mail to:
Secretary of State
Corporations Division
P.O. Box 40234

Submit In-Person:
Secretary of State
Corporations Division
801 Capitol Way S
Olympia, WA 98501

Initial Report: The Initial Report is included with the online filing at no cost. If it is filed at a later date (within 120 days), it is $10. Expedited Services are available for an additional $50

For help with completing the form, visit our Washington Certificate of Formation guide.

Note: If you’re expanding your existing business to the state of Washington, you’ll need to register as a foreign limited liability company (LLC).

FAQ: Filing Washington LLC Documents

Step 4: Create a Washington LLC Operating Agreement

An operating agreement isn’t required for forming an LLC in Washington State, but it’s a good practice to have one.

What is an operating agreement? An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

Why are operating agreements important? A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

You can use the free tool in our Business Center to create a custom operating agreement in minutes — or download our free templates:

• Washington Single-Member LLC Operating Agreement
• Washington Multi-Member LLC Operating Agreement

FAQ: Creating a Washington LLC Operating Agreement

Step 5: Get a Washington LLC EIN

You can get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for free. It is used to identify business entities and keep track of a business’s tax reporting. It is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for the company.

Why do I need an EIN? An EIN is required for the following:

• To open a business bank account for the company
• For federal and state tax purposes
• To hire employees for the company

Where do I get an EIN? An EIN is obtained from the IRS (free of charge) by LLC owners after forming the company. This can be done online or by mail.

FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS: You do not need an SSN to get an EIN. Learn more here.

Get an EIN

Option 1: Request an EIN from the IRS

Apply Online

– OR –

Option 2: Apply for an EIN by Mail or Fax

Download Form

Mail to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999

Fax: (855) 641-6935

Fee: Free

FAQ: Getting an EIN

Best LLC Services in Washington Compared

For a comprehensive comparison, read our Best LLC Service guide. We reviewed and ranked the top LLC formation services to help you determine the best fit for your new business.

Important Next Steps to Protect Your Washington LLC

After you’ve formed your LLC, you’ll need to complete several key steps in order to:

• Separate your personal and business assets
• Stay compliant with state and federal laws

1. Get a Business Bank Account and Credit Card

Getting a dedicated business bank account is an essential part of operating legitimately because it keeps your personal and business assets separate therefore helping to shield your personal limited liability. 

Skipping this step can often lead to:

• Courts determining you haven’t been treating your LLC as a separate entity
• Your “corporate veil” being pierced, meaning you’ll no longer benefit from limited liability in law. 

Recommended: Read our Best Business Bank Accounts for LLCs in 2026 review. 

You also may choose to acquire a corporate credit card if you’re interested in building your LLC’s credit and potentially raising capital down the line. 

2. Obtain a State Business License

Washington requires almost all LLCs to apply for a state business license in order to operate legitimately. 

That said, your exact requirements will ultimately depend on your location and industry because business licensing is regulated at the local, state, and federal levels.

• Local Licenses: You’ll need to check with your city or county clerk’s office to identify any local licensing requirements, such as zoning permits or health department approvals, your LLC will need. 
• State-Level Licenses: You’ll need to apply for a Washington state business license either online through the My DOR portal or by mailing a completed Business License Application to the Washington State Department of Revenue. While the basic fee is $50, the total cost will vary based on the type and number of endorsements your business will require.
• Federal Licenses: While most Washington LLCs won’t be subject to federal regulation, those involved in heavily regulated industries (e.g., agriculture, alcohol, and firearms) will. Visit the U.S. Small Business Administration’s website to find the relevant federal agency you’ll need to contact.

For more information on this topic, read our Washington Business License guide. If you’d rather have a service handle this step for you, we recommend checking out LegalZoom’s Business License service.

3. Understand Your Washington LLC Tax Obligations

Washington LLCs aren’t all taxed in the same way because LLCs are taxed as pass-through entities by default. That means they’re largely taxed similarly to sole proprietors — the business gets paid, the profits pass to you as the owner, and you get taxed. There is no “corporate” tax involved. 

Federal Tax Implications

You’ll need to submit personal income tax returns using either Form 1040 (for single member LLCs) or Form 1065 (for multi-member LLCs). If you have employees, you’ll also be subject to federal income tax withholding. 

State Tax Implications

Washington doesn’t impose a personal income tax or a corporate income tax. That said, most LLCs will still need to register for and pay the Business & Occupation (B&O) tax, which is a gross receipts tax applied to your LLC’s total revenue. In addition, if your LLC will sell physical goods or certain services, you may also need to collect and remit Washington’s state sales tax (6.5%).

Local Tax Implications

Some Washington cities — including Seattle, Tacoma, and Bellingham — impose their own local B&O taxes, which are calculated separately and collected in addition to the state B&O tax. If your LLC owns property, you also may be responsible for county-level property taxes.

For more information on the Washington-specific LLC tax obligations that may apply to you, check out our in-depth Washington State LLC Taxes guide. Alternatively, you can schedule a free online consultation with 1800-Accountant for all your tax-related questions. 

4. Get Business Insurance for Your LLC in Washington

Even though an LLC offers limited liability, you’ll still likely need to purchase some form of business insurance to protect your LLC’s assets. 

This is because an LLC’s default limited liability protects your personal assets, not the business’s. Some of the most common types of business insurance include:

• General Liability Insurance: This is a broad insurance policy that protects your business from lawsuits. Most small businesses end up getting general liability insurance.
• Professional Liability Insurance: This is a business insurance policy for professional service providers (consultants, accountants, etc.) that covers your LLC against claims of malpractice and other business errors.
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: This insurance covers medical costs and lost wages if an employee is injured on the job. It’s legally required in Washington for any business with one or more employees.

Want to learn exactly what coverage your business may need? Read our full Washington Business Insurance guide.

5. Learn How to Properly Sign Your LLC’s Legal Documents

Improperly signing a document as yourself and not as a representative of the business can leave you open to personal liability. 

When signing legal documents on behalf of your company, you we recommend following this formula to avoid any problems:

• Formal name of your business
• Your signature
• Your name
• Your position in the business as its authorized representative

It’s important to be consistent and sign all official documents using this format. This’ll help protect your personal assets by clearly showing that the agreement is with the LLC, not you as an individual.

6. Submit an Annual Report for Your Washington LLC