Washington LLC Cost

The minimum Washington LLC Cost is $180, which covers the processing fee for filing your LLC formation document (known as the Certificate of Formation).

However, the total cost of forming a Washington LLC can vary based on your specific business needs and preferences.

In our Washington LLC Cost article, we provide a detailed breakdown of the costs involved in starting and maintaining an LLC in the state.

More than 84% of our readers form their LLC through a professional service to save time and avoid mistakes.

Northwest ($29 + State Fees)

How Much Does a Washington LLC Cost

Below is a summary of the primary requirements and associated fees for forming a Washington LLC.

	LLC Cost Summary
Requirement	Fee
Certificate of Formation	$180-$200+
Registered Agent	$0-$130+
LLC Name	$0-$35
State Business License	$50+

Washington State LLC Filing Fee ($180-$200+)

To legally register your LLC in Washington, you must submit certain formation documents to the Secretary of State. 

For domestic entities (i.e., those planning to operate within Washington State) this involves filing the Certificate of Formation. Foreign entities must submit a Foreign Registration Statement instead.

The cost is $180 if you file by mail or $200 if you file online through the Washington Corporations and Charities Filing System. 

Additionally, all newly formed LLCs must submit an initial report to the Corporations and Charities Division, which is free if submitted with your formation document or $10 if submitted later (must be submitted within 120 days).

If you choose to use an LLC formation service, the total cost of your LLC’s formation will be slightly higher as it will include a small service fee on top of the state filing fees. 

Formation services generally start at $29, but they can be significantly more expensive (and even more affordable) depending on the service and features you choose. 

Have a look at our in-depth review of the best and most affordable LLC Formation Services in 2024. 

Washington State Registered Agent ($0+)

As part of the LLC formation process, you’ll need to appoint a registered agent. This individual or entity in Washington will accept legal documents and government correspondence on behalf of your business.

While you can act as your own registered agent at no cost, many business owners prefer to hire a professional service in order to avoid penalties for non-compliance and keep their personal information private.

The cost of a registered agent service in Washington is typically between $120 and $300 per annum, with most premium providers offering the first year for free if you form your LLC with them. 

Washington State LLC Name ($0-$35)

While the process of naming your Washington LLC doesn’t incur a direct cost, there are two potential expenses that can be associated with the process.

Reserving a Name

If you have selected a name for your LLC but aren’t ready to form your business, you can reserve that name by filing a Name Reservation Form with the Washington Secretary of State. 

This reservation costs $30 and holds your name for 120 days. After this period, you’ll be able to renew the reservation for another $30 or proceed to form your LLC.

Before reserving a name, we recommend verifying its availability through the Washington Corporations and Charities Filing System website. You should also ensure that its corresponding domain is available, as you’ll need this for your business website.

Doing Business As (DBA) Name

If you plan to operate your business under a name that’s different from your LLC’s registered name, you’ll need to obtain a Doing Business As (DBA) name, which is known as a Trade Name in Washington. 

This costs $5 and is filed through the Secretary of State’s website.

Unlike in most states, DBA names in Washington have no expiration date, and so you won’t need to renew them.

Washington State Business License Fee ($50+)

Washington requires almost all businesses to obtain a state business license. 

This costs $50 and can be applied for online through the My DOR platform or by mail. This license also registers your LLC with the State Departments of Employment Security, Labor & Industries, and Revenue.

Additionally, if your LLC operates in specific industries, you may need to add “endorsements” to your business license. These endorsements can vary widely in cost, ranging from $25 for a lottery retailer to $5,000 for a Transportation Network Company (TNC).

Note: You can find a full list of endorsements and their costs on the Department of Revenue’s State Endorsement Fee Sheet.

Optional Washington State LLC Formation Costs

There are a few additional costs that you may end up having to pay depending on your LLC’s unique needs. 

We’ve broken down the most common ones below. 

Expedited Washington State LLC Filing

The Washington Secretary of State typically processes online filings within two days, with mail submissions taking longer. 

For those interested in faster processing times, the following expedited services are available:

• Two-Day Processing: $100 (mail submissions only)
• Same-Day Processing: $150 (for submissions received before 3:30 p.m.)

These fees apply to both domestic and foreign LLCs.

Local Business Licenses

Depending on your LLC’s location and activities, you may need to obtain a local business license. For example, Aberdeen requires a general business license costing $25, while Black Diamond charges $70, and Algona charges $250.

It’s important to note that local business licenses can be added as endorsements on your Washington state business license application.

Note: For a more precise estimate of local licensing costs, you can refer to the Washington State Department of Revenue’s City Endorsements page. 

Certificate of Existence

A Certificate of Existence is often required to open a business bank account or secure loans. This certificate costs $20 and can be requested online or by mail from the Washington Secretary of State.

Expedited delivery is available for an additional $20 (if online) or $50 (if by mail).

Keep in mind that, for foreign entities, this document is known as a Certificate of Authorization.

Washington State LLC Operating Agreement

While not required by law, it’s recommended that Washington LLCs have an operating agreement. This document outlines the roles and responsibilities of LLC members or managers and can help prevent future disputes.

You can draft your own operating agreement at no cost, or you can hire a service or attorney, typically at a cost of a few hundred dollars. This document is for internal use only and does not need to be filed with the state.

Ongoing Costs to Maintain a Washington State LLC

After forming your LLC, there are a couple of ongoing expenses that you’ll likely need to pay in order to continue operating and maintain your good standing with the state. 

Annual Report

Washington LLCs must file an annual report and pay a $70 filing fee by the last day of the anniversary month of their formation. 

This report can be filed online or by mail, and not filing on time results in a $25 late penalty fee.

Note: Annual reports can be filed up to 180 days before the due date. 

Registered Agent Maintenance

If you choose to use a professional registered agent to handle your legal documents, you’ll need to pay an annual fee for their services. 

The cost of this service varies, typically ranging from $125 to $300 per year, depending on the provider and the features you select. While not mandatory, using a professional registered agent service is often recommended for small business owners as it offers increased privacy and flexibility. 

Ready to Get Started?

Have a look at our LLC Washington LLC Guide (DIY Approach)

Let Northwest Registered Agent handle it for you ($29 + State Fees) 

Washington State LLC vs Other States

While Washington’s LLC formation costs are relatively standard — with an initial fee of at least $180 and ongoing costs of $70 — there are definitely several cheaper alternatives.

Regardless, it’s important to note that the best state to form your LLC in is generally almost always where you will be operating from, and not where the lowest formation fee is. 

This is because this ensures that you will only need to adhere to one state’s regulations — averting a situation where you end up having to pay registration and maintenance fees more than once.