How to Form an LLC in Washington
Washington reviews filings, typically within about five business days on the standard queue. Here is what it costs, how long it takes, and what you get.
| Total cost, standard filing | $299 |
|---|---|
| Total cost, expedited filing | $399 |
| State filing fee | Included |
| State form filed | Certificate of Formation with Initial Report |
| You receive | Certificate of Formation |
What it costs
Forming an LLC in Washington costs $299 in total. That is one price covering both the Washington Secretary of State's filing fee, which we pay on your behalf, and our service for preparing and filing the paperwork. There is nothing else to pay to get your LLC formed.
How long it takes
Washington reviews filings, typically within about five business days on the standard queue. We track the filing and deliver the sealed Certificate of Formation as soon as the state issues it. Washington sells a genuine priority tier, and our expedited option buys the state's three-business-day review.
Where Washington filings get tripped up
These are the things we have actually run into filing in Washington, in plain English.
- The initial report is free if it is filed with the formation
- Washington lets you defer the initial report, which then becomes a separate filing due within 120 days. Filing it alongside the formation costs nothing extra and removes the follow-up entirely, so that is what we do.
- Your UBI number is issued at approval, not at submission
- Washington's business identifier — the number banks and agencies will ask for — comes with the certificate, not with the payment confirmation. Nothing has gone wrong if you do not have one yet.
- The state standardises your address
- Washington runs your address through a postal validator that abbreviates street types and appends a ZIP+4. The address on your certificate may read slightly differently from how you wrote it.
What we need from you
Your business name, the address for the company, and the names of the members. That is the whole application, and it takes a few minutes. We prepare and file the Certificate of Formation with Initial Report for you, and handle the state's payment.
What you get
Your stamped Certificate of Formation from the state, delivered straight to your account as soon as Washington issues it. From there you can add an EIN, an operating agreement, membership certificates, or registered agent service.
Start your Washington LLC — $299One price. The Washington state filing fee is included.
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Common questions
- How much does it cost to form an LLC in Washington?
- $299 total for standard filing, with the Washington state filing fee included in that price. Expedited filing is $399. There are no other fees to get your LLC formed.
- How long does it take to form an LLC in Washington?
- Washington reviews filings, typically within about five business days on the standard queue. We track the filing and deliver the sealed Certificate of Formation as soon as the state issues it.
- What do I receive?
- Your stamped Certificate of Formation from the Washington Secretary of State, delivered to your account. You can add an EIN, an operating agreement, and registered agent service at checkout or afterwards.
- Do I need a registered agent in Washington?
- Yes. Every Washington LLC must keep a registered agent with a physical address in the state to receive legal mail. You can serve as your own, or use our service to keep your home address off the public record.