How to Register a Corporation in Wyoming: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2026

Wyoming earned its reputation as America's privacy capital when it created the first LLC law in 1977. Nearly five decades later, business owners who value confidentiality still choose Wyoming above all other states. Privacy isn't the only advantage, the Wyoming corporate filings combine low costs, minimal taxes, and simple compliance requirements.

Entrepreneurs appreciate Wyoming's straightforward approach. The state charges just $100 to incorporate. Annual costs stay at $60 or less for most businesses. There's no corporate income tax. Personal income taxes don't exist. Director and shareholder names never appear in public records. Asset protection laws provide stronger shields than nearly any other jurisdiction.

Starting a c corporation formation Wyoming protects you in multiple ways. Personal liability stays separate from business obligations. Privacy remains intact—ownership details stay confidential. Costs stay remarkably low compared to Delaware or Nevada. Compliance requirements remain minimal with just one annual filing. These factors make Wyoming ideal for business owners prioritizing privacy and asset protection.

This guide walks you through how to register a corporation in Wyoming in 2026, step by step.

What is a Wyoming corporation?

Wyoming corporations function as independent legal entities under state law. The corporation exists separately from its owners. Shareholders aren't personally liable for corporate debts or obligations. Their risk stays limited to their stock investment.

Step 1: Choose a unique corporate name

Your corporation needs a name that distinguishes it from existing Wyoming businesses. The Secretary of State maintains records of all registered names.

Wyoming naming requirements

Include one of these designations in your name:

• Corporation
• Incorporated
• Company
• Limited
• Abbreviations work: Corp., Inc., Co., or Ltd.

Valid names: Mountain Tech Corporation, Yellowstone Capital Inc., Frontier Holdings Company, Range Ventures Ltd.

Avoid restricted words like "bank," "insurance," or "trust" without appropriate state licenses.

Checking availability

Search Wyoming's business database at wyobiz.wyo.gov/Business/FilingSearch.aspx. The search shows whether your desired name is available.

Already taken? Modify your choice. Add descriptive words. Rearrange elements. Consider geographic references like "Jackson Hole" or "Bighorn."

Name reservation option

You can reserve an available name for 120 days. The reservation costs $10 and gives you time to prepare formation documents.

Many people skip reservations entirely. They file Articles of Incorporation immediately after confirming name availability.

Step 2: Appoint a Wyoming registered agent

Wyoming law mandates that every corporation maintain a registered agent. This requirement starts at formation and continues throughout the corporation's existence.

Agent qualifications

Your registered agent must satisfy specific criteria:

• Physical Wyoming street address (P.O. boxes are prohibited)
• Availability during standard business hours for document acceptance
• Wyoming residency or state authorization to conduct business
• Age 18 or older for individual agents
• Written consent acknowledging the appointment

You can serve as your own agent with a Wyoming address. Most out-of-state owners hire professional services.

Professional agent fees

Commercial registered agent services charge $50-$125 annually. Some formation companies bundle first-year service at no extra charge.

Your Articles of Incorporation must identify your agent's name and address. Written consent from the agent is mandatory.

Step 3: Determine authorized shares

Before filing, decide how many shares your corporation can issue. This number appears in your Articles of Incorporation.

Share concepts explained

Authorized shares represent your legal maximum. Your formation document establishes this ceiling.

Issued shares are shares actually distributed to shareholders. This number typically stays well below your authorized amount.

Common authorizations range from 1,000 to 10,000,000 shares. Higher numbers provide flexibility for future financing and equity compensation.

Par value considerations

Shares carry either par value (a stated minimum price) or no par value. Wyoming allows both structures without preference.

Common par values include $0.01, $0.001, or $0.0001 per share. Your choice doesn't affect Wyoming corporate filingsfees—the cost stays at $100 regardless.

Step 4: File Articles of Incorporation

The Wyoming Articles of Incorporation for profit corporations is remarkably simple, requiring only six basic fields while preserving maximum privacy. Here's a field-by-field breakdown:?

Field 1: Corporation Name

Enter your corporation's complete legal name. Wyoming does not require specific corporate designators like "Corporation," "Incorporated," "Corp.," or "Inc." in your name, though you may include them.?

Field 2: Name and Physical Address of Registered Agent

List your registered agent's full name and their physical Wyoming street address. The registered agent may be an individual Wyoming resident or a domestic/foreign entity authorized to transact business in Wyoming. The agent must have a physical address in Wyoming—P.O. boxes and drop boxes are not acceptable. If the registered office includes a suite number, it must be included in the address.?

Field 3: Mailing Address of the Corporation

Provide the address where you will receive your business's mail. This can be located anywhere and can be a P.O. box.?

Field 4: Principal Office Address

Enter the business address where you will keep your company's internal and financial records. This address can be located anywhere worldwide.?

Field 5: Number and Class of Shares

State the number and class of shares the corporation will have the authority to issue. You are not required to authorize anything besides "common stock". Enter the number of shares authorized.??

Field 6: Incorporators

List names and addresses of each incorporator. Incorporators need not be shareholders or directors. They are simply the persons authorized to complete this filing.?

Field 7: Execution (All Incorporators Must Sign)

All incorporators listed in Field 6 must sign in ink, date their signatures (mm/dd/yyyy format), and print their names. The form provides space for up to three incorporators.?

Contact Person Information

Provide the contact person's name, daytime phone number, and email address. The email address will receive an electronic certificate as evidence of filing and courtesy reminders when annual reports are due.?

Pro-tip: Keep your email address current to receive annual report reminders. Wyoming annual reports are due on the first day of your formation anniversary month, with dissolution occurring if not paid within 60 days of the due date.?

Consent to Appointment by Registered Agent (Required Separate Document)

You must submit an originally signed Consent to Appointment form with your Articles of Incorporation. The registered agent must sign, date (mm/dd/yyyy), print their name, provide daytime phone, title, and email. The agent certifies compliance with Wyoming Statutes 17-28-101 through 17-28-111

Filing costs

Wyoming charges $100 to file Articles of Incorporation domestically. This flat fee covers all stock structures and share counts.

Online filing through WyoBiz processes instantly. Your corporate documents become available for download immediately after payment.

Filing approaches

Choose from two methods:

Online through WyoBiz: Visit wyobiz.wyo.gov. Complete the online form and pay electronically. Processing is instant with immediate document availability.

Mail submission: Download the Articles form from sos.wyo.gov. Complete it and mail with a $100 check to Wyoming Secretary of State, Herschler Building East, 122 W 25th Street, Cheyenne, WY 82002-0020. Processing takes approximately 15 business days.

Service providers: Companies like NSKT Global handle filing for you. 

Formation date

Your corporation legally exists from the effective date on your filed Articles. Wyoming allows immediate effectiveness or future effective dates up to 90 days ahead.

Step 5: Draft corporate bylaws

Bylaws establish internal operating rules. They govern daily operations and major corporate decisions.

Bylaw requirements

Yes—Wyoming Statute § 17-16-206 requires corporations to adopt bylaws. Either incorporators or the board of directors must create them.

Bylaws remain internal documents. You don't file them with the state. Keep them with other corporate records for reference.

Essential bylaw provisions

Comprehensive bylaws address:

• Shareholder matters: Meeting frequency, notice requirements, quorum needs, voting procedures, proxy authorization
• Director provisions: Board size, qualification standards, election processes, term lengths, meeting requirements, removal procedures
• Officer positions: Required titles, appointment methods, duties, authority limits, removal processes
• Stock rules: Share classes, transfer restrictions, certificate requirements, lost certificate procedures
• Financial policies: Fiscal year selection, banking relationships, signature authority, dividend procedures
• Amendment procedures: Who can modify bylaws, required approval levels, documentation requirements
• Record maintenance: Required corporate records, inspection rights, retention periods

Document filing

Bylaws stay private. State filing isn't required or permitted. Banks and investors typically request copies before extending credit or making investments.

Step 6: Conduct organizational meeting

Following formation and bylaw adoption, hold your first organizational meeting. Wyoming allows written consent substituting for an actual meeting.

Meeting objectives

Complete these foundational actions for c corporation formation Wyoming:

• Director election: If not named in Articles, shareholders elect initial directors
• Bylaw adoption: Directors formally approve and adopt the bylaws
• Officer appointment: Directors select officers including President and Secretary at minimum
• Stock authorization: Directors approve issuing initial shares to founders
• Equity plan adoption: Directors establish stock option plans if offering employee equity
• Banking authorization: Directors designate officers authorized for financial transactions
• Tax elections: Directors make S-corporation election decisions if applicable
• Fiscal decisions: Directors establish fiscal year and select accounting methods

Stock issuance process

Directors pass formal resolutions authorizing share issuance. Resolutions specify recipients, share quantities, consideration received (money, property, services), and price per share.

Shareholders receive stock certificates or electronic confirmations documenting ownership. The corporation maintains a stock ledger tracking all ownership records.

Step 7: Obtain an EIN

All corporations need an Employer Identification Number from the IRS. This nine-digit number identifies your business for tax purposes.

EIN necessity

Corporations must have EINs regardless of employee status. You'll use your EIN for:

• Bank account opening (mandatory requirement)
• Federal tax return filing (Forms 1120 or 1120-S)
• State tax registration where applicable
• Employee hiring and payroll processing
• Business credit establishment
• Tax form issuance (W-2s, 1099s)
• License and permit applications
• Vendor credit applications

Application process

Visit irs.gov and complete the online EIN application. The process takes roughly 10-15 minutes. Your EIN appears immediately upon submission.

The IRS provides this service free. Avoid third-party services charging $50-$200 for simple EIN applications. Save your confirmation notice with corporate documents.

International applicants

Foreign residents can obtain EINs without US Social Security numbers. However, online applications require the responsible party to have a US tax ID.

Without a US tax ID, mail Form SS-4 to the IRS. Include an explanatory cover letter about your international status. Mail processing requires 4-6 weeks.

Many international founders designate a US-based director with a valid tax ID as the responsible party for instant online processing.

Step 8: Understand annual report requirements

Wyoming corporations file one simple annual report. This filing satisfies all state compliance requirements.

Filing deadline

Annual reports come due on the first day of your formation month. Corporations formed in March file by March 1 annually.

Wyoming provides a 60-day grace period. Late filing after the grace period triggers administrative dissolution proceedings.

First-year corporations file their initial report one year after formation. A March 2026 formation requires the first Wyoming corporate filings by March 1, 2027.

License tax calculation

Wyoming calculates annual license tax using the greater of:

• $60 minimum (applies to most small corporations)
• 0.02% of Wyoming assets (0.0002 × total assets located in Wyoming)

Corporations with Wyoming assets under $300,000 pay just the $60 minimum. Higher asset values increase the tax proportionally.

Filing method

Complete your annual report online at wyobiz.wyo.gov/Business/AnnualReport.aspx. The system calculates your license tax automatically based on asset information you provide.

Payment options include credit cards and ACH transfers. You receive immediate confirmation upon successful submission.

Late filing consequences

Missing your deadline plus the 60-day grace period results in:

• Administrative dissolution proceedings
• Loss of good standing status
• Potential personal liability exposure
• Reinstatement fees and penalties
• Required submission of all missing reports
• Payment of accumulated license taxes with interest

Step 9: Secure necessary licenses and permits

Wyoming doesn't issue general business licenses at the state level. Specific activities require specific permits based on industry and location.

State-level licensing

Certain professions and industries need Wyoming state licenses:

• Licensed professionals (medical, legal, accounting, engineering, architecture)
• Construction contractors and tradespeople
• Healthcare facilities and practitioners
• Food service establishments
• Alcohol beverage sales
• Childcare providers
• Environmental activities

Contact the Wyoming Department of Revenue or relevant regulatory agencies for industry-specific requirements.

Local permits

Wyoming cities and counties impose their own requirements:

• Municipal business registrations
• Zoning compliance verifications
• Building and construction permits
• Health and safety inspections
• Signage approvals

Requirements vary significantly between locations. Cheyenne requirements differ from Jackson or Casper. Contact your local government offices directly.

Federal licensing

Certain nationwide industries require federal authorization:

• Alcohol production and sales (TTB permits)
• Firearms manufacturing and sales (ATF licensing)
• Interstate transportation (FMCSA registration)
• Radio and television broadcasting (FCC licenses)
• Investment advisory services (SEC registration)
• Securities broker-dealers (FINRA membership)

Research your specific industry requirements through the Small Business Administration website.

Foreign qualification for multi-state operations

Wyoming corporations conducting business in other states must register there as foreign corporations.

When registration becomes necessary

Foreign qualification applies when your corporation:

• Operates offices, stores, or warehouses in other states
• Employs workers performing duties in other states
• Owns or leases property in other states
• Maintains regular in-person business activities in other states
• Keeps equipment or inventory in other states

Online sales to out-of-state customers generally don't trigger foreign qualification requirements.

Registration procedures

Complete these steps for each state:

1. Request Certificate of Good Standing from Wyoming showing your corporation's active status. Wyoming charges no fees for this certificate.
2. Submit foreign qualification application to the other state's business filing office. Applications are often titled "Application for Certificate of Authority."
3. Appoint in-state registered agent meeting the foreign state's specific requirements.
4. Pay state filing fees ranging from $100 to $750 depending on jurisdiction.
5. Maintain dual compliance by filing required reports and paying taxes in both Wyoming and foreign states.

Non-registration risks

Operating without proper foreign qualification creates serious problems:

• Substantial monetary penalties often exceeding $1,000 annually
• Prohibition from bringing lawsuits in foreign state courts
• Accumulated fines, penalties, and interest charges
• Potential piercing of corporate veil protections
• Personal liability exposure for corporate obligations

Always complete foreign qualification before beginning operations in new states.

How NSKT Global supports Wyoming corporations

NSKT Global specializes in c corporation formation Wyoming with emphasis on privacy protection and asset protection strategies.

Our comprehensive how to register a corporation in Wyoming services begin with complete formation assistance—name searches, Articles drafting, registered agent service, and EIN applications. We provide Wyoming registered agent service maintaining your privacy with a Cheyenne address. Our attorneys draft customized bylaws reflecting your governance preferences and operational needs. We coordinate organizational meetings and prepare all stock issuance documentation. We manage Wyoming corporate filings with automatic deadline reminders based on your formation month.

Whether you prioritize privacy, seek asset protection, or want America's lowest-cost corporate jurisdiction, we ensure your Wyoming corporation achieves your objectives while maintaining full compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register a corporation in Wyoming?

To register a corporation in Wyoming, complete the Articles of Incorporation with your business name, registered agent information, stock structure, and incorporator details. File online through WyoBiz at wyobiz.wyo.gov for instant processing for $100, or by mail to Wyoming Secretary of State, Herschler Building East, 122 W 25th Street, Cheyenne, WY 82002-0020 (15 business days processing). You'll need to appoint a registered agent with a physical Wyoming address, obtain an EIN from the IRS, and create corporate bylaws after filing. Wyoming offers maximum privacy—director and shareholder names never appear in public records.

How long does Wyoming corporation registration take?

Wyoming corporate filings for c corporation formation Wyoming process instantly when filed online through WyoBiz. You receive electronic confirmation and can download your corporate documents immediately after payment. Mail filings take approximately 15 business days to process. Wyoming offers the fastest corporation formation in America with online instant processing and immediate document availability.

Can non-US residents form a Wyoming corporation?

Yes, non-US residents can complete c corporation formation Wyoming without requiring US citizenship or residency. Wyoming has no residency requirements for directors, officers, shareholders, or incorporators. However, you'll need to appoint a registered agent with a physical Wyoming address. Non-US residents without a Social Security number or ITIN can still obtain an EIN by mailing Form SS-4 to the IRS (4-6 weeks processing time) or by appointing a US-based officer with a valid tax ID to apply online immediately.

What is the difference between Articles of Incorporation and corporate bylaws in Wyoming?

The Articles of Incorporation is a public document filed with the Wyoming Secretary of State that legally creates your corporation, while corporate bylaws are private internal rules governing corporate operations. The Articles of Incorporation contains basic information like corporate name, registered agent, and stock structure, whereas bylaws detail director procedures, officer duties, shareholder rights, and meeting requirements. Wyoming corporate filings require the Articles of Incorporation, but bylaws are kept internally and not filed with the state, 

What are the annual compliance requirements for Wyoming corporations?

How to register a corporation in Wyoming includes understanding that annual reports are due on the first day of your formation anniversary month each year. The annual license tax is $60 minimum (or 0.02% of Wyoming-based assets if over $300,000). Wyoming provides a 60-day grace period after the due date. File online at wyobiz.wyo.gov/Business/AnnualReport.aspx with automatic tax calculation.