DoorWorthy

Who needs a certificate of formation (LLC) and the annual report in Washington?

Issued by Washington Secretary of State, Corporations and Charities Division, at step 1 of 6 in the opening sequence: set up the business.

Every kind of business in Washington

The Washington table lists this for every kind of business.

File through the Corporations and Charities Filing System. The certificate names a registered agent with a Washington street address, and the initial report is free when filed with the certificate. Form the LLC before applying for the state business license, which asks for the Unified Business Identifier the filing creates.

Checked Oct 21, 2026 against the agency’s page.

Step 1 of 6: Set up the business

  1. Set up the business
  2. Register for tax
  3. Approve the space
  4. Get the permits for your kind of business
  5. Alcohol permits
  6. Before the first hire

Issued by Washington Secretary of State, Corporations and Charities Division.

Sources and dates

Secretary of State LLC filing resource page and filings, forms and information page (fee list). Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.

Questions about opening here.