Obtaining A Delaware Certificate Of Good Standing
Learn how out-of-country businesses can obtain foreign qualification in New York, including legal steps, compliance, and registration requirements.
Why Every Wyoming Business Needs a Registered Agent (And How to Choose One)
Did you know that a crucial, and often overlooked, step of starting a business in Wyoming is appointing a registered agent? You might be wondering, “What exactly does a Wyoming registered agent do, and why do I need one?”. Well, a registered agent is your business’s official point of contact for legal and government documents.
Let’s take a closer look at what a Wyoming registered agent is and why you need one for setting up a local legal entity in the state. We’ll also explore how Wise Business can help manage your company’s finances both on a local level and even an international level.
Managing cross-border business payments?
Try Wise Business ->
What is a Wyoming registered agent?
A Wyoming registered agent is a person or company designated to:
- Receive official legal and government documents on behalf of your business
- Handle important communications such as tax notices, compliance reminders, and lawsuits (also called service of process).
They also must be available during normal business hours to make sure documents are handled promptly.
Wyoming law requires every LLC, corporation, or other formal business entity to have one, even if you’re not based in the state1. Your registered agent must have a physical address in Wyoming (not a P.O. box) and be available Monday through Friday.
You can technically act as your own agent, but most business owners prefer to hire a professional service to make sure they never miss important legal or government notices, which could lead to penalties, missed deadlines, or even losing good standing with the state2.
How much does a registered agent cost in Wyoming
While the specific costs of hiring a Wyoming registered agent can vary depending on the range of services, the type of contract, and other factors (such as acting as your own agent), there are several available registered agent service providers which are commonly used for incorporating a business in the state:
| Registered Agent | Annual Price | Key Services |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Registered Agent | $125/year | Same day document scanning, mail forwarding, and unmatched security3 |
| Wyoming Registered Agent | $99/year | Includes 5 pieces of regular mail forwarding and, reliable local presence2 |
| Harbor Compliance | $99 - $129/year | Compliance alerts, annual report reminders, nationwide coverage6 |
| ZenBusiness | Starts at $199/year | Worry-free compliance, online document storage, and mail forwarding7 |
| IncFile (Bizee) | Free first year, $119/year | Digital dashboard, lifetime company alerts8 |
How to get a registered agent in Wyoming?
If you're a Wyoming resident over 18 with a physical address (not a P.O. Box), you can serve as your own registered agent. However, this means your name and address will be part of the public record, and you'll need to be available during standard business hours to receive legal documents.
But you may be asking yourself, “What if I run a foreign company?" In that case, you'll still need a registered agent with a physical address in Wyoming, either a person or a service, since you must have a local point of contact within the state.
To appoint a registered agent, you'll need to file the "Consent to Appointment by Registered Agent" form with the Wyoming Secretary of State1. If you hire a service, they typically handle this paperwork for you.
How to change the registered agent in Wyoming?
Maybe you took on the role of a Wyoming registered agent and want to switch over to a professional service? Changing your registered agent in Wyoming is a straightforward process, and it helps your business stay compliant with state requirements.
To initiate the change, you'll need to complete the "Appointment of New Registered Agent and Office by Entity" form, which is available on the Wyoming Secretary of State's website1. This is a form that requires details about your business, the outgoing registered agent, and the new registered agent, including their physical address in Wyoming.
The new registered agent must consent to the appointment by signing the form, and once completed, you must submit the form by mail or in person to the Secretary of State's office, accompanied by a $5 filing fee. The processing time is typically 7–10 business days1.
It's important to note that Wyoming does not currently offer online filing for this change. If you prefer assistance, several registered agent services can handle the filing on your behalf for an additional fee.
What are the penalties for not having a registered agent in Wyoming?
Not having a registered agent for your Wyoming business can lead to serious consequences. The Secretary of State may impose civil penalties of up to $500 per violation, and in some cases, fines can reach $1,000 or even result in imprisonment for up to six months1.
Your business also risks losing its good standing, which can hinder operations, prevent expansion into other states, and limit access to financing. Without a Wyoming registered agent, you might miss critical legal notices, which may lead to default judgments or administrative dissolution of your company. Reinstating your business after these kinds of issues can be costly, with fees up to $3501.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a P.O. Box as my registered agent address?
No, Wyoming law requires a physical street address1.
Can my business operate without a registered agent temporarily?
No, your business must maintain a registered agent at all times to remain in good standing1.
Will my registered agent notify me if I receive legal documents?
Yes, professional agents typically notify you immediately and forward any documents they receive3.
Does the registered agent’s address appear on public records?
Yes, the agent's address is listed publicly, which is why many choose a professional service for privacy2.
What types of documents does a registered agent receive?
They receive legal notices, service of process, tax documents, and state correspondence1.
Is a registered agent the same as a business address?
No, a Wyoming registered agent is specifically for legal and official communications, not general mail or business operations1.
Can I use a Wyoming registered agent if I don’t live in the state?
Yes, that’s one of the main reasons out-of-state business owners hire registered agent services in Wyoming2.
Final Thoughts
A Wyoming registered agent is an important requirement to help keep your business running smoothly. They handle important documents like state notices and legal papers, so you never miss anything. On top of that, they help keep your personal info private, so you can keep your personal and business life separate.
If you're running things remotely or expanding globally, this setup is even more helpful, as it gives you clarity on who is handling compliance for your different branches. And with Wise Business you can send and receive global payments with ease and transparency, supporting your international business across borders.
Open a Wise Business Account: Manage Your US Business Finances With Ease
Once you have established your business with an LLC, you’ll need a business account to manage your US finances. A Wise Business account is easy to open online and comes with no monthly fees. You can convert funds from your home currency to USD with low, transparent fees.
Wise is not a bank, but a Money Services Business (MSB) provider and a smart alternative to banks. The Wise Business account is designed with international business in mind, and makes it easy to send, hold, and manage business funds in currencies. You can get major currency account details for a one-off fee to receive overseas payments like a local. You can also send money to countries.
| Some key features of Wise Business include: |
|---|
|
Open a Wise Business account online
Sources:
- How to Find (or Become) a Registered Agent | Wyoming Secretary of State
- Wyoming Registered Agent
- Wyoming Registered Agent | Northwest Registered Agent
- Buffalo Registered Agents LLC
- Wyoming Registered Agent Services LLC
- A Complete Guide to Appointing a Registered Agent in Wyoming | Harbor Compliance™
- Get A Registered Agent In Wyoming | ZenBusiness
- Wyoming Registered Agents for Corporations | Bizee
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
Money without borders
Find out more
Payment Links: A Complete Guide for US Businesses
We’ll walk you through what payment links are, how they work, who should use them, what benefits they bring, and how to choose the right provider.
What Are EDI Payments and Why Do They Matter?
We’ll cover what EDI payments are, how they work, why they matter, and what finance teams should consider when deciding whether to implement them.
How To Apply For Foreign Qualification In New York
Learn how out-of-state and foreign businesses can obtain foreign qualification in New York, including legal steps, compliance, and registration requirements.
Global Transfer Pricing Guide: Rules and Best Practices
Explore global transfer pricing: strategies, compliance, and best practices for multinational corporations to optimize tax and align with regulations
International Transfer Pricing: Regulations For Intra-Company Cross-Border Transactions
Learn about international transfer pricing regulations for intra-company cross-border transactions to ensure compliance and optimize global operations.
