Mark Pierce is the founding partner of Wyoming Trust and LLC Attorney. He is an estate planning and small business structuring expert with over 40 years of experience.
Wyoming Registered Agent
For companies and individuals that wish to do business legally, a business license is the legal registration of the said company. It allows the business to operate in the state, and within the industry of choice. Most state, county, and local governments require both licenses and permits. Within the United States alone there are more than 150,000 filing jurisdictions. You might need multiple licenses and permits depending on your industry.
- One of the most common questions clients have after they create their LLC is where to get their business license. Fortunately, there is no general Wyoming business license per se. For most businesses in the state of Wyoming, a business license isn't necessary, so there are no extra fees to pay or forms to file. You must only pay for an annual report and maintain a registered agent in Wyoming.
- This should come as a pleasant surprise to clients used to doing business in other states. Other states, such as Nevada, charge exorbitant sums for a business license after the company has been created. Most of the time, other states' required business licenses are just an excuse to collect a fee from you. For instance, Nevada's license costs several hundred dollars per year. However, in Wyoming, since it's not necessary to obtain a business license, you're free to use that money for your business instead!
- For most companies, simply filing Articles of Organization with the Wyoming Secretary of State is sufficient to begin doing business. It's important to make sure that's all you need, though, as some industries are exceptions and do require a WY business license.
Business licenses legally register your company within the industry and jurisdiction. Business licenses have been put in place to benefit counties. These licenses allow them to generate revenue and have control over zoning. It also keeps registration and documentation of everything happening within the business.
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- Both entities are ultimately operated for the benefit of the owners, called members (LLC) and shareholders (Corporations), with them receiving profits. Owners can vote, but their degree of immediate control differs.
- In a Corporation, the Shareholders elect a Board of Directors, and the Board appoints Officers. The officers manage day-to-day business operations and are overseen by the Directors.
- In a Limited Liability Company, the Members can run day-to-day business operations, or appoint a Manager. This is all done within the operating agreement, and decisions don't require complex votes and additional documentation, e.g., board elections, bylaws, etc.
Getting a business license should begin with a call to your state's Secretary of State. You can also contact any colleagues in the same industry. You need to know what licenses you need to get started. If you work in a specific industry then there may be more licenses to obtain to essentially prove you should be allowed to operate in that industry.
Step-By-Step Process to Get a Business License
Go online, or call your city or county office to find out what license you need.
Register your business with the Department of Revenue.
Fill out a form with your business information.
Pay a fee.
Some of the most common industries that require a business license include:
- General Contracting: All contractors, except for electrical contractors, have local licensing requirements. In Wyoming, a general contractor's license is issued by the local jurisdiction; the state government does not involve itself in this process.
- Food Products: If you sell or manufacture food, then you need to contact the Department of Agriculture in Wyoming to secure a license.
- Transportation: The Department of Transportation regulates businesses involving commercial vehicles.
- Companies Using Protected Terms: Particular words require approval to be used in a company's name. These include "education," "academy," "college," "institute," "bank," and "trust."
Obtained at the state or city level, this license-granita permission to operate a business Often requires application at both city and state levels due to differing requirements.
Required operating under a different name than the registered business nameEnsures legal recognition of the business Nome used in operations
Municipal regulations dictate where businesses con operate. Verify compliance with zoning laws to avoid disruption to the community.
Certify that the business location is sate and habitable for operation. Ensure compliance with building codes and regulations
Required operating under a different name than the registered business name. Ensures legal recognition of inspection may include evaluation of flammable materials and walkway surety. Confirm compliance with fire safety regulations and codes business name used in operations
Obtaining an Employer identification Number (EIN) is necessary for hiring employees and managing payroll taxes. Compliance with various tax permits and licenses is essential, especially for businesses involved in resale
Required for businesses operating in industries related to healthcare or food services. Ensure compliance with health and safety standards
Necessary for businesses involved in activities that impact the environment. Ensure adherence to environmental regulations and sustainability practices
Regulate the installation and display of signage for businesses. Ensure compliance with local signage regulations and aesthetics
- The cost of your business license and permits can depend on different factors. First off, each state and city has different prices. Other factors that will generate the cost of your business license are the type of business you run, as well as processing fees and compliance fees.
- On average, you can expect to pay between $50 and a few hundred dollars plus renewal fees. Despite this being the average, in some states, a business license can cost $500 plus fees to file an annual list of officers and directors. This is why it is essential to explore the costs in your states.
Since there are so many industries that require business licenses, it’s important to know exactly which license your business is required to have. Below you will find a list of different types of business licenses companies can qualify for.
- Business operating license: Always obtained in either the state or city, an operating license will give you permission to operate. Most often you will need to apply for this license at both the city and state levels because there are different requirements for each.
- DBA (doing business as) license or permit: If you operate your business under a different name than what you are registered as you will need to get a DBA license.
- Planning and zoning permits: Each municipality has different regulations for where businesses can operate. You also need to verify that you can legally operate in the city that you wish. If you cannot because of zoning, then you will also need to apply for a zoning variance. This is used to show that your business will not “disrupt the community.”
- Building permits: These permits show that where you operate is legally habitable and safe to operate from.
- Fire department permits: The fire department will typically come to verify that you are operating safely and in compliance with fire codes. This may include checking on flammable materials and walkways.
- Tax regulations: Especially if you resell goods, you will need to comply with various tax permits and licenses. Almost every business needs to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which will allow you to hire employees and also collect payroll taxes. If you resell goods then you will need a seller’s permit, known as a sales tax license or permit.
- Health licenses and permits
- Environmental licenses
- Sign permits
Every county has different business license requirements and regulations. If you fail to comply with these regulations and obtain a business license, there are different fines in each location. For example, these may include late fees or fines, penalties, or even the inability to operate. This is why it is essential to hold the licenses and permits you need before operation.
Although you will need to pay to establish an LLC, this is not the same as a business license. You will need to first establish your LLC before getting a business license and then obtain the license. This is because the license will require the legal name of your business and if you have not established it, yet it will not be possible.
If your business is in an industry that requires a WY business license, the cost can vary widely. For instance, if you want to be a general contractor in Cheyenne, you'll pay between $250 and $650 for a business license depending on the specific class of work you'll be doing. Meanwhile, if you're opening a bakery in Laramie, you'll need a $200 food service license from the city plus a $200 food license from the State Department of Agriculture.
Keep in mind that if you're selling taxable goods or services, you'll need a sales tax license as well, which costs $60.
Companies are registered by filing their Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. You may either do this yourself or hire a professional formation service such as ours. In either case, you must maintain a registered agent, whether it is you or a professional.
No, sole proprietorships are not required to register with the state. You may apply for a trade name (DBA) if you want to avoid doing business in your name. However, we strongly advise creating a company to limit your personal liability.
You should obtain an EIN and file your taxes. Certain industries, such as gambling and alcohol, will be subject to additional federal regulations as well.
The cost to run an LLC in Wyoming is $102 to file your Articles of Organization and $60 to file an annual report each subsequent year.
You can search Wyoming businesses on the Secretary of State’s website to make sure that the name you choose for your business is unique before you file your Articles of Organization.
Sales Tax: Sales tax is generally only owed on sales made in Wyoming. However, you should contact the Department of Revenue to determine your exact sales tax obligations. You will need a sales tax license if you sell taxable products or services in the state.
Unemployment Insurance: This is a required fund for Wyoming employees that pays out to eligible workers for job loss.
Free EIN
Move Your Company to Wyoming
File Your Annual Report
Wyoming Business License Requirements
Wyoming Business Search
Dissolve a Wyoming Company
Registering a Foreign LLC
Registering a Foreign Corporation
Apostille Documents
Certificate of Good Standing
Reinstate an LLC
Registering a Wyoming Business
WY Resellers Certificate
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