Skip to content

Washington · Foreign LLC · updated

How to register an out-of-state LLC in Washington

An LLC formed in another state registers to do business in Washington with a foreign registration filing (Washington's fee is $180). It needs a Washington registered agent and usually a good standing certificate from its home state. As of October 2026.

Washington state fee$180per the state's fee schedule
Our filing service$120we prepare and file it
State fee + ours$300card processing is added at checkout
Register my LLC in Washington Compare all states

Questions first? Ray or Vinny picks up at (954) 470-8356.

The 5 steps to register a foreign LLC in Washington

Background on when a state counts you as "doing business": foreign qualification explained.

  1. 1

    Confirm you are doing business in Washington

    Where people get stuck

    An office, employees, or regular in-person work in Washington usually counts; a few sales shipped in usually does not. Washington's own statute decides. If you have not formed the LLC yet, forming it in Washington directly is often simpler (start an LLC in Washington).

  2. 2

    Get a good standing certificate from your home state

    Order it first

    Most states ask for a recent certificate of good standing (or existence) from the state where the LLC was formed. How to order one in each state.

  3. 3

    Name a Washington registered agent

    Required

    The LLC needs an agent with a Washington street address. Ours is $74.25 a year, the same at renewal. Washington agent rules.

  4. 4

    File the foreign registration with the state

    We file this one

    You file it with Washington's business filing office; Washington's fee is $180 (Washington fee schedule). The current form is on Washington's official site. We file it for $120 plus the state fee.

  5. 5

    Keep up with Washington's yearly filing

    From next year

    A registered foreign LLC files Washington's yearly report like a local one. The Washington annual report is due the last day of your formation anniversary month, with a state fee of $70. Deadline and free reminders.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to register a foreign LLC in Washington?

Washington's fee is $180 per the state's fee schedule. If we file it, our fee is $120 on top. Add the home-state good standing certificate and a Washington registered agent.

What happens if I do business in Washington without registering?

States commonly bar an unregistered LLC from suing in their courts until it registers, and can charge back fees and penalties. Check the state's own rules.

Do I still file reports in my home state?

Yes. The LLC keeps its home-state filings and adds this state's.

Is it cheaper to just form the LLC in Washington?

If Washington is the only state where you operate, usually yes: one state's fees and one registered agent. Our best-state comparison covers all 51.

Is this page legal advice?

No. It explains the filing in general terms. For your situation, talk to a licensed attorney, or book a free call with us.

More Washington business guides

Start an LLC LLC cost Registered agent Annual report Good standing Name search Sales tax permit Dissolve an LLC Change agent Amend an LLC Change the name Withdraw a foreign LLC

Nearby states

Idaho Oregon All states

Expanding to a new state

Have us register your LLC in Washington

$120 plus Washington's $180 state fee. Checkout shows the full total before you pay.

Register my LLC in Washington

Rather talk first? Call Ray or Vinny at (954) 470-8356.