Foreign qualification with the Secretary of State in Wyoming is the process by which a business that was originally formed in another state obtains permission to operate in Wyoming. This allows the business to legally conduct operations in Wyoming and ensures compliance with state laws.
There are 4 different ways to foreign qualify in Wyoming depending on your legal entity type and tax classification. Follow the guide below to help you register with the Secretary of State in Wyoming or use Mosey to do it.
Use Mosey to register with the Secretary of State in Wyoming.
Avoid the hassle of doing it yourself and use Mosey to automate foreign qualification, annual reports, and registered agent service.
Wyoming Foreign Registration for Corporation
Foreign nonprofit corporations “transacting business” in Wyoming must register with the Secretary of State by filing a Foreign Nonprofit Corporation Application for Certificate of Authority. Wyoming provides a non-exhaustive list of activities that do not constitute “transacting business” in lieu of defining “transacting business.”
Obtain a Certificate of Existence
Wyoming requires a Certificate of Existence or Good Standing from your home state dated not more than 60 days prior to filing in Wyoming.
Establish a Registered Agent
You must continually maintain a registered agent in Wyoming to accept service of process at your principal office in Wyoming. The registered agent must sign a written consent to the appointment.
Complete an Application for Certificate of Authority
Complete the Application for Certificate of Authority form.
Submit Your Registration Materials
Mail your completed registered agent consent form, Certificate of Existence or Good Standing, and Application for Certificate of Authority along with the filing fee to the Secretary of State.
Wyoming Foreign Registration for Corporation
As a foreign corporation, if you are “transacting business” in Wyoming you must register with the Secretary of State by filing a Foreign Profit Corporation Application for Certificate of Authority. Wyoming provides a non-exhaustive list of activities that do not constitute “transacting business” in lieu of defining “transacting business.”
Acquire a Certificate of Existence
Wyoming requires a Certificate of Existence from your home state dated no more than 60 days prior to the date the Registration Statement is filed.
Establish a Registered Agent
You must continually maintain a registered agent in Wyoming to accept service of process at your principal office in Wyoming. The registered agent must also sign a written consent to the appointment.
Complete the Foreign Profit Corporation Application
Fill out the Application for Certificate of Authority form.
Mail Your Foreign Registration Documents
Mail all required registration documents to the Secretary of State, including the application form, Certificate of Existence, and the filing fee.
Wyoming Foreign Registration for LLC
Foreign limited liability companies "transacting business" in Wyoming must register with the Secretary of State by applying for a Certificate of Authority. Wyoming provides a non-exhaustive list of activities that do not constitute "transacting business" instead of defining "transacting business."
Acquire a Certificate of Existence
Wyoming requires a Certificate of Existence from your home state dated no more than 60 days before filing with the Wyoming Secretary of State.
Establish a Registered Agent
You must continually maintain a registered agent in Wyoming to accept service of process at your principal office in Wyoming. The registered agent must also sign a written consent to the appointment.
Complete an Application for Certificate of Authority
Fill out the Application for Certificate of Authority form.
Mail Your Registration Documents
Mail all required registration documents to the Secretary of State, including the application form, Certificate of Existence, and the filing fee.
Wyoming Foreign Registration for LLP
If you are "transacting business" in Wyoming, you must register with the Secretary of State by filing a Foreign Registered Limited Liability Partnership Statement of Registration form. Wyoming provides a non-exhaustive list of activities that do not constitute "transacting business" instead of defining "transacting business."
Obtain a Certificate of Existence
Wyoming requires a Certificate of Existence (also known as Certificate of Good Standing) from your home state dated no more than 60 days before filing with the Wyoming Secretary of State.
Establish a Registered Agent
You must continually maintain a registered agent in Wyoming to accept service of process at your principal office in Wyoming. The registered agent must also sign a written consent to the appointment.
Complete Statement of Registration Form
Fill out a Foreign Registered Limited Liability Partnership Statement of Registration form.
File Statement of Registration
File your completed Foreign Registered Limited Liability Partnership Statement of Registration form, Certificate of Existence, and pay the filing fee with the Wyoming Secretary of State by mail. Note: You must make a check or money order payable to "Wyoming Secretary of State."
What else do I need to know?
Once you are registered with the Secretary of State, you may have additional requirements to maintain your "good standing" in the state. Failing to do so can result in fines, back taxes, and forfeiting certain priveleges within the state.
Maintaining a Registered Agent
Most states require that you have a registered agent that can receive important mail from the Secretary of State should they need to contact you. There are many commercial options available or you can use Mosey to be your registered agent and keep your information private in Wyoming.
Annual Reports and Taxes
In addition to maintaining a registered agent, most states require you to file a report annually. Registration can also trigger state taxes such as a franchise tax or income tax. You can use Mosey to identify these additional requirements to maintain good standing in Wyoming.