Wyoming Secretary of State

Frequently Asked Questions

• Authentication Services (Expand All)
  • Question: What is the fee for Apostilles?
    Answer: $3.00.
  • Question: How do I obtain information about authenticating the following documents to be sent out of the country: adoptions, child going on a mission, certified birth-marriage-death certificates?
    Answer: Review our Authentication Overview web page. If you still have questions, you are welcome to contact this office. Please see the "Contact Us" page.
• Business Entities: Annual Reports (Expand All)
  • Question: Do domestic and foreign profit corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships and registered limited liability companies use the same annual license tax schedule?
    Answer: Yes, these entities pay a license tax based on all assets located and employed in Wyoming. The tax is $50 or two-tenths of one mill on the dollar ($.0002), whichever is greater.
  • Question: What will my annual license tax fee be if I have $200,000 in assets located and employed in Wyoming?
    Answer: The tax is $50. An entity with $250,000 or less in assets pays a minimum of $50.
  • Question: What will my annual license tax be if I have $1,210,000 in assets located and employed in Wyoming?
    Answer: The tax is $242 ($1,210,000 x .0002 = $242).
  • Question: Is an annual report or annual renewal required in Wyoming? If so, when is it due?
    Answer: To remain in good standing each business entity, domestic and foreign (with the exception of Statutory Trusts), are required to file an annual report and pay a fee based on its assets located and employed in Wyoming.
    
    Statutory Trusts pay a flat $100 annual report fee due on January 1 of each year. For all other business entities, annual reports are due on the first day of the anniversary month of formation.
• Business Entities: Doing Business in Wyoming (Expand All)
  • Question: If I am an out-of-state entity doing business in Wyoming without authority from the Secretary of State, will I be penalized?
    Answer: Yes, any business entity doing business in Wyoming without authority will be liable for a penalty in the amount of $5,000 along with reasonable audit expenses and reasonable attorney fees. Therefore, contact the Secretary of State’s office before doing business in Wyoming.
  • Question: Do I need to register my out-of-state profit corporation in Wyoming?
    Answer: Refer to W.S. 17-16-1501. Then, if you are still in doubt, you should consult legal counsel to determine if you are transacting business within Wyoming in accordance with Wyoming statutes.
  • Question: Do I need to register my out-of-state nonprofit corporation in Wyoming?
    Answer: Wyoming has no state requirements for charities and fund raisers, however your corporation may be required to qualify as a foreign corporation in Wyoming. Refer to W.S. 17-19-1501. Then, if you are still in doubt, you should consult legal counsel to determine if you are transacting business within Wyoming in accordance with Wyoming statutes.
  • Question: Do I need a sales/use tax license?
    Answer: Please contact the Department of Revenue:
    
    Department of Revenue
    Herschler Building, 2nd Floor West
    122 West 25th Street
    Cheyenne, WY 82002-0110
    Ph. 307.777.5200
    Email: dor@state.wy.us
    Website: revenue.state.wy.us
  • Question: Is a general contractor license required in Wyoming?
    Answer: There are no state requirements for general contracting, except for electrical contractors. Contact:
    
    State Fire Marshall
    Department of Fire Prevention & Electrical Safety
    Herschler Building
    Cheyenne, WY 82002
    Ph. 307.777.7993
  • Question: Is a private investigator license required in Wyoming?
    Answer: Contact the city clerk in the town in which you will be doing business for information on private detective/investigator licenses. You will also need to contact the local Sheriff's office.
  • Question: Do I need a specific license or business permit in Wyoming?
    Answer: Contact the Wyoming Business Council for assistance with licenses and permits.
    
    Wyoming Business Council
    214 West 15th Street
    Cheyenne, WY 82002
    Ph. 307.777.2843
    Website: http://www.wyomingbusiness.org
  • Question: What if I am incorporated in another state and want to do business in Wyoming?
    Answer: File an Application for Certificate of Authority pursuant to W.S. 17-16-1503 of the 1989 Wyoming Business Corporation Act. Information may be obtained by contacting this office.
  • Question: If I am a general or prime contractor, what are the financial and bond requirements?
    Answer: A general or prime contractor is required to withhold 4% payment from a nonresident subcontractor's total contract amount until release of funds has been received pursuant to W.S. 39-15-306(b)(i). The nonresident general or prime contractor is required to post a surety bond with the Department of Revenue. Information may be obtained by contacting:
    
    Department of Revenue
    Herschler Building
    122 West 25th Street
    Cheyenne, WY 82002
    Ph. 307.777.5242/5212
    Fax 307.777.3632
    Email: dor@state.wy.us
    Website: http://revenue.state.wy.us
  • Question: As an impact employer, am I required to make a cash prepayment to the unemployment insurance fund? What do I need to do if I employ myself or others?
    Answer: Impact employers may be required to make a cash prepayment to the Unemployment Insurance Fund. For an employee, you must pay unemployment insurance. Information may be obtained by contacting:
    
    Department of Employment
    Employment Resources Division
    P.O. Box 2760
    Casper, WY 82602-2760
    Ph. 307.235.3217
    Fax 307.235.3278
    Website: http://wydoe.state.wy.us
  • Question: If I am a nonresident employer, am I required to post a bond with Workers' Compensation? What do I need to do if I employ myself or others?
    Answer: Nonresident employers may be required to post a bond. A nonresident employer is one who has not been domiciled in Wyoming for 12 months immediately prior to commencing operations in the state. If you employ workers in extra-hazardous occupations, you must cover them under this program. Information may be obtained by contacting:
    
    Department of Employment
    Workers' Safety & Compensation Division
    Herschler Building
    122 West 25th Street
    Cheyenne, WY 82002-0700
    Ph. 307.777.6763
    Fax 307.777.5298
    Website: http://wydoe.state.wy.us
  • Question: How long does it take to form a business entity in Wyoming?
    Answer: Depending on volume, it may take from 3 to 5 days to form a business entity. Wyoming does not offer expedited services.
  • Question: Do I need an attorney to form a business entity?
    Answer: No, but you should consult with a legal advisor concerning legal issues. The Business Division does not provide legal advice.
  • Question: How do I register a “Doing Business As” (DBA) name?
    Answer: In Wyoming it is not mandatory to register a DBA name. However, you may register a DBA by filing a Trade Name application. Click here for the form.
  • Question: How can I start a new business in Wyoming?
    Answer: Click here for the “Choice is Yours” pamphlet. This publication provides the advantages and disadvantages of each business entity. After you have decided which type of entity to form, consult with a legal advisor. Forms which meet the minimum filing requirements are available from this site.
  • Question: If I am doing business in Wyoming and I am incorporated in another state or jurisdiction, do I need to qualify to do business in Wyoming?
    Answer: Yes, Wyoming law requires entities doing business in this state to qualify by completing and filing a Certificate of Authority Application form with the Business Division. Click here to access the forms. Click here for access to W.S. 17-16-1501 – Doing Business in Wyoming.
• Business Entities: Fees (Expand All)
  • Question: What is the filing fee to form a domestic or qualify a foreign profit corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership or registered limited liability company?
    Answer: The initial filing fee for each of these entities is $100.
  • Question: What will my filing fee be to form a new Wyoming or out-of-state non-profit corporation?
    Answer: The filing fee is $25.
  • Question: What will my filing fee be to amend the articles of incorporation of a nonprofit corporation?
    Answer: The filing fees range from $3 to $10. For example, articles of amendment are $3 and articles of dissolution are $10.
• Business Entities: General Information (Expand All)
  • Question: What federal government websites are available with information for businesses?
    Answer:
    
    SBA: Small Business Administration Home Page
    SEC: Small Business Information
    USBA: U.S. Business Advisor
  • Question: How do I trace old stock certificates?
    Answer: Refer to the "How To Trace Old Stock" letter.
  • Question: Does Wyoming offer a favorable tax climate?
    Answer: Wyoming offers:
    
    No personal income tax
    No corporate income tax
    No gross receipts tax
    No inventory tax
    4% retail sales tax
    Low property taxes
    Favorable inheritance tax
    Favorable unemployment tax
    
  • Question: How can I obtain information on the State's economic development programs?
    Answer: Information may be obtained by contacting the Wyoming Small Business Development Center ; or the
    
    Wyoming Business Council
    214 West 15th Street
    Cheyenne, WY 82002
    Ph. 307.777.2800
    Email: info@wyomingbusiness.org
    Website: http://www.wyomingbusiness.org
  • Question: Does my corporation need to comply with Wyoming's Securities Laws?
    Answer: All securities, including limited partnership interests, must be cleared for sale or be exempt from registration under Wyoming's Uniform Securities Act (W.S. 17-4-107) before being sold to residents in this state. Information may be obtained by contacting the Compliance Division of this office.
  • Question: Where may I obtain a copy of Wyoming’s business entity laws?
    Answer: The statutes can be obtained from the Legislative Service Office.
  • Question: How do I obtain a gold-bordered certificate of good standing?
    Answer: Fax your request to 307.777.5339. The Division will mail and invoice you for the amount due.
• Business Entities: Online Searches (Expand All)
  • Question: Does Wyoming offer good standing certificates online?
    Answer: Yes, click here to generate a good standing certificate at no charge.
  • Question: Does Wyoming have business entity information available online?
    Answer: Yes, click here to access the Business Division database for business entity information including, but not limited to, the name and address of the registered agent, officers and directors, status, standing, and mailing address.
• Commercial Registered Agents (Expand All)
  • Question: What is a Commercial Registered Agent?
    Answer: A registered agent who serves as registered agent for more than 10 businesses.
  • Question: When do I have to register as a Commercial Registered Agent and how much does it cost?
    Answer: As soon as you represent more than 10 businesses you should register. You may register at any time prior to that if you believe you will be representing more than 10 businesses.
    
    The fee to register is $25.00.
  • Question: How long is my registration good for?
    Answer: A Commercial Registered Agent’s registration is valid until 12/31 of each year.
  • Question: What happens if I don’t register?
    Answer: A registered agent that represents more than 10 businesses and does not register with the Secretary of State will not be allowed to file any new entity filings.
    
    In the event a registered agent represents more than 10 businesses and has not registered as a Commercial Registered Agent, the registered agent will be out of compliance with the law and the entities you represent will be without a registered agent.
  • Question: Can my registered office be a post office box?
    Answer: No. A registered office may be the same as the place of business but, by law, shall be located at a street address in Wyoming which shall be a physical location. This cannot be a post office box or a drop box.
  • Question: What if I represent less than 10 businesses, do I have to register?
    Answer: No. You are not required to register until you represent more than 10 businesses. If you believe you will be representing more than 10 businesses, you may register early
  • Question: Does a registered agent have to keep any records at the registered office?
    Answer: Yes. By law a registered agent shall keep at the registered office:
    
    ● the names and addresses of the officers, directors, limited liability company managers, managing partners, trustees or persons serving in a similar capacity (WY formed entities only);
    
    ● name, address and phone number of a communications contact (all entities);
    
    ● EXCEPTION: If the entity and registered agent agree, then the entity can file the above information with the Secretary of State’s office and it will become a part of the entity’s public file [W.S. §17-28-107(b)];
    
    ● if an employee of the registered agent has authority to accept service of process in the registered agent’s absence, a copy of a written contract or agreement giving the employee such authority.
• Elections (Expand All)
  • Question: How do I register to vote?
    Answer: See our web page about "Voter Registration."
  • Question: Where do I get an application to register to vote?
    Answer: A voter registration application is available on this site.
  • Question: Do I need to re-register to vote every election?
    Answer: See our web page about "Voter Registration."
  • Question: How do I vote absentee if I won’t be in town on Election Day?
    Answer: See our web page about absentee voting.
  • Question: How can I contact my county clerk’s office?
    Answer: A list of county clerks and contact information is on our website under "County Clerks."
  • Question: How do I find my polling place?
    Answer: You can obtain your polling place information by utilizing our Polling Place Locator.
  • Question: How do I find out which candidates are on the ballot?
    Answer: Candidate and Committee information is available under the current election year heading on our website.
  • Question: Where do I find information on upcoming elections?
    Answer: Dates important to the current election year can be found in the "Important Dates" section.
  • Question: Where do I find information on ballot issues?
    Answer: Ballot issue information can be found under the current election year, "Ballot Issues," or in our Voter Guide.
  • Question: How do I find my legislative district?
    Answer: Legislative district information may be obtained by utilizing the Polling Place Locator.
  • Question: How do I find my legislators?
    Answer: Once you have obtained your legislative district information, view State Senate and State Representative information on the Legislative Service Office’s website.
  • Question: How do I file a voter complaint?
    Answer: Voter complaints can be filed utilizing the HAVA Complaint form.
  • Question: Where can I get election results?
    Answer: For local election results contact your county clerk; for state results visit our website at http://electionresults.state.wy.us/default.aspx.
  • Question: Where can I find voter registration statistics?
    Answer: Statistics about voter registration can be obtained from the "Voter Registration" web page.
  • Question: How do I purchase a list of registered voters?
    Answer: Each county’s list is available from the local county clerk’s office. Statewide or multi-county information must be obtained from this office (see "Contact Us"). Complete the Voter Registration Product Order Form and provide it to the appropriate office.
  • Question: Where do I file as a candidate for office?
    Answer: To file for a local office contact your county clerk; to file for a state or national office contact this Office at 307.777.7186.
  • Question: How do I know what the candidate’s stands on issues are?
    Answer: The Secretary of State’s Office does not collect or disseminate information on candidates’ stands on issues. You must contact the candidate or the candidate’s campaign office to obtain such information.
  • Question: How do I get campaign finance information?
    Answer: Contact the Secretary of State’s Office at 307.777.5680 to arrange for the viewing or purchase of campaign finance reports.
• Fiscal: General Information (Expand All)
  • Question: If I am entitled to refund from the Secretary of State’s Office, why does it take several weeks to obtain?
    Answer: Refunds of payments made with checks are delayed until the payment checks have an opportunity to clear. The Secretary of State Fiscal staff processes refund checks weekly using the State accounts payable system. This refund delay may be avoided by maintaining a PAD or by remitting the correct fee.
  • Question: How do I get on the list as a bidder to receive opportunity to bid/bid list?
    Answer: Please contact the Wyoming Procurement Office, at 307.777.7253 or at http://ai.state.wy.us/generalservices/Procurement/index.asp and request to be added to the bid list.
  • Question: Why can’t the Secretary of State accept foreign checks?
    Answer: State Government clears its checks through a bank. In order for the bank to process those checks, they must have an 8 digit clearing code compatible with U. S. Federal Reserve Requirements and be denominated in U. S. Dollars. Foreign checks not compliant with the Federal Reserve clearing requirements cannot clear through the bank.
    
    Foreign checks denominated in currencies other than U. S. Dollars are subject to application of exchange rates which convert foreign money to U. S. Dollars. After conversion into U. S. Dollars, an amount less than, or perhaps greater than, the fee is left. The Secretary of State cannot accept less than the fee prescribed, nor is it efficient to refund any excess.
  • Question: Does the Secretary of State’s Office accept credit cards?
    Answer: The Secretary of State accepts on-line credit card payments for annual report filings. There is a convenience fee assessed on all credit card payments. Presently that is the only payment for which the Secretary of State accepts credit cards.
  • Question: What is the Secretary of State’s EIN Number?
    Answer: The State of Wyoming EIN# is: 83 0208667 and that number is used by all agencies including the Secretary of State.
• Fiscal: PAD Accounts (Expand All)
  • Question: What is a "PAD" account?
    Answer: "PAD" stands for Prepaid Account Deposit. Customers who make many transactions with the Secretary of State may deposit money in a "lock box" account from which transaction fees may be deducted. Refunds may immediately be electronically deposited to the PAD without wait. PADs reduce administrative costs for the agency and provide convenience to customers who avoid delays and the expense of remitting payments.
  • Question: How do I establish a PAD account?
    Answer: Complete the PAD Application Form. Remit payment ($50.00 minimum) payable to the Secretary of State. The amount will be deposited with the agency in a PAD. You will receive a receipt evidencing deposit of that amount into your specific PAD which is identified with a unique number. It is recommended that customers anticipate two business days once the Secretary of State receives the deposit before the money will be available in the PAD.
  • Question: How do I check the balance on my PAD account?
    Answer: Presently you must call 307.777.5343 to obtain the PAD balance. When calling for a PAD balance, you will need the PAD number and name of the holder of the PAD. Receipts for transactions deducted from the PAD reflect the PAD balance after the fee is deducted. The agency accounting software presently does not support real-time or on-line access to PAD information due to security concerns.
  • Question: How do I add money to my PAD account?
    Answer: You may write a check payable in U. S. funds to the Secretary of State. You may pay with a money order. You may wire money to the Secretary of State through the State Treasurer by directing your bank to wire money to:
    
    Wells Fargo Bank, 1701 Capitol Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82001
    Account Number 5454302133; Routing Number: 121000248;
    Swift Number: WFBIUS6S; Beneficiary Account-Wells Fargo, Account Holder: State of Wyoming Treasurer-Secretary of State
    Please note the PAD number regardless of the method of payment so the money is placed in the correct account.
  • Question: How do I close my account?
    Answer: Send a written request (fax or e-mail is acceptable) requesting a refund of the pad balance. Be sure to include the PAD number. The balance will be refunded in a check payable to the name listed on the PAD mailed to the PAD address of record. A refund of the PAD takes approximately 10 days.
  • Question: Do PAD accounts earn interest?
    Answer: No. PAD accounts are not deposit accounts and are established solely as a convenience to the agency and the customer. You may wish to consider the volume of activity and the amount of the expense incurred when funding your PAD account.
  • Question: How do I change information on my PAD account?
    Answer: Send a written request (fax or e-mail is acceptable) amending the PAD information which is not current. You may use the PAD Application Form and check the amendment box to indicate that you are amending information. We are sorry that we cannot amend information over the phone due to security concerns.
  • Question: How do I change users on my PAD account?
    Answer: UCC contract agreement users should contact the Business Division; see the "Contact Us" page of this site.
    
    For non-UCC users, please use the PAD Application Form and check the amendment box to indicate that you are amending the PAD contact information. A current contact name, address and phone number is vital so the agency may notify someone of a low balance or of other administrative issues. You may also send an email or fax a letter specifying the information contained is for amendment purposes.
• Fiscal: Vendor Information (Expand All)
  • Question: I am not on the state of Wyoming bidders list. How do I get on it?
    Answer: Please review the Vendors Guide at http://ai.state.wy.us/generalservices/Procurement/vendors_guide.asp.
  • Question: What do you mean you can’t pay our bill because I’m not a state vendor?
    Answer: Completion of the vendor form is required in order to receive payment. Please complete the vendor list available at http://sao.state.wy.us/Wolfs&Payroll/WOLFS_Forms/WOLFS-109a.pdf.
    
    That form is required before the agency is able to process your payment. The agency has no latitude in waiving this requirement. All payments are processed via the WOLFS computer system which utilizes that information in processing your payment.
• Notaries Public: Definitions (Expand All)
  • Question: What is an acknowledgment?
    Answer: It is an unsworn statement. No oath or affirmation is administered. See W.S. 34-26-101(b)(i) for a detailed definition.
  • Question: What is a jurat?
    Answer: A notarial act in which a notary certifies that a signer, whose identity is personally known to the notary or proven on the basis of satisfactory evidence, has made a voluntary signature in the notary’s presence and taken an oath or affirmation vouching for the truthfulness of the signed document.
• Notaries Public: General Information (Expand All)
  • Question: What is the purpose of a notarization?
    Answer: The most important reason for notarizing anything is to protect against fraud. You may notarize documents in any county throughout the State of Wyoming. According to Wyoming statute, a Wyoming notary public may administer oaths or proofs of acknowledgment in a contiguous state if that state recognizes the Wyoming notary public’s authority within that state to perform those acts. At the present time Montana is the only contiguous state that recognizes the Wyoming notary public’s authority to perform notarial acts.
  • Question: When may I start notarizing documents?
    Answer: Once you have filed your bond and received your Certificate of Commission from the county clerk, you can then begin performing the duties of a notary public.
  • Question: Must the person sign the document in my presence?
    Answer: Yes. Notaries are not allowed to notarize a document unless the signer of the document is in the physical presence of the notary and has presented satisfactory evidence that the signer is who she says he is.
  • Question: What happens if I move out of state during my term?
    Answer: You must resign by submitting a letter to the Wyoming Secretary of State.
  • Question: What happens if I no longer wish to be a notary public?
    Answer: Submit a letter of resignation to the Secretary of State.
  • Question: Where do I report improper or questionable acts by a notary public?
    Answer: Contact a county attorney or district attorney.
  • Question: How do obtain a replacement copy of my notary commission certificate?
    Answer: Send a letter to the Secretary of State requesting a duplicate.
  • Question: What do I do if my name changes?
    Answer: Please refer to the "Qualifications & Name Changes" page of this site.
• Notaries Public: Notarial Certificate (Expand All)
  • Question: What is a notarial certificate?
    Answer: Notarial certificates are the written statements of a notary’s acts. It is the declarative wording, official signature, dates and seal contained in the notarization. See W.S. 34-26-107 for more information.
  • Question: What must be contained in a notarial certificate?
    Answer: See the "Certificates of Notarial Acts" page for samples.
  • Question: Can I list two signers on one notarial certificate?
    Answer: When two signers appear before a notary at the same time, the names may appear on the same certificate.
• Notaries Public: Notarial Seal (Expand All)
  • Question: Is a notary seal necessary?
    Answer: Yes, according to Wyoming law, near the notary’s official signature on every notary certificate, a notary public shall rubber stamp or emboss clearly and legibly such notary’s official seal.
  • Question: Where may I obtain a notary seal?
    Answer: A notary may purchase a notary stamp from almost any office supply store.
• Notaries Public: Renewal Information (Expand All)
  • Question: How do I renew my commission?
    Answer: The renewal procedure is the same as for a new commission. When renewing, do not submit your application more than six weeks prior to your current expiration date.
  • Question: What do I do if my commission expired and I want to continue acting as a notary?
    Answer: Re-apply as if you were a new applicant.
  • Question: My notary is about to expire. How can I renew it?
    Answer: See the "Contact Us" page for contact information. You may also download the Notary Application as the renewal process is identical to the initial commissioning. Renewal reminders/applications are not mailed out.
• Notaries Public: Requirements (Expand All)
  • Question: Who can become a notary public?
    Answer: In Wyoming, a person who is a resident of this state and is 18 years of age or older and is able to read and write the English language may become a notary public.
  • Question: How do I become a notary public?
    Answer: Submit a completed application form and a $30 check made payable t the Wyoming Secretary of State. Please see the "Qualifications & Name Changes" portion of this site.
  • Question: Do I need to be bonded?
    Answer: Yes. A notary bond does not insure the notary against liability. The bond is a surety bond which protects the public. An injured party files a claim against the notary’s bond. If collected by the claimant, the bond company collects reimbursement from the notary.
  • Question: Am I required to keep a journal?
    Answer: No, but it is recommended.
  • Question: May I receive a fee for notarization?
    Answer: Yes, $2.00.
  • Question: Can I be a Wyoming notary even if I am not an US citizen?
    Answer: No.
• Notaries Public: What Can I Notarize? (Expand All)
  • Question: May I notarize an undated document?
    Answer: Ask the signer to date it prior to notarizing.
  • Question: May I notarize documents that originate from out-of-state?
    Answer: Yes, documents originating from another state may be notarized as long as you perform the notarial act in Wyoming.
  • Question: May I notarize documents when I am physically outside the state of Wyoming?
    Answer: No.
  • Question: Can I notarize a document with blank spaces?
    Answer: A notary should glance over the document for blanks and ask the document signer to fill them in. If they are intended to be left blank, the signer can line through them or write does not apply.
• Registered Agents/Registered Offices (Expand All)
  • Question: What will my filing fee be to change a registered agent/registered office for a profit corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership?
    Answer: There is no fee to change a registered agent or office.
  • Question: How can I obtain a registered agent for my corporation in Wyoming?
    Answer: Please refer to the list of commercial registered agents.
• Secretary of State: General Questions (Expand All)
  • Question: How do I arrange for the Secretary of State to speak to our group?
    Answer: Please contact the office at secofstate@state.wy.us or phone 307.777.7378. We will check the Secretary's schedule, obtain the necessary information from you, and make appropriate arrangements if the Secretary's schedule permits.
  • Question: When will the Secretary of State be in my area?
    Answer: Please contact the office at secofstate@state.wy.us or phone 307.777.7378 to check the Secretary's schedule, or make arrangements for him to travel to your area.
  • Question: Is the Secretary married and, if so, what is his wife's name?
    Answer: Secretary Maxfield and his wife, Gayla, have four children and three grandchildren.
  • Question: How do I address a letter or an invitation to the Secretary of State and his wife?
    Answer: You may address a letter or invitation to The Honorable Max Maxfield, Secretary of State, State Capitol Building, 200 West 24th Street, Cheyenne, WY 82002; OR The Honorable and Mrs. Max Maxfield, State Capitol Building, 200 West 24th Street, Cheyenne, WY 82002.
  • Question: How can I request information for a “student” project?
    Answer: You may contact our office by letter at 200 West 24th Street, Cheyenne, WY 82002, or e-mail secofstate@state.wy.us to request information which will be mailed to you; OR you can also click here for the "Student Packet."
• Securities/Investors/Broker-Dealers/Agents (Expand All)
  • Question: Does Wyoming require annual audited Financials for Broker-Dealer's to be filed?
    Answer: Audited Financials are only required upon initial registration.
  • Question: How do I register with the State of Wyoming as an Investment Advisor?
    Answer: Wyoming does not require Investment Advisor's to register at the State level.
  • Question: I just registered on the Web CRD for broker-dealer in your State; do you have any other requirements to complete my registration?
    Answer: We reqire that you send the Execution page of the Form BD with original signature, most recent Audited Financials, and most recent Focus Report to complete registration in our State.
  • Question: When do I file a Regulation D filing?
    Answer: Wyoming is a "post" filing State. That means the Form D for a Regulation D Filing must be filed with our office 15 days after the first sale in Wyoming.
  • Question: What is the fee for Regulation D filings?
    Answer: $200.00.
• State Logo / State Trademark / Bucking Horse and Rider (BH&R) (Expand All)
  • Question: Why require licensing of the Bucking Horse and Rider (BH&R) trademark?
    Answer: The State of Wyoming and the University of Wyoming established a cooperative program to protect the BH&R trademark as a result of a near devastating turn of events in the winter of 1994. At that time, it was learned that a corporation based in Beverly Hills, California attempted to federally register Wyoming's BH&R trademark. Had this federal registration been allowed to proceed unchallenged, this company would have obtained trademark rights to an image which rightfully belongs in Wyoming, on behalf of the residents of Wyoming. Fortunately, the State and the University consolidated efforts to successfully defeat this attempt to own the trademark. Now there is a licensing program which significantly reduces the risk of this occurring again. Ultimately, a cooperative program was established, which now fully protects the BH&R trademark from misuse and infringement. Without this arrangement, and consistent and unified commercial licensing of the BH&R trademark, the State of Wyoming and its citizens and the University of Wyoming would face great risk in losing ownership of this trademark. Should the State of Wyoming ever loose ownership of this mark, the new owner would have rights to curtail use of the revered BH&R trademark by Wyoming citizens.
  • Question: How does the cooperative licensing program work?
    Answer: The State of Wyoming has authorized the University of Wyoming to act as the State's exclusive licensing agent in regard to commercial uses of the BH&R trademark that relate to the State of Wyoming. Since the University already operates a trademark licensing program for commercial uses of the BH&R trademark that relate to the University, all State of Wyoming related uses of the BH&R trademark are also administered by the University's Trademark Licensing Program.
  • Question: Since the State historically did not require licensing, why does it require licensing now?
    Answer: Recent actions before the United States Patent & Trademark Office and other legal courts have driven the need for solid protection. Because of the fast changing commercial demands for the trademark in today's marketplace, it is now necessary to require consistent licensing.
  • Question: Who needs to be licensed?
    Answer: Anyone who manufacturers commercial products which bear the Bucking Horse and Rider trademark, or uses the Bucking Horse and Rider trademark in business signage, logos and/or advertising is required to obtain a Business Use Agreement or Product License.
• UCC (Expand All)
  • Question: Does Wyoming have Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) information available online?
    Answer: Yes, click here for information on downloading a contract and payment of fees to register for this service.
  • Question: How long does it take to file a UCC financing statement?
    Answer: By subscribing to our online filing system, you may file a UCC instantly. A paper filing will be filed within 2 working days.
  • Question: How do I file a paper UCC financing statement when the collateral exceeds 300 characters?
    Answer: Submit a diskette or CD along with the paper filing which contains the collateral description only. If the diskette or CD is not submitted, the filing must be rejected. Unacceptable file formats are portable document formats (PDFs), scanned images, or Excel files. If a collateral description is provided in any of the unacceptable formats, the filing must be rejected.
• Wyoming Constitution (Expand All)
  • Question: I would like to get a copy of the Wyoming State Constitution. Where would I go?
    Answer: A copy of the Constitution is available from the Administrative Support Division.
  • Question: Is there a fee?
    Answer: Yes, the Wyoming Constitution is available for a pre-paid fee of $3.00 per copy.
• Wyoming State Government Directory (Expand All)
  • Question: What is the cost of the state directory?
    Answer: In-state residents pay $10 per copy and out-of-state individuals pay $15.00 per copy.
  • Question: How can I get a copy of the directory?
    Answer: A copy of the Directory is available from the Administrative Support Division.
  • Question: When is the new directory coming out?
    Answer: The Directory is available in July of each year.