Wyoming DAO Formation — 2026 Step-by-Step Guide

Forming a Wyoming DAO LLC is a 3-step legal process that costs $350 all-in for DIY setup. This guide walks through each step, the documents required, and the smart contract disclosure that trips up first-time filers.

Step 1: Choose Management Mode

Wyoming law (§17-31-104) requires you to declare in your Articles of Organization whether the DAO is algorithmically managed (smart contract vote executes decisions) or member-managed (token holders vote off-chain, admin executes). This choice is irreversible without formal amendment ($60 fee).

Step 2: File Articles of Organization

Wyoming Secretary of State filing:

• Filing fee: $100 (online at sos.wyo.gov/Business/)
• Company name: must include "DAO", "LAO", or "DAO LLC" per §17-31-103
• Registered agent: Wyoming-based individual or entity ($150-500/year)
• Principal address: registered agent's address is acceptable
• Management mode declaration (algorithmically or member-managed)
• Smart contract identifier: at least one governance smart contract address must be disclosed on the Articles

Step 3: Draft Operating Agreement

Operating agreement can be DIY from Wyoming DAO Coalition's public template (CC-BY 4.0) — costs $0. Or attorney-drafted for bespoke governance ($1,500-4,000). Key sections:

• Governance mechanism (matches Articles declaration)
• Token classes and voting weights
• Treasury management rules
• Amendment procedure (on-chain vote thresholds)
• Dissolution triggers (algorithmic or manual)

Step 4: Get EIN + Bank Account

EIN from IRS: file Form SS-4 online (US-owned) or by fax (non-US-owned), free, 5-15 business days. Bank account: Mercury and Relay both accept Wyoming DAO LLCs (algorithmic mode included) with non-resident members. Setup 1-2 weeks.

Total Cost & Timeline