Wyoming Nonprofit Articles of Incorporation

Nonprofit articles of incorporation is the document filed to create a Wyoming nonprofit corporation.

Preparing and filing your articles of incorporation is the first step in starting your nonprofit corporation. Approval of this document secures your corporate name and creates the legal entity of the nonprofit. Only after this approval can you apply for 501c, apply for fundraising licenses, open a bank account, and otherwise conduct business.

Benefits

Incorporating provides many important benefits:

• Limits the liability of directors, officers, and shareholders
• Fulfills statutory requirements to register your organization's name
• Is a prerequisite for applying for 501(c) tax exemption
• Provides governance and adds credibility to the business or organization

Fast Facts

Agency:	Wyoming Secretary of State - Business Division
Form:	Incorporation Articles
Filing Method:	Mail or online.
Agency Fee:	$50 application fee + $2.25 convenience fee
Turnaround:	~3-5 business days
Law:	Wyoming Statutes § 17-19-202
Original Ink:	Required
Notes:	Submit the original signed document. The state will e-mail you with an electronic certificate for evidence of filing. The Articles of Incorporation form must be accompanied by an originally signed Consent to Appointment by Registered Agent form.

Other Helpful Wyoming Facts

As you are preparing to incorporate, keep in mind the following requirements specific to Wyoming, keep in mind:

Wyoming Directors

• Number: minimum 3
• Qualifications: Individual. No residency requirement. No membership requirement.
• Term: default is 1 year, 5 year maximum
• Quorum: majority
• Committee: minimum 2 directors

Wyoming Officers

• A president, a secretary, and a treasurer unless otherwise defined in articles or bylaws.
• Two or more offices may be held by the same individual.

Wyoming Members

• Members: optional
• Regular meeting: required annually
• Quorum: 1/10th votes