In most states, when you form an LLC, your name goes into a public database that anyone can search — business competitors, solicitors, or anyone else curious about who owns what. Four U.S. states let you keep that information private. Here's how anonymous LLCs work, which states allow them, and which one makes sense for your situation.
IN THIS GUIDE:
- What is an anonymous LLC?
- Is an anonymous LLC legal?
- The 4 states that allow anonymous LLCs
- Wyoming vs Delaware vs Nevada vs New Mexico
- How to form an anonymous LLC — step by step
- What you can't hide — limits of anonymity
- Anonymous LLC for non-US residents
- Frequently asked questions
What Is an Anonymous LLC?
An anonymous LLC is a limited liability company where the owner's name does not appear in publicly accessible state records. Instead of listing the owner (called a "member") in the formation documents, the LLC uses a registered agent or nominee organizer — so only the agent's name appears in the public database.
This isn't a special type of LLC — it's a standard LLC formed in a state that doesn't require member names to be disclosed on public filings. The LLC itself functions identically to any other LLC: same liability protection, same tax treatment, same compliance requirement
📌 2026 update — CTA law changed
In early 2025, the federal government exempted most domestic U.S. entities from the Corporate Transparency Act's Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements to FinCEN. As of 2026, the majority of U.S.-formed LLCs are no longer required to file BOI reports with FinCEN — significantly strengthening the privacy advantages of anonymous LLCs. However, rules continue to evolve and certain entities may still have filing obligations. Always consult a tax professional or business attorney for your specific situation.
Is an Anonymous LLC Legal?
Yes — completely legal. Forming an LLC without publicly disclosing your name is permitted in states that don't require member disclosure in their formation documents. There's nothing fraudulent or improper about using a registered agent or nominee to keep your name off public records.
Legitimate reasons people form anonymous LLCs include:
- Real estate investors who don't want tenants, competitors, or the public to know how many properties they own
- Online business owners who want to separate their personal identity from their business
- High-net-worth individuals protecting privacy from solicitors or litigation targeting
- Non-US residents who want a clean US business presence without their foreign address appearing in public filings
- Content creators and public figures keeping business activities separate from their public persona
An anonymous LLC does not protect you from legitimate legal proceedings — if a court orders disclosure of ownership, you must comply. Anonymity applies only to public databases, not courts or law enforcement.
The 4 States That Allow Anonymous LLCs
Only four U.S. states allow LLC formation without requiring member names to be publicly disclosed:
- Wyoming
- Delaware
- Nevada
- New Mexico
Every other state requires at least some form of owner disclosure in public records. If you form an LLC in California, Texas, Florida, or most other states, your name will appear in the Secretary of State's searchable database.
Wyoming vs Delaware vs Nevada vs New Mexico — Which Is Best?
🏔️ Wyoming — Best overall for privacy + low cost
- Privacy level: Very high — only the registered agent appears on public filings
- State filing fee: $100
- Annual report fee: $62 minimum
- State income tax: None
- Best for: Most investors and business owners wanting privacy at low cost
- Unique advantage: Strong charging order protection — creditors cannot easily reach LLC assets
🏛️ Delaware — Best for startups and investors
- Privacy level: High — members not required on public filings
- State filing fee: $110
- Annual report fee: $300 franchise tax
- State income tax: None on out-of-state income
- Best for: Startups planning to raise investment, companies needing Delaware's Court of Chancery protection
- Unique advantage: Most investors and VCs prefer Delaware-formed entities
🎰 Nevada — Best for asset protection
- Privacy level: High — strong internal privacy protections
- State filing fee: $425
- Annual report fee: $350
- State income tax: None
- Best for: High asset protection needs, businesses wanting strong creditor protection
- Unique advantage: No information-sharing agreement with the IRS (historically)
- Drawback: Most expensive option — $425 to form + $350/year ongoing
🌵 New Mexico — Best for low maintenance + privacy
- Privacy level: Very high — members not required on public filings
- State filing fee: $50
- Annual report fee: None — no annual report required
- State income tax: 4.8% flat rate
- Best for: Long-term privacy with minimal ongoing costs and paperwork
- Unique advantage: Only anonymous LLC state with no annual report — lowest ongoing maintenance of all four
Quick comparison — which state should you choose?
- Want privacy + low cost → Wyoming or New Mexico
- Want privacy + raising investment → Delaware
- Want maximum asset protection → Nevada (if budget allows)
- Want privacy + zero annual maintenance → New Mexico
- Not sure → Wyoming is the safest all-around choice for most people
Form Your Anonymous LLC Today
Brendat forms LLCs in Wyoming, Delaware, Nevada, New Mexico — and all 50 other states. Starting at $0 + state fee, with registered agent included.
100% accuracy guarantee · Non-residents welcome · All 50 states
How to Form an Anonymous LLC — Step by Step
- Choose your state. Pick from Wyoming, Delaware, Nevada, or New Mexico based on the comparison above. Most people start with Wyoming for the best balance of privacy, cost, and protection.
- Appoint a registered agent. Your registered agent's name and address will appear on public filings — not yours. Choose a professional registered agent service like Brendat. Do not use your own name or home address if privacy is your goal. Brendat provides registered agent service in all 50 states.
- File Articles of Organization with a nominee organizer. Some people use a "nominee organizer" — a third party who signs the formation documents on your behalf. The nominee's name appears on the initial filing, keeping your name completely off the public record from day one.
- Create an operating agreement. Your operating agreement — which is a private document, not filed with the state — clearly identifies you as the member. This stays with your private records, not in any public database.
- Get your EIN. Your EIN application requires your personal information, but this goes to the IRS — not to any public state database. Your LLC's EIN is what banks and clients see.
- Open a business bank account in the LLC's name. Banks will require identity verification — this is federal law (KYC requirements). Your bank knows who you are, but this information is not publicly accessible.
⚠️ IMPORTANT - WHAT YOU CAN'T HIDE
An anonymous LLC keeps your name off public state databases. It does not hide your identity from: the IRS (tax filings), your bank (KYC requirements), courts (legal proceedings), or law enforcement. Anonymity means public privacy — not invisibility from government agencies.
What You Can't Hide — The Limits of Anonymity
Understanding these limits is important before you form an anonymous LLC:
- The IRS always knows who you are. Your EIN application, tax returns, and any federal filings identify you as the owner. Anonymous LLCs are fully tax-compliant entities.
- Your bank knows who you are. Federal KYC (Know Your Customer) laws require banks to verify the identity of beneficial owners. Your bank will have your personal information on file.
- Courts can order disclosure. If you're involved in litigation, a court can compel disclosure of LLC ownership. Anonymity doesn't protect you from legitimate legal processes.
- Operating in other states may require disclosure. If your LLC actively does business in a state other than where it's formed, you may need to register as a foreign LLC — which may require member disclosure in that state.
Anonymous LLC for Non-US Residents
Non-US residents can form anonymous LLCs in Wyoming, Delaware, Nevada, or New Mexico — and the process is entirely remote. You never need to visit the United States.
For non-residents, the anonymous LLC is especially useful because:
- Your foreign address doesn't appear in US public records
- Your home country name doesn't appear in searchable US databases
- You maintain a clean, professional US business presence
Non-residents need a registered agent with a US address in the formation state — Brendat provides this. For EIN applications, non-residents file IRS Form SS-4 by fax or mail.
For a complete guide on running a US LLC from outside the country, read our guide on starting a US LLC without living in America.
And if you're deciding which state is right for you, our guide on the best states to start an LLC covers Wyoming, Delaware, Florida, Nevada, and Texas in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is forming an anonymous LLC legal?
Yes — completely legal. Forming an LLC without publicly disclosing your name is permitted in states that don't require member disclosure (Wyoming, Delaware, Nevada, New Mexico). It doesn't exempt you from taxes, legal proceedings, or banking identity requirements — it only keeps your name off public state databases.
Which is the best state for an anonymous LLC?
Wyoming is the best all-around choice for most people — low formation fee ($100), no state income tax, strong privacy protection, and minimal annual costs ($62/year). New Mexico is a close second with the lowest annual costs (no annual report). Delaware is best if you plan to raise investment. Nevada offers the strongest asset protection but at the highest cost.
Can a non-US resident form an anonymous LLC?
Yes. Non-residents can form anonymous LLCs in Wyoming, Delaware, Nevada, or New Mexico entirely online without visiting the US. You need a registered agent with a US address (Brendat provides this) and must apply for an EIN via IRS Form SS-4 by fax or mail.
Does an anonymous LLC still pay taxes?
Yes. An anonymous LLC is a fully tax-compliant entity. By default it's a pass-through entity — income is reported on your personal tax return. The anonymity only applies to public state records, not the IRS. You still file all required federal and state tax returns.
How much does an anonymous LLC cost?
Formation costs depend on state: Wyoming ($100), Delaware ($110), New Mexico ($50), Nevada ($425). Annual costs: Wyoming ($62 minimum), Delaware ($300 franchise tax), New Mexico ($0), Nevada ($350). Brendat's service fee starts at $0 (Basic) or $149 (Standard — includes EIN, registered agent, operating agreement).
An anonymous LLC gives you the full legal protection and tax flexibility of a standard LLC — with the added benefit of keeping your name out of public databases. Whether you're a real estate investor, an online entrepreneur, or a non-US resident building a US business presence, the right state and the right registered agent make all the difference.
Pick your state, keep your records private, and let the LLC do its job.
Form Your Anonymous LLC Today
Brendat forms LLCs in Wyoming, Delaware, Nevada, New Mexico — and all 50 other states. Starting at $0 + state fee, with registered agent included.
100% accuracy guarantee · Non-residents welcome · All 50 states
About the Author
Brendat Editorial publishes practical guidance for founders navigating business formation, compliance, and growth in the U.S.