Starting a Business
Start, manage, and maintain your business with the State of Idaho.Â
Choose Your Path
Whether you’re just getting started or ready to file, we’ll help you take the next step.
I Need Help Getting Started
Not sure what to do first?
Helpful Tools
Business Wizard
Answer a few questions to understand requirements for your business.
Resource Wizard
Find funding, training, and support resources tailored to your business needs.
I'm Ready To File
Already know what you need?Â
Before You Register...
Make sure you have:
- A business name
- A registered agent in Idaho
- Your business structure (LLC, corporation, etc.)
Looking For A Business?
Use the Business Search to lookup business information, registered agents, and more at sosbiz.idaho.gov.
What You Can Do Here
This is where you complete your official business registration with the State of Idaho.
Registered Agents
A registered agent is the person or business designated to receive official documents on behalf of your business.
- You can serve as your own registered agent if you have an Idaho address
- Or you can hire a registered agent service.
(Registered agent services usually charge a fee and must be arranged before filing.) - Assumed business names (DBAs) cannot serve as registered agents.
The Secretary of State’s Office does not endorse specific registered agents.
Registered agent requirements
To be a registered agent in Idaho, you must:
- Have a physical street address in Idaho (no P.O. boxes)
- Be available during normal business hours
- Be either:
- An individual who lives in Idaho, or
- A business entity authorized to do business in Idaho
Registered Agent Resources
View recent registered agents (14 day list – PDF)
Certificates of Existence
A certificate of existence shows that your business is properly registered with the State of Idaho.
- Not required to operate a business in Idaho
- May be requested by banks or other organizations
To request a certificate:
- Search for your business here.
- Click on your business to view its information.
- Click the “Request Certificate” button at the top of the window.
- Fill out the online form and pay the $10 fee.
You may also order a certificate using this paper form.
Use this tool to verify the authenticity of a certificate. You will need the certificate number from the bottom left of your certificate.
Beware of False Certificate Scams
A certificate of existence is not required to do business in Idaho. Scam websites or mailings may try to indicate a certificate is necessary and offer to provide one at a high markup.
Certificates may be ordered directly from the Secretary of State's office for $10.
Trademarks
A trademark can be any word, phrase, symbol, design, or a combination of these things that identifies your goods or services. A trademark is used for goods, while a service mark is used for services.
Before registering a trademark, you must be currently using the name or logo in business. During registration you will be asked to provide a specimen of the mark and proof of its use, such as on brochures, business cards, or a website.
Registering your trademark in Idaho provides protection rights within the state only. We recommend making a search of registered trademarks to be certain your trademark is unique.
The trademark symbol â„¢ can be used on printed materials or a website that includes your unique name or logo. The symbol indicates that your business claims an ownership right in the use of the symbol or word. You do not need to register your trademark to use the symbol, though it is a good idea to do so if you want to protect the name or symbol from use by others.
Additional Support
Looking for guidance beyond filing?
Photo: Downtown Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.