Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) Frequently Asked Questions
How do I form a DAO?
A DAO can be formed either online or by mailing the paper form. For online filers:
1) Begin by selecting the business entity type of Limited Liability Company;
2) During step 1, select Decentralized Autonomous Organization as the Additional
Designation from the drop-down list (this drop-down is located under the business
entity name fields);
3) During step 6, follow the instructions on the screen specific for DAOs. The following information is statutorily required to appear in the Articles of Organization if you have elected to be a DAO:
4) Pursuant to W.S. 17-31-106(a), a statement that the entity is a decentralized autonomous organization;
5) Pursuant to W.S. 17-31-106(b), a publicly available identifier of any smart contract directly used to manage, facilitate or operate the DAO;
6) Pursuant to W.S. 17-31-104(c), a Notice of Restrictions on Duties and Transfers if it will not appear in the operating agreement; and
7) If the Notice of Restrictions on Duties and Transfers appears or will appear in the operating agreement, a statement of such.
8) To file online, visit https://wyobiz.wyo.gov/Business/RegistrationInstr.aspx
For paper filers: Mail in the Articles of Organization – DAO form with a check or money order. Visit our forms page: https://sos.wyo.gov/Forms/default.aspx
Is there an easy way to form a DAO?
YES. Contact Wyoming Discount Registered Agent. They will handle the whole thing for you for $125. Call (775) 782-6587.
Are there any special naming requirements?
The name must include “DAO LLC” or a combination of the entity indicators for both DAO and LLC as follows:
1) The name must include specifically, “DAO”, or “LAO.” (W.S. 17-31-104(d))
2) The name must include the words “Limited Liability Company,” or its abbreviations “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” “Limited Company,” “LC,” “L.C.,” “Ltd. Liability Company,” “Ltd. Liability Co.,” or “Limited Liability Co.” (W.S. 17-29-108)
How much does it cost to form a DAO?
The initial filing fee is $100.
An annual report is due every year thereafter; the fee for which is a minimum of $60.
The fee is calculated based on all assets located and employed in Wyoming. The tax is $60 or two-tenths of one mill on the dollar ($.0002), whichever is greater.
Do I have to live in Wyoming to register a DAO?
No. You can register a DAO regardless of where you reside, but you must have a Wyoming registered agent who meets the statutory requirements (W.S. 17-28-101 through W.S. 17-28-111).
Does a DAO have to have a registered agent?
Yes, just as all other LLCs, you must have a registered agent in order to register a DAO. For more information on registered agents services, contact Wyoming Discount Registered Agents at (775) 782-6587.
If I currently have an LLC registered, can I convert it to a DAO? If so, how?
Yes, you can convert an existing domestic LLC to a DAO.
You will need to file an amendment to your articles. The amendment must contain information as required in W.S. 17-31-104(b): https://sos.wyo.gov/Forms/default.aspx
Can I register my out-of-state DAO?
No. A certificate of authority for a foreign DAO cannot be filed pursuant to W.S. 17-31-116.
How does a DAO differ from a regular LLC?
Unlike a standard LLC which is managed by human members/managers, a DAO can be managed either by human members/managers or algorithmically.
What is a smart contract?
A smart contact is an automated transaction, as defined in W.S. 40‐21‐102(a)(ii), or any substantially similar analogue, which is comprised of code, script or programming language that executes the terms of an agreement and which may include taking custody of and transferring an asset, administrating membership interest votes with respect to a decentralized autonomous organization or issuing executable instructions for these actions, based on the occurrence or nonoccurrence of specified conditions (W.S. 17-31-102 (a)(ix)).
Where can I find more information on DAOs?
You can review the legislation for DAOs here: https://wyoleg.gov/2021/Enroll/SF0038.pdf
Contact Wyoming Discount Registered Agent. They will handle the whole thing for you for $125. Call (775) 782-6587.
