Which state is best for an anonymous LLC?

New Mexico is widely considered the best overall because it does not ask for member names on the formation documents and has no annual report, meaning your name never appears on a state database.

Is an Anonymous LLC legal?

Yes, absolutely. It is legal to hide ownership from the public and competitors. However, under the Corporate Transparency Act (2026), you must disclose your identity privately to the federal government (FinCEN).

How to Hide LLC Ownership: Top 4 Private States

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Quick Verdict: The “Ghost” States

In a rush? Here are the only four states where you can truly hide your name from the public record in 2026:

👻 New Mexico Total Anonymity (No Annual Report)

🤠 Wyoming Allows “Nominee” Managers

🏢 Delaware The Corporate Standard

Let’s be honest for a second. Have you ever Googled a company, found the owner’s home address in two clicks, and thought, “Yikes, I definitely don’t want that to be me”?

You’re not alone. Whether you’re a dropshipper afraid of competitors stealing your niche, a content creator dealing with crazy fans, or just someone who values privacy, knowing how to hide LLC ownership from public records is a superpower.

So, here’s the thing, most states are terrible at secrets. They publish your name and address like it’s the phonebook. But, there are 4 Anonymous LLC states that act like a vault for your identity. Ready to go ghost mode? Let’s dive in.

🏆 The Top 4 Anonymous LLC States

Not all “private” states are created equal. Some hide you for free; others charge a premium for the privilege.

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1. New Mexico

The “Set It and Forget It” Option.

Here’s why I love New Mexico: They don’t ask for owner names on the filing forms, and guess what? There is no annual report. Since you never file a report, you never have to give them your name later. It is the ultimate “Ghost LLC.”

Best Value

🤠

2. Wyoming

The “Nominee” Strategy.

Wyoming is famous for privacy. They allow you to use a “Nominee” (a stand-in person) on public forms. Plus, your name isn’t listed on the state database. It’s a bit more work than New Mexico, but offers incredible legal protection.

See our Wyoming Guide →

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3. Delaware

The “Big Business” Vault.

If you plan to raise money from investors, you go to Delaware. While it offers great anonymity, it’s pricey. You’ll pay a $300 franchise tax every year just to keep the lights on.

📊 Public vs. Private: The 2026 Ranking

Wondering which is the Best state for anonymous LLC formation for your budget? Here is the breakdown.

#	State	Privacy Level	Annual Cost	Why it works?
1	New Mexico	Extreme	$0	No names collected, NO annual report.
2	Wyoming	High	$60	Allows Nominee services & private lists.
3	Delaware	High	$300	Only Registered Agent is public.
4	Nevada	High	$350+	Great privacy but very expensive.
5	Florida	Zero	$138	Avoid Names are totally public.
6	California	Zero	$800	Avoid Expensive and public.

🕵️ How to Hide LLC Ownership (The “Double LLC” Trick)

So, what if you live in a state like Florida or Texas where privacy doesn’t exist? Are you out of luck?

Nope. You just need to use the Double LLC Strategy (also called a Holding Company structure). It works like this:

Step 1: Form an Anonymous LLC in New Mexico (The Ghost).
Step 2: Form your regular LLC in your home state (e.g. Florida).
Step 3: When the Florida paper asks “Who owns this?”, you don’t write your name. You write “New Mexico Ghost LLC”.

💡 The Result: Anyone searching your Florida business sees another company owns it. When they search that other company in New Mexico, they find… nothing. Dead end.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stay anonymous from the IRS/Government?

No. And be careful with anyone who says you can. With the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), you must file a private report with FinCEN listing the “Beneficial Owners.” This is for law enforcement only, it is NOT available to the public or your nosey neighbors.

Which is better: Wyoming or New Mexico?

If you want the cheapest option, New Mexico wins ($0 annual fees). If you want prestige and specific asset protection laws for e-commerce, Wyoming is often the better choice. Check out our Cheapest States Ranking to compare costs.

Do I need a Registered Agent for anonymity?

Yes! This is the most important part. The Registered Agent’s address goes on the public forms instead of your home address. Never serve as your own agent if you want privacy.

Is this legal for Amazon Sellers?

Yes. Amazon allows you to operate under an LLC. Using a business entity protects your personal identity from being displayed on your storefront profile.