The Delaware/Wyoming Privacy Myth

When searching online about forming an LLC, you’ll see Wyoming and Delaware advertised as “the most private” states. Registered agent companies have spent years marketing those states as havens for anonymity.

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Here’s the reality: New York provides the same level of privacy as Wyoming and Delaware when it comes to LLC ownership. The difference is in the hype, not the law.

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What “Privacy” Really Means for an LLC

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When people ask about privacy, they’re usually wondering:

• Will my name show up in the state’s public records?

• Can anyone look up who owns my LLC?
   

The short answer: no, not in New York.

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New York’s Articles of Organization only ask for:

• Your LLC’s name

• The county of operation

• A filer’s name and address (this can be your attorney, accountant, or formation company)

• A registered agent address (if you use one)
   

What New York does NOT require in the public record:

• Member names

• Manager names

• Ownership percentages
   

That means your personal details are not searchable in New York’s public database.
 

New York vs. Wyoming vs. Delaware: The Privacy Comparison
 

• Wyoming – No member names in the public record. Only the registered agent’s information appears.

• Delaware – Same. No member or manager names in the public filing.

• New York – Identical privacy. Members’ names do not appear in the Articles of Organization or the state database.
   

Bottom line: all three states provide the same public-facing privacy protections.
 

Why the “Wyoming Privacy” Hype Exists
 

Wyoming and Delaware are marketed heavily by large registered agent companies. They push the idea that forming there keeps you anonymous, which is technically true—but not unique.
 

New York simply doesn’t advertise itself that way. But the law still ensures the same outcome: your ownership is not public information.

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Important Reality Check: There is No Such Thing as Absolute Anonymity

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Even though your name isn’t on the state’s website, some disclosures are unavoidable:

• Banks require ownership information to open an account.

• The IRS and federal regulators require beneficial ownership reporting.

• New York (like every state) requires you to keep an internal list of members.
   

In other words, privacy is about keeping your information out of the public record, not about being invisible to banks or the government.

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The New York Advantage

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If you live or operate in New York, forming here often makes more sense than going out of state:

• You’ll avoid having to register as a “foreign LLC” (which cancels out the supposed cost savings of Wyoming or Delaware).

• You’ll stay compliant with New York’s business and tax laws from day one.

• You’ll still enjoy the same privacy protections that Delaware and Wyoming are known for.
   

The Takeaway
 

The idea that Wyoming and Delaware offer “superior” privacy is mostly a marketing myth. A New York LLC gives you just as much privacy when it comes to ownership information.
 

If you’re starting a business in New York, don’t let the hype push you out of state. You can form here, stay compliant, and still keep your personal details private.
 

👉 Want help forming your LLC in New York the right way—fast, accurate, and fully compliant? We’ve been helping business owners do exactly that for over 20 years.

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