West Virginia Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your West Virginia LLC Name Is Available
A unique business name is key for branding, but it can be difficult to navigate the various rules for business names in West Virginia.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
West Virginia LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in West Virginia, your filing could be rejected if the name you choose is already in use or does not adhere to state naming regulations.
How to Search the West Virginia Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in West Virginia.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the West Virginia Business Name Search or the West Virginia Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the West Virginia Business Entity Search page
West Virginia Secretary of State: Business Entity Search
It's simple: enter your desired LLC name in the search bar.
Search Tips:
- Exclude terms like "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company", and punctuation marks (commas, periods, apostrophes) from your search.
- You can use either uppercase or lowercase letters in your search.
★ Tip:
To ensure thoroughness, start with a search for the main part of your desired name. For instance, if you want "Sunset Ventures LLC", first search for "Sunset Ventures" and then "Sunset" to cover all possible variations.
How to Understand West Virginia LLC Search Results
If your search results show names that do not match yours exactly, your LLC name is likely available.
For example, if "Sunset Ventures LLC" yields results like "Sunset Management" and "Sunset LLC", your name should be available.
What If My Desired Name Is Not Available?
If the name you want is already in use, you will need to choose an alternative name or modify your desired name.
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West Virginia Secretary of State Contact Information
You can contact the West Virginia Secretary of State to check if your LLC name is available.
While this service might not be available in every state, West Virginia representatives can guide you through the process of using the West Virginia Business Name Search to see if your name is free. They can not guarantee that your name will be approved, but they can provide useful information.
Call the LLC Department at 304-558-8000, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 am to 5 pm Eastern time.
West Virginia LLC Name Requirements
As per Section 31B-1-105 of the West Virginia LLC Act, there are several rules and requirements you should be aware of when naming a West Virginia business entity.
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Grandpa Joe's LLC
- Grandpa Joe's, LLC
Permissible Designators
Your LLC name must end with one of the following designators:
- LC
- L.C.
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Limited Co.
- Ltd. Co.
- Limited Liability Company
- Limited Liability Co.
- Ltd. Liability Company
- Ltd. Liability Co.
- Limited Company
- Ltd. Company
✎ Note:
Most people opt for "LLC" because it's simpler than using the full phrase "Limited Liability Company".
Restricted Designators
Your LLC name cannot include terms that imply it is another type of business entity, such as:
- Inc.
- Corp.
- Foundation
- Incorporated
- Corporation
Restricted Words in West Virginia LLC Names
Your West Virginia LLC name cannot include words or abbreviations that are legally restricted.
For instance, you cannot name your LLC in a way that suggests it is a bank, a government agency, or any other entity that might mislead the public.
Additionally, you cannot use terms reserved for licensed professionals. These terms can differ by state but often include accountants, architects, attorneys, dentists, and engineers.
Ensuring Your West Virginia Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the West Virginia Secretary of State Business Entity Search.
If your name is not unique, you will need to come up with a different or modified name.
Rules for Distinguishability
Designators
Merely changing the designator (the suffix of the name) does not make a name unique. For example, if "River View Creations LLC" is your desired name, it will not be acceptable if you find any of the following names in the West Virginia Business Name Search:
- River View Creations, Inc.
- River View Creations, Corp.
- River View Creations, L.L.C.
Filler Words
Adding filler words such as "the", "a", "an", "and"m or "&" does not make a name distinguishable. For instance, "Sunny Meadows LLC" will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- The Sunny Meadows LLC
- A Sunny Meadow Inc.
- Sunny and Meadows L.L.C.
- Sunny & Meadows Corp
Separated vs. Combined Words
The same word separated by a space is not distinguishable from the word combined without a space.
For example, if your desired LLC name is "MountainPeak Adventures LLC", it's not available if any of the following are found in the West Virginia Business Organization Search:
- Mountain Peak Adventures LLC
- MountainPeak Adventures Incorporated
Plural or Singular Words and Possessive Words
Adding a letter “s” to make a word plural or possessive doesn’t create distinguishability.
For example, if your desired LLC name is "River's Edge LLC", it's not available if any of the following are already registered in the West Virginia Business Organization Search:
- Rivers Edge LLC
- River Edge Inc.
- Rivers Edges L.L.C.
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What If My Business Name Is Rejected?
If your West Virginia LLC name isn’t available when you file your Articles of Organization, don’t worry. Here's what happens next:
- Online Filings: The Secretary of State will email you to choose a new name. If you don’t respond promptly, your filing will be rejected, and you’ll receive a refund. You'll need to get a new EIN.
- Mail Filings: The Secretary of State will contact you by mail. If you don’t reply, your filing will be rejected, and your payment will be returned uncashed.
If you miss the deadline or don't have an alternate name, you can refile with a different name later. Be sure to use the West Virginia Business Entity Search and confirm availability before resubmitting.
How do I find out if a business name is available in WV?
Search for your business name on the West Virginia Secretary of State Business Entity Search. For best results, search without the designator and filler words.
For example, search for "Rose Gardens" instead of "The Rose Gardens LLC". The search results will show any business entity names that might conflict with yours.
For guidance on interpreting search results, please refer to the section "How to Interpret the Search Results" above.
Do I need a name reservation in West Virginia?
No, a name reservation isn't required to form an LLC in West Virginia. It’s an unnecessary step and a waste of money.
You can file your LLC's Articles of Organization with your desired LLC name directly.
Does West Virginia require an LLC in the name?
Yes. Your West Virginia LLC name must include one of the following designators at the end:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Limited Liability Company
- Ltd. Liability Co.
Does my West Virginia LLC need a DBA?
No, you're not required to file a DBA ("Doing Business As") for your business entity in West Virginia.
A DBA, known as a Trade Name in West Virginia, allows your LLC to operate under a name different from its legal name (the name on your Articles of Organization).
If you wish to use a different name, you must file an Application for Trade Name (DBA) and pay an additional fee of $25 to the Secretary of State.
There is no limit to the number of DBAs or Trade Names an LLC can have, but each must be distinguishable from existing business names in the state.
When would my LLC use a DBA?
If you form an LLC named Brandi Smith Hair Salon LLC but want to use a friendlier, catchy name like Brandi's Braids, you would need to file an Application for Trade Name to use Brandi's Braids.
Without filing a DBA Application for a different name, your LLC can only use its legal name of Brandi Smith Hair Salon LLC. Similarly, if you want to operate under the name Brandi Smith Hair Salon without "LLC", you need to file a DBA for Brandi Smith Hair Salon.
How do I get a business domain name?
Once you've found a business name you like, it's wise to check if the corresponding domain name is available before finalizing your LLC formation.
You can search for available domain names with GoDaddy:
What does "distinguishability" mean?
"Distinguishability" means that each business name must be unique and not identical to any other name on the West Virginia Secretary of State's records.
For example, if you want to form an LLC called Sugar Maple Landscapers LLC, but there is already a business named Sugar Maple Landscapers, Inc. in another town, your desired LLC name is not distinguishable from the existing corporation. Therefore, you must choose a different name.
How do I come up with a business name?
Choosing a business name is crucial for branding. The name of your West Virginia LLC can be your company's brand name, but it doesn't have to be (refer to the DBA section above). Here's a process to help you choose a name:
- Write down your company's features and values.
- List out as many business names as you can think of without editing or analyzing them initially.
- Review your list and note any variations or new ideas.
- Set the list aside and do something else. Revisit the list after some time and add new ideas.
- Read the list out loud and get feedback from friends, family, or business partners.
- Repeat the process as needed, refining your list and reviewing it periodically.
- If you’re still undecided, try a decision-making technique like choosing a name after counting to 10. Trust your instincts and go with what feels best.
Which West Virginia Business Entity Search should I use?
There are two Business Entity Search tools available from the West Virginia Secretary of State:
- The Business Entity Search page shows a simple list of search results and is mainly designed for ordering copies of documents.
- The Business Organizations Search provides a more detailed list and is more useful for comparing names and determining availability.
Can I use the name of another West Virginia entity?
It depends on the type of entity:
- You cannot use the name of another formal business entity registered with the Secretary of State, such as a Corporation, LLC, or Limited Partnership. The name is protected regardless of the entity type.
- You can use the name of an informal business entity, like a Sole Proprietorship or General Partnership, as they are not registered with the Secretary of State. However, you should avoid using the same name to prevent confusion with existing businesses.
If you file your LLC paperwork with the same name as an informal business, the Secretary of State will notify you, allowing you to either change your LLC name or proceed with registration.
How do I change my LLC name?
You can change your LLC's name later by filing an Amendment form with the Secretary of State. For detailed instructions, please refer to our guide on how to change an LLC name in West Virginia.
How do I register an LLC in WV?
Here are the steps to start an LLC in West Virginia:
- Choose an LLC name and ensure its availability
- Select a West Virginia Registered Agent
- Obtain a Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS
- File the West Virginia LLC Articles of Organization
- Obtain your Business Registration Certificate
- Complete and sign an LLC Operating Agreement
- Open an LLC bank account