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Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is West Virginia’s Secretary of State page includes a name availability checker. Check out LLC Name Search to learn more.
Meanwhile, if you’re interested in learning more about starting a West Virginia LLC or forming an LLC in general, you can check out How to Start an LLC.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
How to Name an LLC in West Virginia
Time needed: 5 minutes
There are guidelines to follow in doing a West Virginia LLC name search. To learn more, check out LLC Naming Guidelines or read Foreign LLC Application for Registration if you’re planning to register a foreign LLC.
- Check Name Availability
Search the Business Entity Records in West Virginia’s Official Secretary of State page to check if your chosen business name is available. You may also try typing your trademark, business, or domain name on any search engine to generate businesses with similar names and to ensure your trademark is unique and meets the state’s requirements.
Check out How to File a DBA to learn more about registering a DBA or trademark. For social media pages, use Social Searcher to avoid using similar page names. - Check Domain Availability
If your business name is still available, you must register for a domain name using Namecheap, Google Workspace, or other domain name sites. So customers can easily find your business over the Internet. Use the Kinsta app to manage your domains efficiently.
- File Name Reservation
A Name Reservation Certificate is required along with a Certificate of Formation. You can reserve a name online, by mail, or in person with a $15 filing fee (plus tax for online).
File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of West Virginia. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to one of the following:
1. Charleston Office One-Stop Business Center 1615 Washington St. E. Charleston, WV 25311.
2. Clarksburg Office North Central WV Business Center 200 W. Main St. Clarksburg, WV 26301.
3. Martinsburg Office Eastern Panhandle Business Center 229 E. Martin St. Martinsburg, WV 25401.
Guidelines to Follow in Naming LLC
- Use a business name with the abbreviation “LLC” or the phrase “Limited Liability Company.”
- Your decided business name must not coincide with any existing government entity. Otherwise, you might have to face legal lawsuits when filing your LLC.
- Use the LLC name availability checker to ensure your business name is unique.
- Get a license first if you plan on using restricted words to avoid any complications.
Note that you must put adequate effort into naming your LLC because this name will be with your business for a long time. Making your LLC name unique is vital as it would prevent people from confusing your business with others, not to mention it would be easier for them to recall your business, products, or services.
How to Do West Virginia LLC Online Name Search
Naming your business is a vital step. No matter in which state your business is registered, you need to select a name that is available. For this matter, the West Virginia LLC name search may prove to be of great help if your business is based in the state. You can search for the name availability through any of the below-mentioned ways:
By Organization/Agent/Officer Name
Once you land on the West Virginia Secretary of State page, you will see the search dialog box. You just need to fill in the organization name along with the agent/officer’s name and press enter or click on the search button. You will get the information about the business registered with the name provided.
Advanced Search Option
In the advanced search option, you can choose to provide more details like street, city, county, organization type, etc. This will help you in getting more refined search results.
F.A.Qs
A trade name (doing business as (DBA) name) is the official name under which a proprietor or company chooses to do business.
Having a domain isn’t necessary, but it is recommended. If you have a domain name, customers will find you more accessible through online means with your online website.
For domestic LLC, you can simply brainstorm for another name if the one you pick is no longer available. For foreign LLC, you must think up a “fictitious name,” which you’ll use only in the state.
How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in West Virginia
To reserve an LLC name in West Virginia you need to submit a name reservation request form to the West Virginia Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $15.
Reserving an LLC name in West Virginia is a relatively simple process, but it’s crucial to follow the correct steps to secure your desired business name. By reserving your chosen name, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that no one else will be able to register a similar name while you prepare to officially form your LLC.
To reserve an LLC name in West Virginia, you will need to submit a Name Reservation Request with the Secretary of State’s office. This can be done online through the Secretary of State’s website, or by mail. When submitting your request, be sure to include the desired name for your LLC, along with a $15 fee for the reservation.
It’s important to keep in mind that a name reservation in West Virginia is only valid for 120 days, so it’s essential to move forward with registering your LLC within that time frame. If you fail to do so, your reserved name may become available for others to use.
When choosing a name for your LLC, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind. Your name must be distinguishable from the names of existing businesses in West Virginia, and it must include the words “Limited Liability Company,” or an abbreviation like “LLC.” Additionally, your name cannot include certain restricted words without approval from the state.
Reserving your LLC name is just one of the many steps you’ll need to take when starting a new business. It’s important to carefully follow the requirements set forth by the state of West Virginia to ensure a smooth and successful registration process for your LLC.
In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in West Virginia is an important step to take when starting a new business. By following the correct procedures and guidelines set forth by the state, you can protect your desired business name and move forward with registering your LLC with confidence. So don’t delay – reserve your LLC name today and take the first step towards building a successful business in the Mountain State.
In Conclusion
LLC names are important as it is the main identity of your business. While naming your LLC make sure to choose the one that suits the nature of your business. Follow the naming guidelines before you start filing your LLC name