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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.
One of the first things to consider when reserving an LLC name in West Virginia is ensuring that the name you choose complies with state regulations. The name you choose must be distinguishable from any existing business entity names registered with the West Virginia Secretary of State. This means that your name cannot be identical or confusingly similar to any other business entity name currently on file. Conducting a thorough search of the state’s business entity database can help you determine if your preferred name is available for use.
Once you have determined that your desired name is available, you can reserve it for a period of 120 days by filing an Application for Reservation of Name with the West Virginia Secretary of State. This application can be completed online through the Secretary of State’s website or submitted by mail. The application must include the name you wish to reserve, the name and address of the individual making the reservation, and a filing fee. It is important to note that reserving a name does not provide you with exclusive rights to use that name for your business; it simply prevents others from using the name while you prepare to formally register your LLC.
Reserving a name for your LLC can be a strategic move in the early stages of business formation. By reserving a name, you can ensure that your preferred name is available when you are ready to register your LLC. This can be particularly important if you are conducting business under a name that you have already started to build recognition for, or if you are planning to launch a marketing campaign under a particular name. Reserving a name can also help you protect your brand from potential infringement by others seeking to use a similar name.
In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in West Virginia is a relatively simple process that can provide valuable benefits as you start your business. By choosing a name that accurately represents your brand and reserving it with the state, you can take an important step towards establishing your business identity and protecting your brand. Whether you are a new entrepreneur or an existing business seeking to rebrand, reserving an LLC name is an important step in the process of building a successful business.
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