West Virginia business search
West Virginia's official business search is Business Organization Search, run by the West Virginia Secretary of State. It's free, and you can search by name, agent or officer.
Search West Virginia recordsHow to check if a name is taken in West Virginia
- Type the main words of the name into the search. Leave off endings like LLC or Inc.
- Look for exact matches and close ones. States usually refuse a name that only differs by punctuation, spacing or the ending.
- If nothing close comes up, run a free trademark search. A state accepting your name doesn't give you the right to use it as a brand.
LLC name endings in West Virginia
An LLC's name has to end with one of these: LLC, L.L.C., L.C., LC, Limited Co., Ltd. Company, Limited Liability Co., Ltd. Liability Company, Limited Company, Limited Liability Company.
Once the name is clear
West Virginia charges $100 to form an LLC and $100 to form a corporation. See how to start an LLC in West Virginia, or a West Virginia DBA if you only need a trade name.
West Virginia business search questions
Is the West Virginia business search free?
Yes. The West Virginia Secretary of State doesn't charge to search its records.
Does searching reserve a name in West Virginia?
No. A search only shows what's on record today. The name is yours once your filing is accepted, and most states also let you pay to hold a name for a set time.
Can I see who owns a West Virginia LLC?
The record shows what West Virginia requires a company to file, which is often its registered agent and sometimes its managers or members. Many states don't list owners at all.