Name availability · WV
West Virginia business name search
West Virginia's Business Organization Search lets you search by organization name or by agent, officer or name. It supports % as a wildcard, and it also shows fictitious business names registered with the State Tax Department. A new name must be distinguishable from active names on record and show no likelihood of confusion with them.
How to check if a name is available in West Virginia
- 01
Search by keyword
At apps.sos.wv.gov/business/corporations, enter one or two key words from your name. The Secretary of State suggests starting with key words rather than the full name.
- 02
Use % wildcards
Put % between words to find names with extra words in between, for example %Mountain%Coffee%. Fictitious names registered with the State Tax Department show up too.
- 03
Discount the differences that don't count
Entity endings, "The," "A," "And," "&," hyphens, singular versus plural, apostrophes, and joined versus separate words (Cut Above vs. CutAbove) don't make a name distinguishable.
- 04
Search federal trademarks
Beyond the state's likelihood-of-confusion test, check tmsearch.uspto.gov for federal marks.
- 05
Check domains and socials
Confirm the domain and handles. Our free tool at /business-name-generator/ can help you find a name that clears West Virginia's test.
West Virginia business naming rules
- A name must be distinguishable from active registered names in the organizations database and from reserved or registered names.
- Trade names must also show no likelihood of confusion with a previously registered name.
- Corporate endings, word separators like The, A, And, & and hyphens, singular versus plural, apostrophes, and joined versus separated words don't make a name distinguishable.
- Several business types must use specific endings, such as Corporation, Inc. or LLC.
Reserving a name
A West Virginia name reservation protects the name for 120 days from filing, and staff add it to the business organizations database. Check the current fee on the Secretary of State's site.
DBAs and trade names
Registered entities (corporations, LLCs, LPs, LLPs and similar) file trade names (DBAs) with the Secretary of State. Sole proprietorships, general partnerships, joint ventures and associations register only through the State Tax Department, and their fictitious names can appear in the SOS search results.
Still looking for the right name?
Brainstorm dozens of options with the free generator, then run your shortlist through the West Virginia search above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I search business names in West Virginia?
Use the Secretary of State's Business Organization Search. Search by key words and use % as a wildcard. Results also include fictitious names registered with the State Tax Department.
Where does a sole proprietor register a DBA in West Virginia?
Through the State Tax Department. Secretary of State trade name filings are for registered entities like LLCs and corporations.
Is "Farmer's Market LLC" different from "Farmers Market Inc." in West Virginia?
No. Apostrophes and entity endings don't make a name distinguishable.
How long does a West Virginia name reservation last?
120 days from filing.
General information, not legal advice. Name approval is decided by the West Virginia Secretary of State; a name showing as available in a search is not a guarantee it will be accepted.