How to File a DBA in West Virginia

Registering a West Virginia DBA, also known as a trade name, is a simple process that you complete with the Secretary of State.

Learn How to File a DBA in West Virginia yourself in two simple steps:

• Step 1) Choose and Search for your DBA Name
• Step 2) Register Your DBA

Filing a DBA in West Virginia is easy, just follow these 2 steps:

Step 1: Start With a West Virginia DBA Name Search

If your business is a corporation, LLC, LP, or LLP, head over to the West Virginia Secretary of State website to make sure your trade name isn’t taken by another registered West Virginia business.

You should also call the Secretary of State Business Division at (304) 558-8000 for an informal name availability check.

If your business is a sole proprietorship or general partnership, you will contact the West Virginia State Tax Department to conduct a name search.

Your name can be similar to other business names, but it’s still a good practice to create a unique name. In West Virginia, your trade name should not include:

• Any business entity suffix, such as LLC, Incorporated, Corp., etc unless the business is actually an LLC, corporation, or etc.
• Any terms given to financial institutions, including: “bank,” “banc,” “banco,” ‘banque,” “banker,“”trust company,” “savings and loan association,” “savings bank,” “credit union” or other similar words.

Next, a quick search on the U.S. Trademark Electronic Search System will tell you whether someone else has already trademarked your name.

Now would be the perfect time to make sure there’s a web domain available for your DBA as well.

Step 2: Register Your DBA with the State

In West Virginia, you register your DBA with the Secretary of State. You can file online at West Virginia’s One Stop Business Portal, or you can complete the trade name registration form.

There are two different DBA forms, and you will need to pick the right one for your company’s business structure:

• Sole proprietorship and general partnership form
• Corporation, LLC, LP, LLP form

The application will ask for your new DBA name and information about your business, such as the owners’ names and addresses.

A DBA does not offer any protection for your personal assets in the event that your business is sued. For more information on setting up a limited liability company, visit our How to Form an LLC page and select your state.

Submit Your Application for Registration of Trade Name Form

Online

You can submit your application online by visiting the West Virginia Business Portal.

Walk-In or Mail

You can submit your registration form to any of the three West Virginia business service centers:

Charleston Office

One-Stop Business Center
1615 Washington Street East
Charleston, WV 25311

Clarksburg Office

North Central WV Business Center
200 West Main Street
Clarksburg, WV 26301

Martinsburg Office

Eastern Panhandle Business Center
229 E. Martin Street
Martinsburg, WV 25401

Fees

• No fee for sole proprietorships and general partnerships
• $25-26 filing fee for corporations, LLCs, LPs, and LLPs
• Expediting fees:
  • $25 for 24-hour processing
  • $250 for 2-hour processing
  • $500 for 1-hour processing

Manage Your West Virginia DBA

DBA Questions

Call the West Virginia Secretary of State Business Division: (304) 558-8000

Renew Your DBA with the State

Your West Virginia trade name does not need to be renewed.

Change Your DBA

You will need to complete a new registration to change your trade name in West Virginia.

Withdraw Your DBA

To cancel your trade name, submit the proper withdrawal form for your business type:

• Sole proprietorship and general partnership form
• Corporation, LLC, LP, LLP form

Need Help Filing Your West Virginia Trade Name?

FAQ DBA West Virginia

Useful Links for Your West Virginia DBA

• West Virginia Trade Name Registration and Information
• West Virginia One Stop Business Portal
• What is a Sole Proprietorship?
• What is an LLC?
• Best LLC Formation Services

West Virginia Business Resources