Before you form a corporation, you’ll need to complete a business name search with the West Virginia Business Organization Search tool to check if your corporation name is available.
We'll show you how to check corporation name availability in West Virginia in this guide.
Recommended: You’ll want to secure your website domain name as soon as possible. Check GoDaddy to make sure it’s available.
West Virginia Corporation Name Search
The West Virginia Secretary of State requires all business names to be distinguishable from other business entities in the state. So, you’ll want to search and make sure no other businesses in the state are already using your name.
It is also useful to see if your corporation name is available as a web domain (URL).
SKIP AHEAD:
How to Search Available West Virginia Corporation Names
Once you know your corporation name meets West Virginia business name guidelines, you can search for a corporation name in West Virginia via:
- Online database
- Phone
Even if the online database shows that your name is available, we recommend calling the Secretary of State for preliminary name approval.
Online Database
You can check your business name availability by searching the West Virginia Business Organization Search tool.
Phone
You can call the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Business Registration Unit at (304) 558-3333 or 1-800-982-8297 for a preliminary name availability screening.
Want to learn more about corporations? Check out our What Is a Corporation guide to get started.
How to Check Available Domain Names
When deciding on a name for your corporation, you should make sure that a similar or exact domain name is available. A matching URL will help potential customers find your corporation faster.
How to Register a Corporation Name in West Virginia
Register Your Name
A corporation name is officially registered when you file your West Virginia Articles of Incorporation. You can hire a professional service to form a corporation for you or start a corporation yourself.
Ready to register your corporation name? Use our Form a Corporation guide to get started.
If you want to register a DBA in West Virginia, known as a trade name, that’s a separate process that requires filing a separate form with the Secretary of State.
Reserve Your Name
While not required, you have the option to reserve your corporation name in West Virginia for up to 120 days before you register it. This prevents other businesses from registering your name until you are ready to register it yourself.
Name reservations can be filed via hard copy with the West Virginia Secretary of State. The filing fee is $15.
Need Help Forming Your Corporation? ZenBusiness will get you started.
West Virginia Corporation Name Requirements
Key Guidelines
West Virginia has official requirements for its corporation names.
The name must contain the word “corporation,” “company,” “incorporated,” or “limited;” an abbreviation of one of these terms; or words or abbreviations with the same meaning in a different language.
There are also restricted words, such as “FBI” or “Treasury,” that you cannot use in order to keep your LLC from sounding like an official institution.
West Virginia also has the following restrictions for corporation names:
- The name cannot contain any word or phrase which implies that the corporation is organized for any purpose other than the one stated in its articles of organization.
- The terms “banking” and/or “insurance” cannot be used in the business name if the business activity does not include “banking” and/or “insurance.”
- Words such as “engineer” or “engineering” may only be used if the purpose is to practice professional engineering and one of the principals is a registered West Virginia professional engineer.
- Some other licensed professions have specific requirements and prohibitions.
- The name cannot include “911.”
For more information, check out the West Virginia state statutes on corporation names.
Distinguishability
Your name must be distinguishable from all other West Virginia business names. In West Virginia, a distinguishable name is one that is substantively different from all other existing or reserved business names in the state.
If your corporation name isn’t distinguishable, your Articles of Incorporation filing will likely be rejected.
What if my corporation name is already taken? Our AI-powered corporation name generator will give you thousands of new ideas.
For a list of brainstorming tips, check out our guide to naming your business.
West Virginia Corporation Name Search FAQ
How do I check if a corporation name is taken in West Virginia?
You can use the West Virginia Business Organization Search tool to see if your business name is available.
You can also call the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Business Registration Unit at (304) 558-3333 or 1-800-982-8297 for a preliminary name availability screening.
Learn more about business entity name availability in the West Virginia Corporation Name Search section.
Should I name my corporation after myself?
While there’s no rule against naming a corporation after yourself, most experts advise against doing this.
One of the benefits of starting a corporation is the ability to choose a different name for your business, which can make it sound more professional.
To explore other naming options, use our free AI-powered business name generator.
What words can’t be used in a West Virginia corporation name?
Business names generally can’t include words that imply the company is a banking or financial institution or that it’s affiliated with a local, state, or federal government agency.
Additionally, West Virginia corporation names:
- Cannot contain any word or phrase which implies that the corporation is organized for any purpose other than the one stated in its articles of organization.
- Cannot include the terms “banking” and/or “insurance” if the business activity does not include “banking” and/or “insurance.”
- May only include words such as “engineer” or “engineering” if the purpose is to practice professional engineering and one of the principals is a registered West Virginia professional engineer.
- Cannot include “911”
Learn more about corporation naming requirements in the West Virginia Corporation Name Requirements section.
Should I use a business name generator?
If you’re having trouble choosing a name for your corporation, a corporation name generator can help you come up with some ideas.
Do I have to include ‘corporation’ in my name?
West Virginia corporation names must contain the word “corporation,” “company,” “incorporated,” or “limited;” an abbreviation of one of these terms; or words or abbreviations with the same meaning in a different language.
Learn more about corporation naming requirements in the West Virginia Corporation Name Requirements section.
Do I need to renew my business name in West Virginia?
West Virginia doesn't require corporations to renew their legal name or trade name.
Can my business name be different from my corporation name in West Virginia?
Some companies choose to operate under a name that’s different from their legal name. This can either be called a “doing business as” (DBA) name or trade name in West Virginia.
In West Virginia, trade names for corporations are filed with the Secretary of State.
Learn more about trade names with our West Virginia DBA guide.
Does my corporation need a DBA name?
Your corporation doesn’t need a DBA name unless it plans to do business under a name other than its legal name. Learn more with our West Virginia DBA guide.