West Virginia Business Entity Search
Find a registered business through West Virginia Secretary of State, Business and Licensing Division. Use the official link below, then check the search options and name rules for West Virginia.
Official website: apps.wv.gov · Opens in a new tab
West Virginia search options and record coverage
The West Virginia Business Entity Search searches corporations, LLCs, and other SOS-filed businesses by name and registration information and displays status, agent, filings, and certificates. One Stop Business Portal supports entity formation, annual reports, amendments, registered-agent updates, and business licensing.
Checking a business name in West Virginia
West Virginia requires names to be distinguishable under the applicable corporation or LLC statute. Punctuation, capitalization, spacing, translations, and generic designators may not cure confusing similarity; SOS acceptance does not grant trademark rights or approve regulated activity.
West Virginia name reservations
West Virginia name reservation/registration uses the SOS Business and Licensing Division's current forms and fee schedule; the reviewed 2026 extract did not expose one universal amount and duration. Reservation is only filing priority and does not clear trademarks or county licenses.
DBA, trade names, and fictitious names
West Virginia trade-name/assumed-name registration uses the Secretary of State and One Stop Business Portal at https://onestop.wv.gov/B4WVPublic/. The current fee depends on the registration type; an assumed name does not create a separate legal entity.
What do you need after the search?
- Official proof of standing — find certificate fees and ordering instructions.
- A missed report or inactive registration — check deadlines and reinstatement rules.
- A new business registration — compare West Virginia formation and filing fees.