Short answer: Must be distinguishable and contain a required designator such as Limited Liability Company, L.L.C., or LLC. Certain terms implying government affiliation or regulated industries are restricted.
We've pulled these figures from the West Virginia Secretary of State, Business and Licensing Division's own pages. If something's changed since our last check, the state's portal wins, so it's worth a quick look before you pay.
West Virginia naming rules
Must be distinguishable and contain a required designator such as Limited Liability Company, L.L.C., or LLC. Certain terms implying government affiliation or regulated industries are restricted.
Open the official West Virginia name search
Reserving a name
West Virginia lets you reserve a name for $15, which holds it for 120 days.
Doing business under another name
West Virginia DBAs are filed with: state. Fee: $25.
How West Virginia compares
West Virginia's name reservation fee is $15. That's the 11th lowest of 50 jurisdictions we track. The national median is $25, so West Virginia comes in $10 under it.
| State | Fee | National rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | $15 | 38 of 50 |
| Kentucky | $15 | 38 of 50 |
| North Carolina | $10 | 41 of 50 |
| Ohio | $39 | 11 of 50 |
| Virginia | $10 | 41 of 50 |
| Indiana | $10 | 41 of 50 |
West Virginia fees that apply here
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Form LLD-1) | $101 | $100 for paper filings, plus a $1 convenience fee for online filings. |
| Name reservation (optional) | $15 | 120 days |
| Amendment | $26 | |
| DBA / assumed name | $25 | state |
Name search and rules: West Virginia questions
How do I check if an LLC name is available in West Virginia?
Use the official West Virginia Secretary of State, Business and Licensing Division business search. A name that's distinguishable from existing records can usually be registered.
What words must a West Virginia LLC name include?
Must be distinguishable and contain a required designator such as Limited Liability Company, L.L.C., or LLC. Certain terms implying government affiliation or regulated industries are restricted.
Can I reserve an LLC name in West Virginia?
Yes. Reservation costs $15 and holds the name for 120 days.
Do I need a DBA in West Virginia?
Only if you'll do business under a name other than your exact LLC name. DBAs are filed with: state. Fee: $25.
Sources and verification
Last checked against official state sources on . States change fees with little notice, so confirm on the filing portal before you pay. How we verify.