WVSOS - Business Organizations - Welcome to West Virginia

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Welcome to West Virginia!

Registration for Companies Formed in Other States and Countries

We're proud to know your business has chosen West Virginia to be part of its future growth. Our staff will help in any way we can to help you get off to a fast start. Use the links on this page to go directly to the services you need.

Register or Reserve Your Company Name

Preserve your right to your company name in West Virginia for future business plans or until you are ready to register.

Step	Link
Check name availability	Search the Business Organizations Data System, then call (304) 558-8000 to confirm availability. See Name Availability if you have questions.
Protect your name for future years	Go to Name Registration
Protect your name for 90 days	Go to Name Reservation

Make Your Initial Business Registration Filing

Take the first step to register to do business in West Virginia. Select your business type for details, forms and additional steps.

Company Type	First Step
Corporation	Apply for Certificate of Authority
Limited Liability Company	Apply for Certificate of Authority
General Partnership	File Certified Copy of Statement of Partnership with SOS (optional) or Apply for Business License
Limited Partnership	File Application for Registration
Limited Liability Partnership	File Statement of Partnership
Voluntary Association	File Application for Registration
Business Trust	File Application for Registration
Sole Proprietorship	Apply for Business License
Unincorporated Nonprofit Association	Apply for Business License

Find Licensing Requirements

Use our links to help locate other licensing requirements in West Virginia for your type of business.

Type	Link
State licensing	Go to Licensing with Other Agencies
Local licensing	Go to County & City Licensing

Have a Question?

Write our Business Organizations Division, or call (304) 558-8000 for help.