West Virginia (WV) Secretary of State (SOS) LLC & Business Search

A business organization search database is available on the West Virginia Secretary of State website to search for businesses that have been registered in West Virginia. It enables users to find businesses and view publicly available information about them.

You can search their database by:

• Organization
• Name
• Record ID

Search by organization name

The West Virginia business organization search database can be searched by organization name.

You can add advanced search filters such as an address, organization type, and active or inactive business.

The search results are presented in a list which displays the organization name, organization ID, type, effective date, established date, termination date, termination reason, charter and class.

You can view more information about the business in the search results by clicking on the organization name which is colored blue. This opens the business record which displays the publicly available information including:

• Organization type
• Effective date
• Established date
• Filing date
• Charter
• Class
• Sec type
• Termination date
• Termination reason
• Business purpose
• Charter county
• Charter state
• At will term
• Authorized shares
• Capital stock
• Control number
• Excess acres
• Member managed
• Par value
• Young entrepreneur
• Principal office address
• Designated office address
• Mailing address
• Officers
• Subsidiaries
• Filing history

Search by agent or officer name

The database search allows a name search for agents or officers within a business, you can also add advanced search options to help narrow down your search results as shown below.

The results contain businesses that have agents or officers that match the search criteria and the list details the organization name, organization ID, type, effective date, established date, termination date, termination reason, charter and class. The name match is listed below the organization name.

More information about the businesses can be viewed and the matched individual by clicking on the business name in blue.  The business record displays a range of information about the business which includes name and address details for the officers, stock information and key dates. A full list of the details available is listed above in search by organization name.

Search by record ID

On the advanced search, you can also search by record ID if you know what the business’ record ID is.

The search results can give several results grouped into different classifications for the types of results the database can offer such as organization, DBA, name change and registration/reservation results. Each result shown will be for the same business as the record ID is unique to the business. Further information about the business can be viewed by clicking on the organization name which will display additional information such as addresses, officers’ details, filing history and key dates. More information is available as listed above in search by organization name.

Contact details

Website: https://sos.wv.gov/

Phone: (304) 558-6000 or (866) 767-8683

Address: State Capitol Building, Charleston, WV 25305

Hours: Monday-Friday 8.30am-5.00pm

How to register a business in West Virginia?

If you are starting a business in West Virginia there is a lot of support and guidance available. One of the key things you will need to do before you start operating is register your business with the State of West Virginia. These steps can help you:

1. You will need to decide what business structure you will be operating under as this will impact your legal standing and how you form your business, such as a limited liability company or sole proprietorship.
2. You also need to decide on your business name and ensure that it meets naming requirements and is available on the West Virginia business organization search
3. Having decided the above you can then register your business. The State of West Virginia has a One Stop Business Portal that is designed to help start and manage businesses and it includes a New Business Startup Wizard to help you set up your business. Paper registration is available but online registration is faster and an expedited service is available for an additional fee. Registration documents vary depending on your business structure and filing fees vary from $25-250.
4. You will also need to register with the West Virginia State Tax Department to get a Business Registration Certificate also known as a business license so you can get a business license identification number and a State Tax Department account.

How much does a West Virginia business entity search cost?

There is no charge for doing a business entity search on the West Virginia business organization search.

How can I get a business license in West Virginia?

All businesses in West Virginia need to get a Business Registration Certificate from the West Virginia State Tax Department which will give them a business license identification number and a State Tax Department account.

Other occupational and professional licenses and permits may be required depending on your business and its activities. Local licenses and permits may also be required to operate within the city or county area. The West Virginia One Stop Business Portal provides guidance on licenses and permits to aid businesses.