How long does it take to register a business in West Virginia?

Processing times vary: 5-7 business days. Online filings are typically faster than mail submissions. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee.

Do I need a business license in West Virginia?

Yes, most cities in West Virginia require a general business license. Requirements vary by location and industry. Contact your local city or county clerk's office for specific requirements.

Can I use my personal name as my business name?

Yes, you can use your personal name as your business name. For an LLC, you'll need to add "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" to the end. However, using a unique business name often provides better branding opportunities and legal protection.

What if my desired business name is already taken?

If your preferred name is unavailable, you have several options: 1) Choose a different name, 2) Add descriptive words to make it unique, 3) Use a different LLC suffix (LLC, L.L.C., etc.), or 4) Consider filing a "Doing Business As" (DBA) name while keeping a different legal name.

How much does it cost to start a business in West Virginia?

The LLC filing fee is $100. Annual fees are $25. Additional costs include business licenses ($50-500), registered agent fees ($50-300/year if using a service), and other startup expenses. Total first-year costs typically range from $200.

Do I need a trademark for my business name?

While not required, trademark registration provides nationwide protection for your business name. Registering your LLC with the state only protects your name within West Virginia. If you plan to expand beyond the state or want stronger legal protection, consider applying for a federal trademark with the USPTO.

Can I change my business name later?

Yes, you can change your LLC name by filing an amendment with the West Virginia Secretary of State. This typically costs $20-100 and takes a few weeks to process. However, changing your name can be expensive when you consider updating all your marketing materials, domain, signage, and legal documents.

West Virginia Business Name Generator

Generate unique business names for your West Virginia LLC or startup. Get AI-powered suggestions tailored to West Virginia businesses and local market.

Generate Business Names for West Virginia

Describe your business idea

Choose naming style

Professional & corporate

Why Start a Business in West Virginia?

$100

Filing Fee

5-7

Processing (days)

140K

Total Businesses

15K/yr

New Businesses

Low cost of living

Growing outdoor tourism industry

Energy sector opportunities

Small business incentives

Starting a Business in West Virginia

Top Cities for Business

Charleston48,864
Huntington46,842
Morgantown30,955
Parkersburg28,486
Wheeling27,062

Popular Industries

Energy
Healthcare
Manufacturing
Tourism
Aerospace

Cost to Start a Business in West Virginia

LLC Filing Fee$100

Annual Report Fee$25/year

Name Reservation (optional)$15 for 120 days

Business License (varies by city)$50-500

Estimated Total First Year$200

Processing time: 5-7 business days

West Virginia Tax Overview

West Virginia has income tax rates from 3-6.5%. Corporate tax is 6.5%. Sales tax is 6% state plus local.

West Virginia Business Name Requirements

Must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company"
Must be distinguishable

Restricted Words: The following words cannot be used without special approval:

Bank, Trust, Insurance

Business Name Ideas for West Virginia

Explore 30 pre-generated business name ideas across popular industries. Use these as inspiration or starting points for your own unique name.

restaurant

Mountain State Table
WV Cuisine
Charleston Kitchen
Appalachian Dining
Mountaineer Eats
Local Flavors

barbershop

Charleston Cuts
Premium Grooming
Mountain State Barbers
Classic Style
WV Shave
Expert Service

construction

West Virginia Builders
Quality Construction
Mountain State Build
Building WV
Charleston Construction
Trusted Partners

consulting

Charleston Strategy
Business Growth
Mountain State Advisors
Strategic Solutions
WV Consulting
Expert Guidance

retail

West Virginia Mercantile
Local Goods
Mountain State Market
Quality Products
Charleston Supply
Premium Retail

Home Services

WV Home Care
Complete Solutions
Mountain State Services
Professional Care
Charleston Home Pros
Expert Maintenance

technology

Charleston Tech
Innovation
Mountain State Digital
Tech Solutions
WV Software
Custom Development

healthcare

West Virginia Wellness
Quality Healthcare
Mountain State Medical
Patient Care
Charleston Health
Trusted Providers

Real Estate

West Virginia Properties
Dream Homes
Mountain State Realty
Expert Service
Charleston Living
Premium Properties

fitness

Charleston Fitness
Peak Performance
Mountain State Strong
Community Fitness
WV Athletics
Elite Training

Official West Virginia Business Resources

West Virginia Secretary of State

Business registration

WV State Tax Department

Tax information

West Virginia SBDC

Business counseling

How to Register a Business in West Virginia

Annual Compliance Requirements

After forming your West Virginia LLC, you'll need to maintain compliance with these ongoing requirements:

File Annual Report ($25)
Maintain registered agent
Pay state taxes
Obtain local licenses

Check Domain Availability

Enter your business name to search for available domains

Business name

Opens GoDaddy search in a new tab

Frequently Asked Questions

Useful Tools for West Virginia Business Owners

Self-Employment Tax

Calculate SE tax liability

Profit Margin Calculator

Calculate your profit margins

S-Corp Salary

Optimize salary vs distribution

Generate Names for Nearby States

Ready to Launch Your West Virginia Business?

Jupid AI Accountant handles everything from LLC formation to ongoing tax compliance. Focus on growing your business while we handle the paperwork.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Information is accurate as of 2026-01. Always verify current requirements with the West Virginia Secretary of State and consult with qualified professionals before making business decisions.