WVSOS - Business Organizations

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Business Organizations

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Licensing

Business Registration in West Virginia

The Business Organizations Division is the first stop on the path to success for many West Virginia businesses. The Secretary of State maintains the official state archive for records of formation, change and termination of six major business types: corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, voluntary associations and business trusts.

Here, you will find information about those business filings, as well as other resources outside the Secretary of State's office. This information will help locate agencies and programs providing help to get started and stay on the right track with government filings. Additional resources are available at Business for West Virginia.

Online Business Filings	The Secretary of State is a partner in Business for West Virginia, the State's online business exchange. Complete basic business registration and file limited liability annual reports at www.business4wv.com.
Business Startup	Use our Smart Steps to Starting a Business in West Virginia if you are planning to form a new company. If your company is already established outside the state, learn what to do to Bring Your Company to West Virginia.
Licensing Sources	Find out about additional registration, licensing and permit requirements that may apply to the business your company performs in West Virginia. Start with Checking Other Licensing to find links to other types of registrations, licenses and permits issued by state agencies and local governments.
Business Filings	Other filings will be necessary as your business changes and grows. Go to Other Business Filings for an index of links to information about filing name reservations, company changes, annual reports, trademarks and other filings.
Trademarks & Service Marks	Protecting your unique business or product identity can help your long-term business thrive. Visit our Trademarks & Service Marks sections for details about registering a mark in West Virginia.
West Virginia Code on Business	Use our Quick Finder Index to find exactly which section of the WV Code sets the provisions for a specific registration or filing requirement for each company type in West Virginia. Then go from that index to the text of the law.
Services	If you need copies, certified charters, company status checks or certificates of good standing or certificates of existence, we're ready to help. Go to Ordering Business Records & Status to find out how to request those services. And come back in a few weeks, when you will be able to order these services online!
Contact Us	Our staff is always ready to help. E-mail us at business@wvsos.com or call the division at (304) 558-8000. For staff names and e-mail addresses, visit our Staff Directory.