How To Get a DBA in West Virginia in Three Steps

Before registering a new DBA name in West Virginia, you should choose a distinctive name and search to make sure no one else is already using it. To register a DBA for a sole proprietorship, West Virginia requires that the name is unique and distinguishable from other West Virginia businesses. Also, it cannot include business entity suffixes (LLC, LLP, Corp., etc. ) or terms such as “bank” or “engineer” without approval.

There are three main ways you can make sure the name you want is available:

• West Virginia Business Name Search. West Virginia’s online database of business entities, which includes registered trade names, fictitious names, and assumed names, will tell you whether your chosen name is available.

• Online Search. To find out if your business name is already being used by someone else outside of West Virginia, conduct a general online search. ICANN maintains all domain registrations, and if you find your name available as a domain, you can register it so others don’t use that URL. If another business is already using your chosen name, it doesn’t mean you can’t use it, but you may consider potential brand confusion or any legal issues that may arise if you do.

• Trademark Search. The USPTO trademark database includes all names with registered trademarks in the United States. Once you have decided on your DBA name, you can register it with the USPTO. 

As a sole proprietor, West Virginia requires that you file a Trade Name (DBA) Registration form, available online, with the West Virginia Secretary of State. The form is the same for general partnerships.

For your DBA filing, in addition to the DBA name, you must include:

• Full names and addresses of all business owners

• Contact information (name, email, phone number)

• Signature

Note that other types of business entities must file a different form, an Application for Trade Name (DBA), with the Secretary of State.

You may submit the form in several ways:

• Online at the West Virginia One Stop Business Portal

• Email (standard processing address: CorpFilings@wvsos.gov or expedited processing address: efilings@wvsos.gov)

• Mail or in person at the following addresses:

Charleston Office:

One-Stop Business Center

13 Kanawha Blvd. West Suite 201

Charleston, WV 25302

Phone: (304) 558-8000

Fax: (304) 558-8381

Clarksburg Office:

North Central WV Business Center

153 West Main Street Suite G - Third Floor

Clarksburg, WV 26301

Phone: (304) 367-2775

Fax: (304) 627-2243

Martinsburg Office:

Eastern Panhandle Business Center

229 E. Martin Street

Martinsburg, WV 25401

Phone: (304) 356-2654

Fax: (304) 260-4360

There is no filing fee for sole proprietorships, but you can pay extra to expedite the process as follows:

• 24-hour expedited service: $25; the form can be emailed

• 2-hour expedited service: $250; the form can be faxed

• 1-hour expedited service: $500; the form must be delivered in person

Note that West Virginia does not require that you publish notice of your DBA in a newspaper or elsewhere.