If you are forming a business in Wyoming, you need to do a business name search. This search checks all the registered business entities in the state to see if the business name you want to use is available. Like most states, Wyoming requires each LLC or corporation registered in the state to have a unique business name. So, before starting your business, it’s important to run a Wyoming business name search to verify if the name is available through the Wyoming Secretary of State before starting your business.
Related: Guide to starting a business in Wyoming
Steps To Do A Wyoming LLC Name Search
The process of searching for a Wyoming LLC name and corporation name is the same, and in this example, we will work through the LLC name search.
Step 1: Visit the Wyoming Secretary of State Business Name Database
Go to the Wyoming Secretary of State website.
Step 2: Search your Business Name
Enter the name you would like to use in the “Filing Name” field. In this example, we will look up “Lawn Guy” and click “Search.” It is recommended to search by both “Starts With” and “Contains” to thoroughly search your name.
Step 3: Review Results
When we search the registered names, we get a list of all the businesses with the words “Lawn Guy.” To register a corporation or LLC name in Wyoming, the name must be distinguishable from the other registered names. If you were looking to form an LLC with this name, you wouldn’t be able to since there is already one registered.
To find more information about any of the registered business names, click on the link of the name you are interested in to see a detailed report.
While the name “Lawn Guy” by itself may not be available, other variants such as “Lawn Guy of Wyoming.” Searching for this business name brings a result that says, “No results found.” Even if the name looks like it is available, the Secretary of State will do their own search to avoid confusing potential customers with a business name that sounds like someone else’s. Typically words that sound alike but are spelled differently, and even abbreviations will make names show up as available but won’t be approved.
These are the basics of searching for a business name in Wyoming. Even when the name of the business you want looks like it is available, the Secretary of State will make a final determination at the time of filing to ensure the name you picked isn’t too similar to other registered names.
Also, keep in mind that even though each Corporation and LLC name must be unique, it may not stop someone else from using that name since business names for a sole proprietorship or partnership are not registered by the Secretary of State and are not required to be unique. To protect your business name, consider getting a trademark.
Related: Should I trademark my business name?
What information can be found on the Wyoming business entity database?
The database search can find several pieces of information about the business. Some of the highlights include:
- Business Name
- Entity Type: Corporation, Limited Liability Company, etc.
- Status: Active means the entity is in good standing, and all reports and filing fees are up to date. Other results are “Inactive,” and these names may be available to register.
- Principal Office: This could be the business’s physical address, or it could be an address where business records are stored.
- Term of Duration: Perpetual means the entity intends to operate indefinitely. Some entities will choose a specified end date.
- Registered Agent’s Information: A Wyoming Registered Agent is the singular point of contact for the entity should a legal, or tax notice need to be sent to the business. This is often one of the owners, and if their home address is used, that address becomes public information. Many people find this concerning and use a Registered Agent service like Northwest Registered Agent, so their home address isn’t listed.
- You can also look at filings such as the Annual Report, Initial Filing, and any notices.
Wyoming Business Name Search FAQs
How do I do a business name search for Wyoming sole proprietors or partnerships in Wyoming?
Unlike the corporation or LLC, registering a Trade Name for sole proprietorships and partnerships in Wyoming is optional. However, it is often necessary, as many banks will not open a business checking account without one.
A sole proprietorship or partnership operating its business under a name other than the owner’s legal name can register for a Wyoming Trade Name, which is also known as “Doing Business As,” DBA, Assumed Name, or Fictitious Business Name.
Before registering, a search will be needed to verify the name isn’t currently being used by another business.
How do I form a Wyoming LLC?
Before starting your business and forming an LLC, be sure to do the business entity search first to make sure the name is available to use. Once you know the LLC name is available, learn how to form a Wyoming LLC by reading our step-by-step guide on filing the Articles of Organization.
While not required in Wyoming, an LLC Operating Agreement, which contains the rules for how the LLC operates, is a document worth considering, especially for multi-member LLCs.
After forming a Limited Liability Company, be sure to register for Wyoming business licenses and possibly obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to ensure the business is legal to operate.
What are the requirements to name an LLC in Wyoming?
In addition to being unique, the LLC’s name must include a special designator such as Limited Liability Company, LLC, L.L.C., etc., and it may not use restricted words such as bank or insurance unless the entity is licensed to operate as such.
Can an LLC name be reserved?
If there is a name you want but are not ready to register the LLC, you can file the Application for Reservation of Name. The name reservation will hold a name for up to 120 days.
