INSTRUCTIONS FOR FILING APPLICATION FOR NAME RESERVATION
BEFORE you fill out the application: The name you select will be approved only if it is available--that is, if the name is not the
same as and is distinguishable from any other name which has been reserved or filed. Before you prepare this application, call the
Corporations Division at (304)558-8000 to find out if the name you have chosen is available. A telephone check on availability
of a name is NOT a guarantee, but it will help find a name you can use. Once your name reservation application is approved,
you are guaranteed exclusive use of the name for 120 days, enough time to prepare and submit the actual filing to establish or
authorize the type of business you will form.
FILLING OUT THE APPLICATION:
1) The requirements for the name of the new company depends on the laws for each company type.
All company types The name may not contain any word or phrase which implies that it is organized for any purpose
other than the stated purpose of the company.
The terms “banking” and/or “insurance” cannot be used in the business name if the
business activity does not include “banking” and/or “insurance.”
Words such as “engineer” or “engineering” may only be used if the purpose is to
practice professional engineering and one of the principals is a registered WV
professional engineer.
Some licensed professions have specific requirements and prohibitions.
The term “911” is prohibited.
Any company which is not a corporation may not use the corporate terms listed below.
Corporation The name must include one of these words or abbreviations:
Incorporated; Corporation; Company; Limited; Inc.; Corp.; Co.; Ltd.
Limited Liability The name must include one of these terms or abbreviations:
Company
Limited Liability Company; Limited Company; L.L.C.; LLC; L.C.; LC; Ltd. Co.
“Professional” companies must first obtain board approval for the name and must use either:
Professional Limited Liability Company; Professional L.L.C.; Professional LLC;
P.L.L.C.; PLLC
Limited Liability The name must include one of these terms or abbreviations:
Partnership
Registered Limited Liability Partnership; L.L.P.; LLP
Limited Partnership The name must include one of these terms or abbreviations:
Limited Partnership; Ltd. Partnership; L.P.; LP
The name may not contain the name of a limited partner unless that person or company
is also a general partner, or unless the business has been carried on under the name
before that limited partner was admitted.
Voluntary Association May not include any term indicating it is incorporated.
& Business Trust
2) Sole Proprietorships, General Partnerships and/or Joint Ventures may not reserve a name with the Secretary of State.
These types of business structures form through the West Virginia State Tax Department. Check the type of company you
plan to form, and make sure the name you propose meets those requirements.
3) Check the reason you are reserving the name.
4) When you are ready to register the company, the person who signs as the applicant to reserve the name will be required to file
the company formation documents with Secretary of State. The applicant is essentially the owner of the name for 120 days.
The applicant should be a principal of the company.
Form NR-1 Issued by the Office of the Secretary of State Revised 11/14
