Wyoming Business Name Search: How to Check and Reserve a Name

Wyoming Business Name Search: How to Check and Reserve a Name

Wyoming Business Name Search: How to Check and Reserve a Name

Picking a business name is one of the first decisions you'll make, and getting it right matters. In Wyoming, before you file your LLC or corporation, you need to verify that your chosen name is available and meets state requirements. This guide walks you through the exact process using Wyoming's official WyoBiz filing portal.

What You Need Before You Start

Searching for and reserving a Wyoming business name requires minimal materials. Here's what to have ready:

  • Your desired business name (or several options, since your first choice may not be available)
  • A computer with internet access
  • A valid email address (required for name reservation)
  • A credit card or debit card for the $60 reservation fee (if you plan to reserve the name)
  • The Wyoming Secretary of State website: https://sos.wyo.gov/
  • Knowledge of your intended entity type (LLC or corporation) so you know what name ending is required

Wyoming Business Name Requirements

Wyoming imposes specific rules on what names are allowed. Knowing these rules now prevents rejected filings later.

Name Endings for LLCs

If you are forming a limited liability company (LLC), your name must include one of these exact endings:

  • Limited Liability Company
  • LLC
  • L.L.C.
  • Limited Company
  • LC
  • L.C.
  • Ltd. Liability Company
  • Ltd. Liability Co.
  • Limited Liability Co.

Wyoming law requires one of these designators. You cannot form an LLC with just a company name alone.

Name Endings for Corporations

If you are incorporating, your corporate name must include one of these terms:

  • Corporation
  • Corp.
  • Company
  • Co.
  • Incorporated
  • Inc.

Special Rule: Names Beginning with "A"

Wyoming's online filing system does not accept business names that begin with the letter "A". If your business name starts with "A", you must file your name reservation or formation documents on paper through the Secretary of State's mailing address, not online through WyoBiz.

Step-by-Step: Searching for Your Business Name

Step 1: Go to the WyoBiz Filing Search

Open your web browser and navigate to the official Wyoming business search portal: https://wyobiz.wyo.gov/Business/FilingSearch.aspx

You are now on the business entity search page. This database contains all registered businesses in Wyoming, including LLCs, corporations, nonprofits, and other entities.

Step 2: Enter Your Proposed Business Name

In the search box labeled "Business Name", type your intended business name. You can enter the full name with the LLC or Inc. designator, or just the core name. For example, if you want to name your company "Mountain Peak LLC", you can type either "Mountain Peak LLC" or just "Mountain Peak".

The search is not case-sensitive and ignores most punctuation, so "Mountain Peak LLC", "mountain peak llc", and "Mountain-Peak-LLC" will all find the same results.

Step 3: Run the Search

Click the "Search" button. WyoBiz will scan its database and return results within a few seconds.

Three possible outcomes can occur:

  1. No results found: Your name appears to be available. This is the result you want. Proceed to Step 4 to search for similar names.
  2. Exact match found: A business with your exact name already exists in Wyoming. That name is unavailable. You must choose a different name.
  3. Similar names found: One or more businesses with similar names appear in the results. Review these results carefully to see if any conflict with your intended use.

Step 4: Check for Confusingly Similar Names

Even if your exact name is available, Wyoming requires that your business name be "distinguishable" from existing businesses. This means you cannot register a name that is confusingly similar to an existing name, especially if both businesses operate in the same industry.

Review any similar results in detail. For example, if you search for "Mountain Peak LLC" and find "Mountain Peak Services LLC" already registered, those two names may not be sufficiently distinguishable, especially if both operate in outdoor recreation.

If you find a very similar name, try a different variation or add a more specific descriptor to your business name.

Step 5: Search a Second Time Before Reserving

Once you have confirmed your name appears available, repeat the search one more time. Between your first search and now, another person may have filed the same name. This is rare but possible, especially with popular name formats. A quick second check takes 30 seconds and protects you.

Step-by-Step: Reserving Your Business Name

Searching alone does not reserve your name. Any other person can file the same business name while you are gathering paperwork. To lock in your name, you must file a formal name reservation with the Secretary of State.

Step 1: Gather Your Name Reservation Information

Before filing, have the following ready:

  • Your full, exact business name (with LLC, Inc., or other designator)
  • The name and mailing address of the person or entity reserving the name (typically the business owner or future owner)
  • A phone number and email address for contact
  • A valid credit card or debit card for the $60 reservation fee

Step 2: Download the Name Reservation Form

The formal name reservation must be filed on the official Application for Reservation of Business Entity Name form. Download it from the Wyoming Secretary of State at: https://sos.wyo.gov/Forms/Business/General/LLC/LLC-NameReservation.pdf

Print a copy or open the PDF on your computer. The form is one page and straightforward to complete.

Step 3: Complete the Reservation Form

Fill in the following fields on the form:

  • Name to be reserved: Enter your exact business name, including the LLC or Inc. designator.
  • Type of business entity: Select whether this name is for an LLC, corporation, or other entity type.
  • Reserved for the benefit of: Enter the name of the person or entity on whose behalf the name is reserved. This is typically your name or your company's name if you already have one.
  • Mailing address: Provide a complete mailing address for correspondence.
  • Phone and email: Include contact information so the Secretary of State can reach you if needed.

Sign and date the form where indicated.

Step 4: File Online Through WyoBiz

Go to the WyoBiz online filing portal at https://wyobiz.wyo.gov/Business/RegistrationInstr.aspx

If your business name begins with "A", you must mail this form to the Secretary of State instead (see the mailing address on the form). For all other names, you can file online.

Follow the WyoBiz instructions to upload your completed form and submit payment. The filing fee is $60. WyoBiz accepts credit and debit cards.

Step 5: Receive Your Confirmation

Once you submit your reservation online, WyoBiz activates your name reservation immediately. You will receive a confirmation email at the address you provided on the form. Save this confirmation for your records.

If you file by mail, allow up to 15 business days for processing. The Secretary of State will mail you a confirmation.

How Long Does a Name Reservation Last?

A Wyoming business name reservation is valid for 120 days from the date of filing. During this period, no other person or business can register that name. After 120 days, the reservation expires and the name becomes available again.

If you file your LLC or corporation documents before the 120 days expire, the name becomes part of your official entity registration and you keep it indefinitely (as long as you maintain your business in good standing).

If you need more time after 120 days, you can file a second reservation for the same name, but you will need to pay the $60 fee again.

Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Forgetting the LLC or Inc. Designator

Your business name search must include the proper ending (LLC, Inc., etc.) because that ending is part of your legal business name. Searching for "Mountain Peak" alone when you intend to file as "Mountain Peak LLC" is incomplete. Always include the full designator in your search.

Mistake 2: Assuming Availability Means Distinctiveness

Just because an exact name match does not exist does not mean your name will be approved. The Secretary of State can reject a name if it is too similar to an existing business, even if the name is not identical. If you find similar names in your search results, consider whether your name is truly distinct enough to avoid confusion.

Mistake 3: Not Searching Before You Spend Money on Branding

Do not invest in logos, website domains, or business cards before you confirm that your business name is available in Wyoming. A $60 name reservation costs far less than redesigning all your branding materials because your first choice was unavailable.

Mistake 4: Reserving a Name and Then Waiting Too Long to File

Name reservations expire after 120 days. If you reserve a name but do not file your LLC or corporation documents within that window, you will lose the name reservation and will need to pay another $60 to reserve it again. Plan to file your formation documents within 90 days of reserving your name to leave a safety buffer.

Mistake 5: Ignoring the "A" Rule

If your name begins with the letter "A", you cannot file online. You must print the form, sign it, and mail it to the Secretary of State. Many first-time filers miss this rule and waste time trying to upload an "A" name through WyoBiz. Check your name's first letter before starting the online filing process.

Tip 1: Search Multiple Variations Upfront

Have a backup list of business names ready before you start searching. If your first choice is unavailable, you can search your second and third options immediately without starting over. This saves time and reduces frustration.

Tip 2: Keep Your Reservation Confirmation

Save your name reservation confirmation email or letter in a safe place. You will need to reference it when you file your LLC Articles of Organization or corporate Articles of Incorporation. It proves you reserved the name and validates your ownership of that name during the 120-day reservation period.

Tip 3: Check for Domain and Social Media Availability First

Before you fall in love with a business name, do a quick check on domain name availability (through a registrar like GoDaddy or Namecheap) and on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You want a name that works not only in Wyoming's business registry but also online. A name that is available in Wyoming might already be claimed as a domain or social media handle.

What Happens After You Reserve Your Name?

After your name reservation is approved, you can move forward with forming your business. The next steps typically include:

  • Preparing your Articles of Organization (for an LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (for a corporation)
  • Appointing a registered agent in Wyoming (required for all business entities)
  • Filing your formation documents with the Secretary of State
  • Obtaining an EIN from the IRS (if your business will have employees or operate as a partnership, corporation, or certain LLC structures)
  • Applying for business licenses or permits specific to your industry
  • Opening a business bank account

Your name reservation does not complete the formation process, but it is an essential first step that protects your chosen name while you handle these remaining tasks.

Disclaimer

This article is informational and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Business formation laws are specific and change over time. Before you file your name reservation or formation documents, consult with a qualified attorney or business formation professional in Wyoming to ensure you are following all applicable rules and that your name meets current state requirements. The Wyoming Secretary of State's website and the official WyoBiz portal are your primary sources for current, authoritative guidance on business naming and formation.