File a DBA in West Virginia

Registering to do business under a different business name can help you adapt to the marketplace. Find out more about getting another business name (called a DBA) in West Virginia.

What's your DBA name?

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file a dba in west virginia

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Updated on: June 30, 2025
Read time: 2 min

What is a DBA?

If a business wants to operate under a different name than the one used to form it, it may have to register the new name (called a trade name or fictitious name). This process is often called filing for a DBA or doing business as. For example, if “Frank’s Hot Dogs LLC” wants to do business as “Best Hot Dogs in Town,” then the owners have to file a DBA.

When you need a DBA

The use of a DBA is required in West Virginia by any company that will do business under a name different than the name used to form the company.

There are different requirements for each entity type: individuals, sole proprietorships, general partnerships, and unincorporated nonprofit associations need to register by filing paperwork with the county clerk of the county where the principal place of business is located.

For out-of-state companies, the relevant county will be the county in which most of the business is transacted. For corporations, limited liability companies (LLC), limited partnerships (LP), limited liability partnerships (LLP), voluntary associations, and business trusts, on the other hand, trade names must be registered with the Secretary of State.

Setting up a DBA in West Virginia

Start the process of registering your trade name by searching the West Virginia business name database. Avoid names that are confusingly similar to other names on the register, or names that might be perceived as deceptive or fraudulent, and names that already have pre-existing federal and state trademark rights.

Registering a business name for your company doesn’t grant you any sort of trademark rights, so if you register a trademark and try to use it in commerce, you may face a lawsuit.

West Virginia DBA filing & registration

DBA filers will need to provide the DBA to be registered, the name of the business as it originally was formed, the principal place of business, the general purpose or nature of the business in question, and any other information that is requested of the business at the time of filing.

Tax considerations

Getting a trade name registered by filing a DBA doesn’t change how your company is taxed.

When you are ready to file a DBA in West Virginia, LegalZoom can help you. We can search the state business name database to find conflicts, file your paperwork, and even get you in touch with an attorney to help you with specific questions.

 

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This article is for informational purposes. This content is not legal advice, it is the expression of the author and has not been evaluated by LegalZoom for accuracy or changes in the law.

30 days ago
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10/10 customer service

Both Kathy and Princess made the process of filing my DBA incredibly easy and were able to walk me through the process the entire time. Both were incredibly kind and helpful and I'm so grateful to the LegalZoom team for being there to support me through any troubles I have with my small business!

Kate
69 days ago
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Very helpful everyone I spoke with was…

Very helpful everyone I spoke with was very knowledgeable and pointed me in the right direction. My dba was filed swiftly and I was informed about the progress the entire time. Very happy with the results.

karl anderson
78 days ago
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KIERVE has Excellent Customer Service

KIERVE was very knowledgeable and provided the information I requested with additional things to assist me with creating a new DBA. I appreciated how patient they were and ensured everything had processed to the next step before we signed off the chat. Excellent customer service!

Tenika Ashley
122 days ago
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Customer Service exceeded my expectations.

After an initial dilemma with my DBA filing in California, a LegalZoom account executive took the reigns and made everything right by going above and beyond my expectations. Thank you LegalZoom!

Clinton Goodrich
207 days ago
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Very helpful

I called in looking for help with my DBA and was able to complete setting it up effortlessly and got help with a few more items I didn’t even know I needed.

Kevin McCarthy
211 days ago
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Joe was extraordinary

Joe was extraordinary! I called to add a DBA to my existing LLC, and he got straight to the point with exactly what I needed. He went above and beyond by taking the time to answer my questions thoroughly and even checked my account. He pointed out a couple of things for me to review, and if that wasn’t enough, he even sent me a screenshot so I knew exactly what he was referring to. Wow—what an asset to your company! Loyal customer here!

Juan Ferrer
Rated4.6out of 5 based on23,946+ reviewson

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