Verify Your Business Name With a Wyoming Business Name Search

There are a few crucial stages when starting a new business. Assuming you already know what kind of business you want to pursue, choosing the business entity type is the first step. This decision commonly boils down to choosing between a Wyoming corporation, limited liability company (LLC), partnership, sole proprietorship, or non-profit.

Once you figure out the best business structure for you, the next step is naming it. This step isn’t as easy as it sounds since you must consider many factors.

Name availability is arguably the most important among them. You can create the most unique, catchy, and memorable business name ever. It will all be for nothing if another Wyoming entrepreneur beats you to it.

So, before you get too excited about a name, check whether you can legally use it. You can go about it by using Swyft Filings’ Business Name Search tool.

It allows you to perform an advanced search in three simple steps:

1. Answer a few questions. What is your desired business name? Where will your business be located? What’s your name and email address?

2. Wait for your result. You’ll receive an email within one hour of sending your inquiry.

3. Reserve your desired name or give the search another try.

This handy tool is free no matter how many times you use it to try and get a favorable result (an available business name of your liking).

Wyoming’s business name conventions are another factor you must consider while developing a company name. A Wyoming business name search can only tell you if your desired name is already in use; it can’t tell you if the same name is suitable for use. However, getting to know these conventions can.

We’ve gathered all the necessary information in one place to streamline the entire process of starting your Wyoming LLC or corporation, from choosing the name to filing Articles of Organization.

Key Takeaways

• A Wyoming business entity search has numerous benefits, including checking your desired name availability.

• For the Wyoming Secretary of State Business Division to accept a business name, it must be unique and follow specific naming conventions.

• Swyft Filings’ Business Name Search tool can perform a quick and reliable Wyoming business entity search.

• After finding an available name, reserve it for 120 days or move straight to incorporation.

Wyoming’s Business Name Conventions

Unfortunately for boundary-pushing business owners, the state of Wyoming has some strict business name conventions. This means that something as small as a hyphen can get your incorporation request rejected, making you lose valuable time and a $100 filing fee.

Read these naming conventions to prevent this scenario, and carefully ensure your desired name doesn’t clash with any of them.[1]

• An existing business in Wyoming can’t already use your desired entity name. This applies even to different entity types. (If Optimum Tech Inc. exists, Optimum Tech LLC is not an option.)

• Your business entity name must feature a matching designator. (A limited company can’t end with “Corporation,” “Incorporated,” or “Inc.” or any variation. Only abbreviations like “LLC” and “L.L.C” or the entire “limited liability company” can be considered.)

• Slightly different business names are not distinguishable enough. (Optimum Tech is considered the same as optimum tech, Optimum-Tech, etc.)

Also, you can only use these words in your business name if you get the approval of the corresponding organization:[2]

• College, education, educate, educational, institute, university, etc. (Department of Education)

• Bank, banker, trust, etc. (Division of Banking)

If you’re struggling with any of these conventions, call (307-777-7311) or email ([email protected]) the Wyoming Secretary of State’s office directly. 

For those still sticking to a Wyoming LLC name search, be careful how you go about it. Instead of using the “Starts With” option, perform the search with “Contains.” Broadening the search will let you spot similar wording that can get your incorporation request denied.

And finally, those having trouble coming up with a unique name in the face of all these limitations can use our business name generator tool to give them a hand. With a little bit of your input and AI power, the perfect business name is right around the corner.

Benefits of a Wyoming Entity Name Search

Performing a Wyoming business entity search has numerous benefits for everyone, from business owners running a startup to those in the business for years.

• Checking name availability. A Wyoming business entity search will confirm your business name is 100% unique (or distinguishable, as the Wyoming law refers to it). This will spare you the trouble of filing another incorporation request and wasting $100 on the filing fee.

• Discovering useful information. Using the Wyoming business entity search, you can review the business details of any entity operating in Wyoming. Are you interested in a company’s mailing address, registered agent information, filing ID number, or business license status? You can discover it all in a simple search.

• Dealing with essential documentation. The business entity searches are valuable when you need to file, access, and order necessary documentation (annual report, filing ID, and a Certificate of Good Standing, respectively).

• Preparing for a trademark search. Once you perform a corporation search and determine your chosen business name is unique, you can move to a trademark search. If your name also checks this box, no legal issues should ambush you in the long run.

• Saving money. Performing a business entity search saves you money in several ways. Whether avoiding wasting money on filing fees, name changes, or court expenses, this search can be a lifesaver for a budget-conscious business owner.

Next Steps

So you’ve used the Wyoming Secretary of State business search to check name availability for your desired business name. Check.

After a search or two, you’ve found an available name that meets your expectations. Check.

What’s next?

The following section outlines your next steps, helping you reach the final goal of launching a business.

Complete Your Name Reservation

You might’ve spent days brainstorming the perfect business name. It might’ve occurred to you suddenly while taking a stroll. Either way, you’ll want to ensure no one else secures that name before you. So, as soon as you confirm its availability, you should complete a name reservation.

Of course, you can skip this step entirely if you’re ready to launch a business immediately. If so, you can go straight to filing your LLC.

If not, follow these steps to reserve your desired business name:[3]

1. Fill out the Application for Reservation of Name for your chosen entity type.

2. Pay the $60 filing fee.

3. Send the form to the following address:

Wyoming Secretary of State

Herschler Building East, Suite 101

122 W 25th Street

Cheyenne, WY 82002-0020

An approved reservation (after three to five days) will lock in your name for 120 days. Use this time to finish what you have left and prepare to start your business.

Choose a Domain Name

When discussing name availability, we implore you to look past the Wyoming Secretary of State business search. This search is essential for any step you take, but it shouldn’t be the only business-related search you perform.

Another crucial search to consider is a domain search. Whether your business operates primarily online or not, a solid online presence is a must. A recognizable domain name is the backbone of that presence.

Having a uniform name across all your marketing channels (online and offline) paints your company in the best light: as a credible, forward-thinking, and well-branded company.

Consider a DBA

A DBA (doing business as), also known as a trade name in Wyoming, is a fictitious name that companies can use if their chosen name isn’t available. Going back to the same example, let’s say you wanted to name your company Optimum Tech, but someone already took the name. If so, file for a DBA under the same name and make your wishes a reality.

There are other great reasons to consider registering a DBA.

• If you’re a sole proprietor, a DBA protects your privacy. While your business might be known by your full name (e.g., Emma Johnson), your customer-facing name might be whatever you’d like (e.g., Emma’s Artistry).

• You can branch out without starting a separate company for your new business activity with a DBA. A company called Optimum Tech can use Optimum Tech Repair as a DBA for its new laptop repair business.

• A DBA lets you do a total rebrand without shutting down operations. Choose your preferred brand name, register it as a DBA, and enjoy all the new possibilities.

File Your LLC Online

Is your desired name available? Have you reserved it? Have you purchased a matching domain name? 

If you’ve completed these steps, it’s time to launch your business. Staying true to its name, Swyft Filings can help you file your LLC or corporation online in minutes. After completing the registration process, you can focus on growing your business.

FAQs

How do I find out if a business name is available in Wyoming?

To find out if a business name is available in Wyoming, you must perform a business entity search. Use either the Wyoming Secretary of State’s website or Swyft Filings’ handy Business Name Search tool to check name availability.

What is the Wyoming Secretary of State Business Entity Search?

The Wyoming Secretary of State Business Entity Search is a registry containing business details of each business entity in the state. This tool can check business name availability or discover information about other business entities.

How do I find a business entity in Wyoming?

To find a business entity in Wyoming, perform a business entity search. Head to the Wyoming Secretary of State’s website, enter the business entity’s name or filing ID, and read through the result pages to find what you’re looking for.

How much does a Wyoming business entity search cost?

A Wyoming business entity search is free of charge, provided you’re using Swyft Filings’ Business Name Search tool.

What are the advantages of a business entity search?

A business entity search has numerous advantages. Some are checking name availability, saving time and money, and handling essential documentation filings.

How can I find a person’s address for a business in Wyoming?

To find a business address in Wyoming, you can do a Wyoming business entity search. After locating the business you’re interested in, check under the “Principal Office” and “Mailing Address” fields.

Bibliography

1. Justia US Law. “Wyoming Code: Title 17.” Accessed May 23, 2023.

2. Wyoming Secretary of State. “How to Choose a Company Name.” Accessed May 23, 2023.

3. Wyoming Secretary of State. “Application for Reservation of Name.” Accessed May 23, 2023.