How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in West Virginia?

West Virginia LLC Online Filing Fee: $100

The main cost to start an LLC is the $100 fee to file your LLC's Articles of Organization online with the West Virginia Secretary of State.

For a look at LLC cost in every state, read our other Cost to Start an LLC and How to Form an LLC guides.

West Virginia Annual Report Fee: $25

West Virginia requires LLCs to file an annual report with the Secretary of State.

You can submit this form through the WV One Stop Business Portal website. It is due on July 1. West Virginia charges a $50 penalty for failure to file on time.

Agent of Process Fee

In West Virginia you can be your own agent of process (also known as a registered agent), but using an agent of process service helps keep your company in compliance and reminds you of important filing deadlines and avoid late fees.

• If you need to form a new business and get a registered agent, the best package is by Northwest Registered Agent $29 + state fees

OR:

• If only a registered agent is required, Northwest provides an excellent service: $125

Read our guide to learn more about West Virginia Agent of Process. You can also read our full guide on the best registered agent services.

Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in West Virginia

If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into West Virginia, you’ll need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in West Virginia.

The cost for registering a West Virginia foreign LLC is $150. You can register a foreign LLC in West Virginia by filing an Application for Certificate of Authority (Form LLF-1).

Business Permits and Licenses

Depending on your industry and geographical location, your business might need federal, state, and local permits/licenses to legally operate in West Virginia. This is true whether you form an LLC or any other type of business structure.

Learn more about state and local licensing with our guide to getting a West Virginia business license.

Other LLC Filing Costs

There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:

LLC Name Reservation:
Reserve your name for up to 120 days prior to LLC formation by filing Form NR-1 and paying the $15 filing fee.

Foreign LLC Name Registration:
Foreign LLCs can register a name other than their legal name by filing Form NR-2 and paying the $25 filing fee.

“Doing Business As” (DBA) Name:
File an Application for Trade Name (Form NR-3) and pay the $25 filing fee to create a name other than your legal LLC business name.

Certified Document Copies:
Obtain certified copies of your West Virginia business documents by ordering through the Secretary of State and paying $15 for the company formation documents plus $5 for each amendment or additional document filing.

Certificate of Existence:
Also known as a West Virginia certificate of good standing, you can obtain this document by ordering through the Secretary of State and paying the $10 fee. A certificate of existence is often required by banks and lending institutions.

Five Basic Steps to Start an LLC in West Virginia

Step 1: Name Your West Virginia LLC
Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent
Step 3: File the Articles of Organization
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
Step 5: Get an EIN

Step 1: Name Your West Virginia LLC

When you name your West Virginia LLC, you’ll need to choose a name that:

1. Is available for use in the state of West Virginia
2. Meets West Virginia naming requirements
3. Is available as a web domain

Recommended: Visit our Start an LLC in West Virginia guide for detailed naming rules and instructions for registering a business name in West Virginia.

Not sure what to name your business? Check out our How to Name a Business guide and free LLC Name Generator.

We recommend that you check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don't plan to create a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.

Step 2: Choose an Agent for Service of Process

All LLCs in West Virginia must appoint an agent for service of process. An agent for service of process primarily acts as your LLC’s main point of contact with the state. But most importantly, they are responsible for accepting service of process in the event your business is sued.

Your West Virginia agent for service of process must:

• Be at least 18 years or older
• Have a physical address in West Virginia
• Be available during normal business hours to accept service of process

Step 3: File the Articles of Organization

The West Virginia Form LLD-1 - Articles of Organization is a document that is filed with the West Virginia Secretary of State to form an LLC. The fee for filing the Articles of Organization is $100 online.

For detailed instructions for completing the Articles of Organization, visit our How to File the West Virginia Articles of Organization guide.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

An operating agreement isn't required for West Virginia LLCs, but it's a good practice to have one.

What is an operating agreement? An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

Why are operating agreements important? A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

For more information on operating agreements, read our West Virginia LLC operating agreement guide.

Step 5: Get an EIN

What is an EIN? An EIN or Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue System (IRS) to identify a business for tax reporting purposes. An EIN is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for your company.

If you are filing your LLC online, getting an EIN is included in the registration process on the WV One Stop Business Portal.

Why do I need an EIN? An EIN number is required for the following:

• Opening a business bank account
• Hiring employees