How to Register a Business Name in Wyoming

Updated: October 1, 2023
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A business name can be registered in Wyoming in three different ways. You can create a separate legal entity by forming an LLC or Corporation. Alternatively, you can start as a sole proprietor or general partnership and register your business name by filing a DBA name (sometimes referred to as a Trade Name). If you want to register your business name across the United States and have extra legal protections you also want to consider filing a federal trademark.

Registration of your Wyoming business name should be completed prior to most other business filings like:

  • Applying for a Sales and Use Tax Permit with the Wyoming Department of Revenue
  • Completing employer registrations with the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services for workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance (UI)
  • Obtaining required licenses and permits
  • Creating a separate business bank account

How much does it cost to Register a Business Name in Wyoming?

The cost to register a Wyoming business name varies depending on the type of registration:

  • Wyoming LLC cost: $100
  • Wyoming Corporation cost: $100
  • Wyoming DBA cost: $100

Steps to Registering a Business Name in Wyoming:

  1. Check for Business Name Availability
    2.
  2. Choose a Business Structure
    3.
  3. File your Wyoming Business Name Registration
  4. File a Trademark
    5.

1. Check Business Name Availability

Before you jump into registering your company name, you need to do a few searches to check if you can and should use the name you’ve picked. Make sure the name you want is available and isn’t too similar to other Wyoming businesses. Doing this helps you avoid issues that confuse your customers, cause legal issues, or result in your name registration getting rejected. To do this the right way, you should do three different searches:

Wyoming Business Name Search Help

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Trademark Search

A trademark search is the first search to verify your business name’s availability. Trademark searches should be done first because trademarks supersede state or local registrations. If you do find that your business name is potentially trademarked you should choose a new name. Using a name that has potential trademark conflict can result in major problems in the future that can be very costly and may force you to change your business name anyway.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) manages federal trademarks. To search their database, visit the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) page. If you find the results from a TESS search hard to understand, we suggest using the Free Trademark Search from Trademark Engine, providing results in an easier-to-use way and searches within trademark filings and not just the filing name.

Wyoming Business Name Search

After ensuring that you won’t face issues related to a trademark, it’s time to move on to a Wyoming business name search. Search the database of businesses registered using the Wyoming Business Entity Search.

Remember, a thorough search goes beyond just searching for an exact match of your business name. Experiment with different search variations, incorporating partial name components or wildcard characters. If your business name resembles an existing business, it could lead to your Wyoming business name registration getting rejected.

Pro Tip: Don’t overlook the history of the business name you intend to use, even if it currently appears available. Opting for a previously registered name can significantly complicate obtaining an EIN.

Choosing a name that’s been registered before often triggers the IRS’ EIN online assistant to reject your application due to reference number 101. This problem occurs when your chosen name matches or closely resembles a name that’s already been assigned an EIN. While you can still get an EIN issued when a 101 error happens, you’ll be required to call the IRS and fax the formation paperwork for your business to an IRS agent. This often takes at least an hour on the phone and requires that you have access to a fax system. Unless you’re okay with the process taking potentially hours of your time rather than the 10 minutes or less that the normal online process takes, use a different name for your company.

Website Domain Search

For most businesses, you also want to check if the website domain name matching your business name is available. If you have no plans for a website, you should still try to purchase your business’ matching domain name. This will prevent others from using it or competitors from snatching it up. You can also make your business more credible if you own a domain name, so you can use an email address with your business name in it.

Domain Name and Business Email

You can use Namecheap to verify if your domain name is available. They also offer a business email service that’s free to try for the first 60 days when you purchase a domain.

2. Choose a Business Structure

When you start registering your business name in Wyoming, you must determine the appropriate business structure before filing. The specific filing process you’ll need to complete will differ depending on your chosen business structure. It also has ramifications beyond registration and impacts aspects such as personal liability protection, ease or difficulty for obtaining financing, and how business income can be taxed. You should consider variables like the number of owners (both now and in the future), the amount of capital you’ll need, your stance on personal liability exposure, and tax preferences. If you can’t decide based on the information provided below, our guide Choosing a Business Structure covers this decision in much more detail.

Recommended Business Structure:

For a new business, going the LLC route is highly recommended. Why? With an LLC you have limited personal liability, unlike sole proprietors and general partnerships, and you’re spared the complex double taxation rules that corporations contend with.

You can use an LLC formation service to ensure your LLC is formed properly. If that’s the route you go, we’ve reviewed the best LLC services to save you time finding the right one.

LLC

An LLC, short for Limited Liability Company, is business entity under Wyoming law (Wyo. Stat. § 17-29) that is recognized as separate from its owners. As a result, the owners have personal liability protection. LLCs provide both tax and management flexibility.

Learn More: What is an LLC

LLC Pros

  • Personal liability protection
  • Legally separate entity
  • Default pass-through taxation (business income taxed once)
  • Unlimited number of owners (members)
  • Flexible management – can be run by members or non-owner managers
  • Option for S-Corp tax status

LLC Cons

  • Upfront filing costs
  • Ongoing cost and filings to stay compliant
  • Unable to go public

Do you need to register to be an LLC in Wyoming?

Yes, legally becoming an LLC in Wyoming requires registration through the Wyoming Secretary of State.

Jump to: Register an LLC Name

Corporation

A corporation is a legally independent business entity under Wyoming law (Wyo. Stat. § 17-16). Stockholders own it, with limited liability. It’s a solid option for raising external funds and businesses that may consider going public in the future.

Learn More: What is a Corporation

Corporation Pros

  • Personal liability protection
  • Legally separate entity
  • Unlimited number of owners (shareholders)
  • Easier to raise capital by selling stock
  • Able to go public
  • Option for S-Corp tax status

Corporation Cons

  • Default double taxation
  • Upfront filing costs
  • Ongoing costs and filings to stay compliant
  • Increased record keeping requirements
  • Strict management structures set by law

Do you need to register to be a Corporation in Wyoming?

Yes, to be legally acknowledged as a Corporation in Wyoming, you’ll need to register with the Wyoming Secretary of State.

Jump to: Register a Corporation Name

Sole Proprietor

A sole proprietorship is a basic one-owner setup. Start easily with a few registrations. It doesn’t establish a separate entity so the owner has unlimited personal liability.

Learn More: What is a Sole Proprietorship

Sole Proprietor Pros

  • Easy and inexpensive to start
  • Simple taxes (business income taxed once)
  • Easy to maintain
  • Complete control for owner

Sole Proprietor Cons

  • Unlimited Liability Risk
  • Hard to raise money and get loans
  • Not separate from owner
  • Difficult to sell business
  • No other tax status options

Do you need to register your sole proprietor business name in Wyoming?

Sole proprietors in Wyoming aren’t legally required by the state to register their business name. However, if you want to open a separate business bank account under a business name different from your full name (first and last name) they’ll probably require proof of a registered “doing business as” (DBA) name.

Jump to: Register a DBA Name

Partnership

A partnership is a business with 2 or more owners who agree to work jointly together. Each partner has unlimited liability. Earnings or losses go directly to each partner, who report their portions on individual tax returns.

Learn More: What is a Partnership

Partnership Pros

  • Easy and inexpensive to start
  • Pass-through taxation (business income taxed once)
  • Unlimited number of owners (partners)
  • Shared business responsibilities

Partnership Cons

  • Unlimited Liability Risk
  • Responsible for partners’ actions
  • Hard to raise outside capital
  • Not separate from partners
  • Difficult to sell business
  • No other tax status options

Do you need to register your partnership business name in Wyoming?

General partnerships aren’t legally required by the state of Wyoming to register a “doing business as” DBA business name. But, if you want to open a bank account under a name that doesn’t include all of the partners last names, most banks will require proof of registration. The official term used by the state of Wyoming for DBAs is a Trade Name.

Jump to: Register a DBA Name

3. File your Wyoming Business Name Registration

You’ve ticked off name availability and structure selection. The next step is submitting your Wyoming business name filing. Below is the information on the registration process specific to each business structure. For clarity, sole proprietorships and partnerships will file their business name registration via a DBA filing.

Register a Wyoming LLC Name

To register an LLC in Wyoming, you need to file a formation document known as Articles of Organization with the Wyoming Secretary of State. This filing has a state fee of $100. In your Articles of Organization submission you’ll include basic information about your business, including:

  • LLC Name
  • Information about the LLC members (owners) and managers (if applicable)
  • Business Address (Must be a physical address – PO Boxes not allowed)
  • Name and Address of your Registered Agent

Wyoming LLC Name Requirements

Wyoming LLCs must use a name that follows the naming rules outlined in Wyoming law (Wyo. Stat. § 17-29-108):

  • Must be distinguishable (unique) from all others businesses registered with the Wyoming Secretary of State
  • Must clearly denote the business is legally structured as an LLC by including the words “limited liability company” or an abbreviation such as “LLC”
  • Cannot use words or designators associated with Corporations such as “Corporation” “Incorporated” “Corp” or “Inc”
  • Cannot contain words that imply association with a government entity
  • Cannot contain words that are prohibited or require prior approval such as Education, School, College, University, Bank, Banking

For more in-depth information check out our How to Start an LLC in Wyoming guide, where we cover all the steps needed to form an LLC in full detail.

Want Help Starting a Wyoming LLC?

Use a professional filing service like Northwest Registered Agent ($39 +state fees), which can save you $210 vs LegalZoom when forming a Wyoming LLC.

Register a Wyoming Corporation Name

To get a Wyoming Corporation registered, you’ll need to file Articles of Incorporation with the Wyoming Secretary of State. This filing costs $100 and you’ll need to include information about your business, such as:

  • Corporation Name
  • Names and addresses of the board of the directors
  • Number and type of authorized shares
  • Business Address (Must be a physical address – PO Boxes not allowed)
  • Name and Address of your Registered Agent

Wyoming Corporation Name Requirements

Corporations in Wyoming are required to use a name that follows the rules detailed under Wyoming law (Wyo. Stat. § 17-16-401):

  • Must be distinguishable (unique) from all others businesses registered with the Wyoming Secretary of State
  • Clearly indicate the business is legally structured as a corporation by including the words “Corporation” or “Incorporated” or use an abbreviation such as “Corp” or “Inc”
  • Cannot use words or designators associated with LLCs such as “limited liability company” or “LLC”
  • Cannot contain words that imply association with a government entity
  • Cannot contain words that are prohibited or require prior approval such as Education, School, College, University, Bank, Banking

Want to Incorporate in Wyoming?

If you’re interested in incorporating, you can learn more with the ZenBusiness guide on How to Start a Corporation in Wyoming, which covers each step you’ll need to complete to start a Wyoming corporation.

Register a Wyoming DBA (Trade Name)

A Wyoming DBA (Trade Name) allows a business to operate using a business name that is different than their legal name. To register a Wyoming DBA you’ll need to complete an Application for Registration of Trade Name and submit it to the Wyoming Secretary of State, along with the filing fee of $100. You’ll need to provide the following information:

  • Name and address of Applicant(s)
  • Business Name (Trade Name)
  • Address where business is transacted

Wyoming DBA (Trade Name) Requirements

The rules for a Wyoming Trade Name (DBAs) are not quite as strict as they are for LLCs or Corporations, however there are still restrictions. Mainly, your DBA can’t include designators used for legal entities like “LLC” or “Inc” in the Trade Name. DBAs also can’t contain prohibited words or words that imply association with government entities.

Wyoming DBA Registration Assistance

Get help registering your Wyoming DBA with Swyft Filings. Packages starting at $99 (plus filing fees).

4. File a Trademark (Optional)

Business owners who want more control and protection over their Wyoming business name can opt to trademark their name. Trademarks offer federal-level protection that extends beyond state boundaries.

You can apply for a trademark online on your own but the overall process is complex and time-consuming. It usually takes around 7-9 months for a USPTO examining attorney to initially review your application. As a result, errors on the initial application can make the process take quite a long time.

Getting help from a qualified attorney or a dedicated filing service is a good idea if you want to make your trademark registration process smoother. They have the knowledge and expertise to save you time and simplify the application submission and follow-up procedures.

Trademark Filing Assistance

Ensure your trademark is filed properly with the help of the experts at Trademark Engine, who’ve helped file over 120,000 trademarks since 2016. Packages start at $99 (+USPTO fees).

Additional Business Resources in Wyoming

For more help, check out our How to Start a Business in Wyoming guide, or use these resources: