West Virginia Secretary of State

The West Virginia Secretary of State (WV SOS) is an elected body that operates within the state government. The office is on duty for supervision of the state’s election process. The latter includes voter registration and reporting of election results.

Despite being the smallest office in the state, WV SOS holds extensive duties. For instance, the business and licensing division registers and maintains a database of all business entities, notaries, charities, private investigators, and sports agents functioning in the area of WV.

The SOS also sends public documents on behalf of the governor, keeps the state seal, and attests to the governor's signature and other official papers.

In our article, we are going to cover the corporate activities of the WV SOS. So, get familiar with the process of company formation, registration, corporate reporting, etc.

West Virginia Business Information

Before starting a company in WV, a person has to obtain WV business registration licensure from the State Tax Department. So, to be engaged in corporate activity, a person should file an application to the Business for WV website. The registration certificate can also be gained through the Tax Commissioner's Office by completing a special application form.

Furthermore, an applicant should gain separate registration licensure for each location in the state. That means that each company name and location need a particular application.

The registration licensure is permanent. Hence, it is valid until any change of business name, location, or ownership or until the certificate is suspended or canceled by the Tax Commissioner.

On the other hand, changes of partners or members do not require the issuance of new licensure.

Formation

After deciding the company structure and name, a person has to register the corporation with federal and local agencies. The fastest way of registration is available online at the One Stop Business Portal. The online filing registers the firm through three agencies:

• WV SOS

• WorkForce WV

• WV Tax Department

To have proper registration, read the available instructions.

NOTE: Firstly, have your business registered with the Internal Revenue Service and receive an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Then, complete the application at One Stop Business Portal.

​Name

Another important component of company registration is the name availability check. For non-formal name checks, contact the SOS Business Division at (304) 558-8000. 

Otherwise, you could use the West Virginia Secretary of State Business Search System and conduct an online search.

Registered Agent

Every business entity must designate a registered agent. The latter is a responsible third party with a physical address. He/she delivers service of process notices or correspondence from the SOS. Many agencies offer this service for a low annual fee.

It is possible to change the agent at any time by completing WV SOS Form AAO. The service fee is $15.

Corporate Reporting

All the corporations registered with the Secretary of State are legally required to file each year an annual report. On the other hand, the insurance agencies file an attorney-in-fact report.

The report and $25 filing fee have to be delivered between January 1 and June 30 of each year. Find more details on Annual Reports on the webpage of the WV SOS.

West Virginia Licensing

Depending on the type and location of the business, a person may be required to apply for additional permits and licenses. For instance, a city or municipality may have its unique requirements for business licensure.

Find all the details on a particular company structure and type. Be sure that you are operating fully legally.  

Private Detectives

Private detectives are a valuable resource in many situations in which people’s rights may appear in legal processes. That is to say, the sphere needs special attention from the state.

WV has its requirements for private detectives. Thus, applying for a private investigator’s license, a person needs to follow certain requirements.  

Collection Agencies

Any person, firm, agency, or association that collects or repossesses debts or claims owned by others is called a collection agency. Thus, the service of the agency may require a certain fee or percentage.

Their intervention is defined as a third-party involvement that has access to sources of information for collecting.

Charitable Solicitors

The organization’s success depends on the way of fundraising and communication with its donors. So, a charitable solicitor is an individual or group of people that try to raise funds.  

The state of WV offers unique rules and regulations in this sphere.

How Much Does a Business License Cost in West Virginia?

The business registration licensure costs $30. However, some other permits and certificates require extra payment. For instance, the liquor license may cost as much as approximately $23,000.

Contact Information

WV Secretary of State’s office provides effective and timely customer service to its residents.

Find them at:

Bldg. 1, Suite 157-K
1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East
Charleston, WV 25305
Phone: (304) 558-6000
Fax: (304) 558-0900