Wyoming Business Entity Search (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you’re planning on starting a business in the state of Wyoming, the first step in the process is performing a business name search.

This will help identify whether the names you are considering are available for business filing or whether you need to continue your search for a suitable name for your business.

Additionally, the search results include various details about each entity on record. There are also a number of search options available when looking for entities registered in the state.

The following step-by-step guide will show you how to conduct a Wyoming business entity search.

Additionally, the search options on the Wyoming Secretary of State Business Center website allow you to refine your search by using the following options:

For a comprehensive list of rules to help improve your searches, read through the “Searching Business Entity Names Helpful Search Tips” document.

Business search by filing name

To begin your business search, refer to the Wyoming Secretary of State Business Center website.

Enter the company’s name into the appropriate search bar.

You may choose to refine the search by selecting either the “starts with” or “contains” option.

Thereafter, click on the “Search” button or hit Enter on your keyboard.

If matching entries are found, they will be displayed on this page.

On this page, you will be able to view a few pieces of information pertaining to the entities, including the tax standing, RA standing, and status.

If you’d like to view additional information on a business, simply click on the name of the business, and it will take you to the business summary page.

Here, you’ll be able to view various pieces of information such as the status, initial filing date, inactive date, as well as principal office details.

Business search by filing ID

While on the same page, you may search for entities using the filing ID number.

Enter the filing number into the relevant search bar and click on the “Search” button.

If you entered the correct filing ID number, then there should only be one result showing up. This will be an exact match. You’ll have access to all the information you did when searching via filing name.

Wyoming search results

Copies of documents and certificates

After conducting the business name search, you may need to request certified copies of business documents. Business documents are available in plain copies as well as certified copies. You should go for the appropriate options depending on what you need them for.

Certified copies usually come with a seal or certificate stating that it is a true and correct copy of the business document. Additionally, it includes the date that the document was certified by the Secretary of State. Furthermore, it also includes the signature of one of the Secretary of State’s representatives.

When requesting a plain copy, you should understand that it’s simply a photocopy of the business document that the state has on file. It does not come with any specific seals, endorsements, or certificates.

However, if you need government or financial institution documents, you should note that they must be certified copies of business documents and not plain copies.

Some of the reasons why you made need certified copies of business documents include:

When it comes to a Certificate of Good Standing, it can only be issued by the Wyoming Secretary of State or https://sos.wyo.gov/. Additionally, you need to be up-to-date with all the administrative requirements prior to receiving the certificate.

However, you should note the Wyoming SOS certifies business documents that were initially filed with that specific office. However, if the document was issued by the office but not filed with it, they cannot certify it.

Certified copies of business documents requested from the Secretary of State’s office can take anywhere between 15 to 20 business days. You can expect to pay a minimum of $45 plus state document fees. However, if you need expedited service or you need the documents within 7 to 10 business days, you’ll need to be a $75 filing fee plus additional state document fees.

Reach out to the Secretary of State’s office to learn more about requesting certified copies.

Business name availability

Something you should take note of is that even if the name you’re searching for does not appear in the search results, there’s no guarantee that it will remain available until you’re ready to initiate the business registration process.

Therefore, it’s highly recommended that you register an available name immediately. However, if, for some reason, you are not able to initiate the business registration process right now, then you may reserve the name of the state with the state of Wyoming.

Depending on your business structure, you may need to complete the Limited Liability Company Application for Reservation of Name Form or the Application for Reservation of a Corporate Name Form. Both of these documents may be requested from the Secretary of State’s office.

When completing the relevant form, ensure that it includes the information below:

Name reservations in Wyoming come with a $50 filing fee.

Prior to reserving the name, it’s also recommended that you conduct a trademark search either on the Wyoming Department of State’s website or the USPTO website to ensure that no other entity has already trademarked this name.

Additionally, when deciding on a name for your Wyoming corporation or LLC, keep the following rules in mind:

For the complete set of naming rules, read through the “Wyoming how to choose a company name” PDF document.

Domain name availability

Once you’ve gone through the process of deciding on a suitable name for your company, it’s time to start thinking about a strong domain name as well. This is because domain names are as equally important as business names in the age of the Internet.

Therefore, contemplating and registering a domain name is not something that should be done on the spur of the moment. Ultimately your domain name or URL is a valuable marketing tool that will lead customers to your website.

Therefore, ensuring that your domain name establishes your online presence requires careful deliberation.

Some of the benefits of a professional and strong domain are as follows:

When it comes to design deciding on a domain name, ensure that it reflects your values, your company’s identity, and what your brand promises to deliver.

Additionally, it’s also important to consider the length of the domain name. It should preferably be between six to ten letters, with eight being a perfect balance. It should also be concise, simple, and memorable.

One of the best ways to decide on the ideal domain name for your business and brand is to use a professional domain name checking service like Namechk.com.

Not only does Namechk.com filter your options and provide suggestions in the event that your domain name is already taken, but it also checks your domain name against hundreds of platforms, including more than 100 social media networks.

Fictitious business name search

DBA names are also known as “doing business as” assumed, trade, and fictitious names that are used to transact when you don’t want to use your legal entity name. In the state of Wyoming, a DBA is more commonly known as a trade name.

You don’t necessarily need to register a trade name in the state; however, if you plan on conducting business under a different name from your business entity name, then it is mandatory.

This is especially since you won’t be able to open a corporate bank account or enter into contracts without your trade name is legally registered in the state.

A trade name is also a good idea if you are forming a corporation or limited liability company and you simply want to have another business under your corporate umbrella to keep the liability protection without the hassle of forming an entirely new entity.

To register a trade name in the state, you’ll need to complete the Trade Name Registration Form. Please also note that the DBA filing fee is $100 and is valid for ten years. If you’d like to renew your DBA name after ten years, you’ll need to pay a $50 annual fee.

Please also note that it takes approximately 15 business days for the Secretary of State’s office to process your trade name application.