How to start an LLC in West Virginia
Forming an LLC in West Virginia costs $100 and online filings are typically approved in about 1–3 business days online. Here's the whole process, step by step.
Filing fee
$100
One-time, paid to the state
Approval time
about 1–3 business days online
Typical for online filings
Ongoing fee
$25/yr
What the state charges each year
Fees and processing times change — always confirm the current figures with the West Virginia Secretary of State before you file.
The 4 steps in West Virginia
Pick a name that works in West Virginia
Your name must be distinguishable from other West Virginia businesses and include a designator like “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company.” Search the state's business database before you file.
File the paperwork
You file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State, online through the West Virginia One Stop Business Portal or by mail. The filing fee is $100. Also write a simple operating agreement — it's free, and it keeps your liability protection clear.
Get your free EIN
Apply at IRS.gov and get your Employer Identification Number immediately, for free. You'll need it for taxes and your business bank account.
Open a business bank account
Bring your approved Articles of Organization, EIN, and operating agreement. Keeping business money separate is what makes the liability protection hold.
Optional: name a registered agent service
Every West Virginia LLC needs a registered agent with a physical address in the state. You can be your own for free — or pay a service to keep your address private. Learn how registered agents work.
West Virginia keeps ongoing costs low: a $25 annual report is all the state charges each year.
File directly with the West Virginia Secretary of State.
Common questions about West Virginia LLCs
How much does it cost to start an LLC in West Virginia?
The West Virginia filing fee is $100, paid once when you submit your Articles of Organization. Getting your EIN from the IRS is free, and you can be your own registered agent for free. Ongoing, West Virginia charges $25/yr. Fees change over time, so confirm the current amount on the West Virginia Secretary of State website before you file.
How long does it take to get an LLC in West Virginia?
Online filings are typically approved in about 1–3 business days online, though times vary with the state's workload. Mail filings take longer. Check the West Virginia Secretary of State website for current processing times.
Do I need a registered agent in West Virginia?
Yes — every West Virginia LLC must list a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. You can be your own agent for free, or hire a commercial service (roughly $100–$150 a year) to keep your address off the public record.
Does West Virginia require an annual report?
West Virginia's annual report is due between January 1 and June 30 each year and costs $25. File it online through the One Stop Business Portal.
Can I form my West Virginia LLC myself, without a service?
Yes. Filing directly with the West Virginia Secretary of State is straightforward: pick a name, submit the Articles of Organization online, and pay the $100 fee. A formation service is optional convenience, not a requirement.
Where to go next
Ready to make your West Virginia LLC official?
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