Wyoming LLC Lookup: How To Do a Wyoming Business Search

Conduct a business search through the Wyoming Secretary of State’s database to check LLC name availability in Wyoming. Enter your desired business name into the search field and ensure it’s distinguishable as state law requires. The search will show if your chosen name is available or already registered by another business entity.

Choose our Wyoming LLC Formation to have your LLC formed and maintained by an attorney. Our team handles the entire name search process, registered agent services, BOI filing, and annual report filing. Everything you need to Start in Wyoming quickly and securely. 

Our Complete Package includes attorney-client privilege protection, EIN filing, and a dedicated Wyoming business address with a utility bill for opening a bank account. 

Wyoming Business Entity Search Step-By-Step Guide

Perform a Wyoming LLC lookup to ensure your desired LLC name is available before you file. Searching for a business name in Wyoming requires the following specific considerations: 

1. Visit the Wyoming Secretary of State’s business search website

wyobiz.wyo.gov/Business/FilingSearch.aspx

2. Enter your desired business name

You are responsible for ensuring that your desired name isn’t already chosen. Enter the most basic form of your business name to see all the similar names. Wyoming requires your name to be distinguishable from others, meaning it can’t be too similar. Use the following search guidelines for more information on a proper Wyoming business name check. 

• Omit company designations (LLC, Inc., Co.)
• Remove words like “The,” “And,” or “&”
• Don’t include punctuation or special characters
• Search both singular and plural forms

3. Review your search results

1. Check that inactive companies are labeled “Archived”
2. Verify the name isn’t similar to existing businesses

4. If similar names exist, make your name distinguishable by

• Adding numerals (e.g., XYZ 2 LLC)
• Including additional words (e.g., XYZ Ranch LLC)
• Using different letters (e.g., WXYZ LLC)

5. Verify special requirements

• Names starting with “A” need paper filing
• Educational or banking terms require approval
• Confirm proper business designation requirements

The Wyoming Secretary of State’s Office will review your LLC name after you file. If your business name doesn’t meet the requirements your filing will be rejected. The $100 state fee is non-refundable so you’ll have to pay again for incorrect formations. 

If you’re unsure about your search results, contact the Wyoming Business Division at 307-777-7311 or email business@wyo.gov for guidance. You can also contact our team if you want help forming your LLC. 

What Makes an LLC Name Distinguishable?

To create a distinguishable LLC name in Wyoming, you must follow the guidelines from the Secretary of State. 

Adding these elements will make your LLC name distinguishable:

• A different letter in the name
• A numeral (Arabic or Roman numerals are considered distinct)
• Additional words (except non-distinguishable terms)
• Spelled-out numbers (e.g., “Three” vs. “3”)

The following elements don’t make your name distinguishable:

• Articles like “A” or “The”
• Conjunctions (“And” or “&”)
• Business designators (LLC, Inc., Company, Co.)
• Punctuation marks or special characters
• Plural vs. singular forms of words
• Spaces between words
• Capitalization differences
• Subtype designators (DAO, LAO, L3C)

Examples

“Red Wagon LLC” and “A Red Wagon Inc.” would be considered the same name.  

However, “Red2 Wagon LLC” or “Blue Wagon LLC” would be distinguishable from “Red Wagon LLC.” More naming tips can be found from the Wyoming Secretary of State. 

Wyoming LLC Name Requirements

A Wyoming business name must be distinguishable from names that already exist, include a designator such as LLC, and words that imply association with government agencies require state approval. 

Key naming requirements include:

• The name can’t be identical to an active business name
• Names starting with “A” require paper filing
• Numbers can be written as numerals, Roman numerals, or words (2, II, Two)
• Certain words require extra approval and paper filing

Naming your business correctly isn’t the only requirement for starting an LLC in the state. It’s best to understand all the Wyoming LLC requirements before you file.

Avoid Using These Words

Certain words in your Wyoming business name require special approval and additional paperwork. Don’t attempt to register these names online, your application will be rejected. 

Prepare for a longer filing process that includes mailing your application and submitting documentation to prove you’re authorized to use these regulated terms.

Avoid these words unless you have proper authorization:

Education-related terms:

• Academy
• College
• Education/Educational
• Institute
• Institution
• School
• University

Banking-related terms:

• Bank/Banks
• Banker
• Banc
• Bancorp
• Bancorporation
• Banqe/Banque
• Banco/Banca

Additional restricted terms:

• PTC (Private Trust Company)
• Trust
• Any similar words in foreign languages

You’ll need Department of Education approval for education-related terms and Division of Banking approval for banking-related terms. 

Why is a Wyoming LLC Lookup Important?

A Wyoming LLC lookup serves three purposes for business owners: legal compliance, protecting intellectual property, and verifying business legitimacy.

When you’re starting a new business in Wyoming, you must verify that your chosen company name doesn’t conflict with existing entities. The state requires your LLC name to be distinguishable from others, and failing to verify with a Wyoming business entity search can result in additional paperwork and fees.

You’ll need to search through:

• Active business names
• Reserved names
• Registered trade names
• Recently dissolved companies (within 2 years)

A Wyoming search also protects your intellectual property rights by helping you avoid potential trademark conflicts. You’ll want to verify that your desired name isn’t already in use to prevent future legal disputes or brand confusion.

A business search is just one part of learning how to start an LLC in Wyoming. Read our guide to learn the full process of registering an LLC and setting it up for success.

What Business Designator Can I Use?

You must include one of the state-approved designators at the end of your Wyoming entity to properly identify your company structure.

For a Limited Liability Company in Wyoming, you can choose from these approved suffixes:

• “LLC” or “L.L.C.”
• “Limited Liability Company” or “Ltd. Liability Company”
• “Limited Company,” “L.C.,” or “Limited Liability Co.”

You can’t create distinguishability between business names simply by using different company designators. A designator is also referred to as a business entity suffix. 

What Business Designator Can’t I Use?

When forming your LLC, you can’t use certain business designators that would misrepresent your company type.

Prohibited Designators:

• Corporation or Corp.
• Inc. or Incorporated
• Company or Co. (when used alone without “Limited Liability” or “Ltd. Liability”)
• Limited Partnership or LP
• Statutory Trust
• Statutory Foundation
• DAO or LAO (without LLC designation)

What Happens if My Wyoming Business Name is Rejected?

If your Wyoming business name gets rejected, you’ll receive a notification from the Secretary of State’s office explaining why the name wasn’t approved. The rejection typically occurs when your chosen name conflicts with existing business names or fails to meet state requirements.

You’ll need to select a new name and resubmit your filing with the appropriate fees.

Can I Reserve My Business Name in Wyoming?

You can reserve your Wyoming business name by applying with the Secretary of State. It costs $60 and gives you exclusive rights to use the name for 120 days, preventing others from registering it.

However, we recommend you form your Wyoming LLC as the cost isn’t much greater. 

When reserving your business name in Wyoming, follow these key steps:

1. Complete the Application for Reservation of Name form, making sure your chosen name complies with Wyoming’s naming requirements and doesn’t contain any restricted words requiring additional approval.
2. Submit your application to the Wyoming Secretary of State’s Cheyenne office with the required filing fee.
3. Wait for confirmation of your name reservation, which can take up to 15 business days.

If you need more time after the initial 120-day period expires, you can file for one additional 120-day renewal of your name reservation. 

Want an Attorney to Form Your LLC?

Working with an attorney to form your Wyoming LLC provides several advantages over handling the process yourself. Having a lawyer on hand can provide legal support and establish your business entity correctly. 

Our Wyoming LLC formation is managed by an attorney and includes a registered agent service, BOI filing, and annual report filing. Everything you need to get your business up and running. 

For those who want banking and security, our Complete Package includes attorney-client privilege, EIN filing, and a separate Wyoming address with a utility bill for business banking. 

If you still have questions, contact our team and we’d be happy to help.