L
LexiState
naming rulesUpdated 2026-03-31

Wyoming LLC Name Rules

Allowed designator Notes
Limited Liability Company Full phrase
LLC Abbreviation
L.L.C. Abbreviation with periods
Limited Company Full phrase
LC Abbreviation
L.C. Abbreviation with periods
Ltd. Liability Company Full phrase
Ltd. Liability Co. Abbreviated phrase
Limited Liability Co. Abbreviated phrase

L3C Exception

Low-profit limited liability companies must use different designators: "L3C," "l3c," "low profit ltd. liability company," "low profit ltd. liability co.," or "low profit limited liability co."

Distinguishability Standard

Your LLC name must be distinguishable upon the records of the Wyoming Secretary of State from all other business names. Under Wyo. Stat. § 17-29-108(a)(ii), the state applies the distinguishability standard outlined in W.S. 17-16-401. This means your name cannot be identical to or deceptively similar to any existing registered business name in Wyoming.

The Secretary of State maintains a searchable database of all registered business entities. Before filing your articles of organization, you should conduct a name search using the official Wyoming business search tool at https://wyobiz.wyo.gov/Business/FilingSearch.aspx. This free search helps you verify that your chosen name is available.

Deceptive similarity extends beyond exact matches. Names that differ only in punctuation, spacing, or minor spelling variations may be rejected as indistinguishable. For example, "Smith LLC," "Smith-LLC," and "Smith L.L.C." would likely be considered the same name.

What Deceptive Similarity Means

The Secretary of State evaluates whether your proposed name could confuse the public or create unfair competition with existing businesses. Minor differences in formatting, punctuation, or spacing do not create distinguishability.

Trademark Conflicts

Your name cannot be the same as or deceptively similar to any trademark or service mark registered in Wyoming. You should search Wyoming's trademark database in addition to the general business name database before finalizing your choice.

Restricted Words and Prohibited Language

Wyoming law does not maintain a list of restricted words that you cannot use in your LLC name. However, Wyo. Stat. § 17-29-108(a) prohibits certain types of language regardless of specific restricted words.

Your LLC name cannot contain words or phrases that indicate or imply your company is organized for a purpose other than those listed in your articles of organization. If your articles state you operate a consulting business, you cannot name your LLC "Smith Medical Services LLC" unless medical services are included in your stated purposes.

You also cannot use language suggesting your business is organized under the Wyoming Business Corporation Act, the Wyoming Statutory Close Corporation Supplement, or the Nonprofit Corporation Act. Names like "Smith Corporation LLC" or "Smith Nonprofit LLC" will be rejected because they create confusion about your actual business structure.

Purpose Mismatch Prohibition

Your LLC name must align with the business purposes stated in your articles of organization. The Secretary of State will reject names that misrepresent your company's actual operations or legal structure.

Corporate Act Confusion

Do not use terms like "Corporation," "Corp.," "Inc.," "Incorporated," or "Nonprofit" in your LLC name. These terms indicate different business structures and violate Wyo. Stat. § 17-29-108(a).

Name Search and Availability Verification

You can search Wyoming's business name database for free using the Secretary of State's online search tool. Visit https://wyobiz.wyo.gov/Business/FilingSearch.aspx and enter your proposed LLC name to check availability. The search returns all registered business entities with similar names.

The search tool allows you to filter by entity type, so you can specifically look for other LLCs with your proposed name. You can also search for corporations, partnerships, and other business structures to ensure your name doesn't conflict with any registered entity in Wyoming.

Conduct your search before investing time and money in business planning. If your preferred name is unavailable, you can modify it slightly—adding a geographic descriptor, changing the word order, or selecting a different name entirely. The search results show you exactly which names are taken, helping you identify available alternatives.

Step-by-Step Search Process

  1. Visit https://wyobiz.wyo.gov/Business/FilingSearch.aspx
  2. Enter your proposed LLC name
  3. Review all results for exact and similar matches
  4. Check for trademark conflicts
  5. Verify the name includes a required designator

Interpreting Search Results

If the search shows no results, your name is likely available. If similar names appear, review them carefully to determine if they would be considered deceptively similar under W.S. 17-16-401.

Name Reservation Process

Wyoming allows you to reserve an LLC name for 120 days before filing your articles of organization. The name reservation fee is $60.00, payable to the Wyoming Secretary of State. This reservation protects your chosen name while you prepare your formation documents.

To reserve a name, you submit an application to the Secretary of State specifying the name you wish to reserve. The reservation is effective for 120 days from the date of approval. During this period, no other business can register that name, giving you time to finalize your LLC formation.

You can file your articles of organization at any point during the 120-day reservation period. Once you file your articles with the reserved name, the reservation is satisfied and your LLC becomes officially registered. If you don't file within 120 days, the reservation expires and the name becomes available to other applicants.

The name reservation is optional but recommended if you're not ready to file immediately. If you're prepared to file your articles right away, you can skip the reservation and proceed directly to formation, saving the $60.00 reservation fee.

Reservation Timeline

When to Reserve Your Name

Reserve your name if you need time to prepare business documents, secure financing, or finalize your business plan. Skip the reservation if you're ready to file articles immediately.

Trade Names and DBA Requirements

If you plan to operate your Wyoming LLC under a name different from your registered LLC name, you must file a trade name registration with the Wyoming Secretary of State. This is commonly called a "doing business as" (DBA) filing. The trade name filing fee is $100.00.

Your LLC's registered name is the legal name appearing on your articles of organization. Your trade name is any other name under which you conduct business. For example, if your LLC is registered as "Smith Consulting Services LLC" but you want to operate as "The Consulting Group," you must file a trade name registration for "The Consulting Group."

Trade name registrations are filed directly with the Wyoming Secretary of State, not with county clerks. You submit your trade name application through the same online filing system used for LLC formation. The filing protects your trade name and ensures no other business registers the identical name.

You can register multiple trade names for a single LLC. Each trade name requires a separate $100.00 filing fee. Trade name registrations must be renewed periodically to remain valid, so maintain records of your filing dates and renewal deadlines.

DBA vs. LLC Legal Name

Your LLC's legal name (registered with the Secretary of State) must include a required designator. Your DBA does not require a designator but must still comply with Wyoming naming rules regarding trademarks and deceptive similarity.

Filing Multiple DBAs

If you operate multiple brands or business lines under one LLC, file a separate $100.00 DBA registration for each trade name. Each DBA is tracked independently by the Secretary of State.

Name Change After Formation

You can change your LLC's registered name after formation by amending your articles of organization. The amendment process requires filing a certificate of amendment with the Wyoming Secretary of State. Your new name must still comply with all naming requirements—it must include an approved designator and be distinguishable from other registered business names.

Before filing an amendment to change your name, conduct a name search to verify the new name is available. If your new name is already registered, the Secretary of State will reject your amendment. Once you've confirmed availability, prepare your amendment documents and submit them to the Secretary of State.

Name changes may require updating your trade name registrations, business licenses, and other registrations. You should also notify your registered agent, update your business records, and inform customers and vendors of your new legal name. Some name changes may have tax or legal implications, so consult with an accountant or attorney before proceeding.

Amendment Filing Process

  1. Search the new name at https://wyobiz.wyo.gov/Business/FilingSearch.aspx
  2. Verify the new name includes a required designator
  3. Prepare a certificate of amendment
  4. File with the Wyoming Secretary of State
  5. Update all business registrations and licenses

Timing Considerations

Name changes take effect upon approval by the Secretary of State. Contact the office at (307) 777-7311 for current processing times and any fees associated with amendments.

Contact Information for Name Verification

The Wyoming Secretary of State is your primary resource for all LLC naming questions and name searches. You can reach the Secretary of State's office at (307) 777-7311 or visit their website at https://sos.wyo.gov/.

The physical address for the Wyoming Secretary of State is:

Herschler Building East, Suite 101 122 W 25th Street Cheyenne, WY 82002-0020

For online filings and name searches, use the Wyoming business filing portal at https://wyobiz.wyo.gov/Business/Default.aspx. This portal allows you to search existing business names, reserve names, and file your articles of organization electronically.

The Secretary of State's office can answer specific questions about name availability, designator requirements, and restricted language. If you're uncertain whether your proposed name complies with Wyoming law, contact the office before filing. This proactive approach prevents rejection and delays in your LLC formation process.

Online Resources

Business Hours

Contact the Secretary of State's office during regular business hours for phone assistance. Online searches and filings are available 24/7 through the Wyoming business portal.

Summary of Key Requirements

Your Wyoming LLC name must include one of nine approved designators and be distinguishable from all other registered business names in the state. Wyoming does not maintain a restricted words list, but you cannot use language implying a different business structure or purpose than stated in your articles.

You should search the Secretary of State's database before filing to verify your name is available. The $60.00 name reservation option allows you to hold a name for 120 days if you're not ready to file immediately. If you operate under a different name, file a $100.00 trade name registration with the Secretary of State.

These naming requirements are straightforward and entrepreneur-friendly compared to many states. By following these rules and conducting a thorough name search, you'll ensure your LLC name is legally compliant and ready for registration with the Wyoming Secretary of State.

Quick Checklist

  • ✓ Include one of nine approved designators (or L3C designators if applicable)
  • ✓ Search the name at https://wyobiz.wyo.gov/Business/FilingSearch.aspx
  • ✓ Verify the name is distinguishable from existing businesses
  • ✓ Confirm the name matches your stated business purposes
  • ✓ Avoid language suggesting a different business structure
  • ✓ Check for trademark conflicts
  • ✓ Reserve the name ($60.00) if needed
  • ✓ File a DBA ($100.00) if operating under a different name
---
---

Related Pages