Jake Lawson here. Wyoming is famous for being business-friendly, and I’ve guided hundreds of entrepreneurs to form Wyoming LLCs for good reason. But here’s what catches people off guard: Wyoming’s name search is straightforward, but they have unique filing quirks that can force you to file by mail instead of online. Plus, rejected filings cost you the entire $100 fee—no refunds. Let me show you how to avoid these expensive mistakes.
Wyoming didn’t earn its reputation as America’s most business-friendly state by accident. Their approach to LLC names reflects this philosophy: clear rules, fair system, but you better get it right the first time.
Why Wyoming’s Different (And Why It Matters)
Wyoming stands out in the LLC world for several reasons:
The good: No state income tax, excellent privacy protection, business-friendly courts
The catch: Certain name types must be filed by mail (slower process), and rejected filings forfeit the entire $100 fee
Jake’s Reality Check: Wyoming’s advantages are real, but the non-refundable filing fee makes proper name research absolutely critical. Do it right, or pay twice.
Wyoming’s Business Filings Search: Simple but Unforgiving
Wyoming uses a clean search interface that’s easy to navigate.
Direct link: wyobiz.wyo.gov/Business/FilingSearch.aspx
Critical settings:
- Select “Contains” (not “Starts With”)
- Enter core name without LLC designators
- Search variations systematically
Why “Contains” is crucial: “Starts With” will miss “The GumGum Guy Inc.” when you search “GumGum Guy”—and these names would conflict.
The Wyoming Filing Trap: Names That Must Go By Mail
Here’s what most guides don’t tell you: certain Wyoming LLC names cannot be filed online and must be mailed in. This creates delays and complications.
Names requiring mail filing:
- Starting with “A” or “a” followed by a space (“A Calm Tree LLC”)
- Including “the,” “an,” “and,” or “&” (“Wilma and Grace LLC”)
- Using special characters beyond periods, commas, apostrophes (“Dollar$ LLC,” “Quik–E–Mart LLC”)
Jake’s Strategic Advice: Unless you have a compelling reason to use these elements, avoid them. Online filing is faster, more reliable, and easier to track.
The Jake Lawson Wyoming Search Method
Here’s my systematic approach for Wyoming name searches:
Step 1: Core Name Search
Enter the main part without:
- LLC designators
- Punctuation (except basic periods, commas, apostrophes)
- Filler words
Example: For “Riverwalk Studios LLC,” search “Riverwalk Studios”
Step 2: Individual Keyword Search
Search each significant word separately:
- “Riverwalk”
- “Studios”
Step 3: Variation Analysis
Check common variations and potential conflicts:
- “River Walk” (spacing variations)
- “Studio” (singular vs plural)
- Similar sounding alternatives
Step 4: Mail Filing Assessment
If your desired name includes mail-filing triggers, decide if it’s worth the hassle or if you should modify it for online filing.
Jake’s Pro Tip: Wyoming offers free name availability checking by phone (307-777-7311) or email (business@wyo.gov). Use this service—it’s free and prevents $100 mistakes.
Reading Wyoming Search Results
Green Light Scenarios
No results: Your name is likely available, but double-check with keyword searches
Clearly different results: “Riverwalk Studios” is fine if you only see “Riverwalk Rentals” and “Studio Supplies”
Yellow Light Scenarios
Similar names, different industries: “Jackson Construction” vs “Jackson Catering” might both work
Active vs inactive status: Pay attention to entity status—inactive entities may free up names
Red Light Scenarios
Exact matches with active entities: Game over, choose a different name
Very similar names: “Riverwalk Studios” vs “Riverwalk Studio” = likely conflict
Wyoming LLC Name Requirements: The Framework
Required Designators
Your LLC name must end with one of these:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Limited Liability Company
- LC
- L.C.
- Limited Company
- Ltd. Liability Company
- Limited Liability Co.
Jake’s Recommendation: “LLC” is standard, professional, and avoids complications.
Prohibited Elements
Can’t sound like other entity types: Inc., Corp., Corporation, Incorporated, Trust
Special permission required for banking terms: Bank, Banker, Banc, Trust (need Division of Banking approval)
Special permission required for education terms: College, University, Education, Institute (need Department of Education approval)
Can’t imply unlicensed professional services: Attorney, CPA, Doctor (unless licensed)
Wyoming’s Distinguishability Rules: Crystal Clear
Wyoming publishes their distinguishability rules clearly, which makes compliance easier:
What DOESN’T Create Distinguishability
Entity type differences: “Indian Paintbrush LLC” vs “Indian Paintbrush Inc.” = Same name
Filler words: “The,” “A,” “And,” “&” don’t create distinction
Plural/singular variations: “Paula’s Jade” vs “Paulas Jades” = Same name
Punctuation/spacing changes: “Wheatgrass Soapstore” vs “Wheat-Grass Soap-Store” = Same name
What MIGHT Create Distinguishability
Additional descriptive words: “Yellowstone Consulting” vs “Yellowstone Legal Consulting”
Geographic specificity: “Jackson Marketing” vs “Cheyenne Marketing”
Industry-specific terms: “Grand Teton Construction” vs “Grand Teton Catering”
Wyoming’s Entity Status System: Understanding Availability
Wyoming has specific rules about when dissolved entity names become available:
“Active”: Name is taken, period.
“Inactive – Archived”: Name is available immediately.
“Inactive – Administratively Dissolved” or “Inactive – Revoked”: Name becomes available 2+ years after the Inactive Date.
Jake’s Research Tip: Click on the company record to see the exact “Inactive Date” and calculate availability.
The $100 Trade Name Reality
Wyoming charges $100 for Trade Name registrations—higher than most states but still reasonable for brand flexibility.
Strategic consideration: At $100 per trade name, it’s often better to choose a versatile main LLC name rather than relying heavily on DBAs.
Example: “Wyoming Enterprises LLC” with one $100 trade name vs. multiple trade names at $100 each.
When to Contact Wyoming’s Secretary of State
Wyoming offers excellent customer service. Call 307-777-7311 or email business@wyo.gov when:
- You want free name availability confirmation before filing
- Your desired name includes mail-filing triggers
- You’re considering a name similar to an inactive entity
- You need clarification on restricted words
Jake’s Experience: Wyoming’s staff is knowledgeable, helpful, and can save you from expensive mistakes. Use this resource.
Advanced Wyoming Strategies
Leverage Geographic Branding
Wyoming offers excellent geographic branding opportunities:
- Regions: Jackson Hole, Yellowstone, Grand Teton
- Cities: Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie
- Features: Rockies, Great Plains, Continental Divide
Industry-Specific Considerations
Wyoming’s economy includes:
- Energy (oil, gas, renewables)
- Tourism and outdoor recreation
- Agriculture and ranching
- Technology and remote work hubs
Consider industry-specific terms that create clear distinguishability.
Multi-State Business Planning
Wyoming LLCs are popular for businesses operating nationwide. Consider:
- Name availability in key operating states
- Trademark implications for national brands
- Professional licensing requirements in operating states
Common Wyoming Name Mistakes
Mistake #1: Using filler words or special characters without realizing it forces mail filing
Mistake #2: Not checking entity status properly—assuming all “inactive” names are immediately available
Mistake #3: Filing without calling for free name confirmation first
Mistake #4: Underestimating the $100 trade name cost for multiple brand identities
Professional vs DIY Assessment
Wyoming’s clear rules and good customer service make it DIY-friendly, but consider professional help if:
- You’re planning complex business structures
- You need comprehensive trademark research
- You’re in regulated industries requiring special permissions
- You’re coordinating with multiple state filings
Formation services like Northwest Registered Agent ($39 + state fee) know Wyoming’s system well and can navigate the mail-filing requirements effectively.
The Non-Refundable Fee Reality
This is crucial: Wyoming keeps your $100 filing fee even if your name gets rejected. This makes proper research absolutely essential.
Prevention strategies:
- Use Wyoming’s free name checking service
- Be extra thorough with your search process
- Have backup names ready before filing
- Consider simpler names that avoid mail-filing triggers
Wyoming Name Search FAQ
Q: Why does Wyoming require some names to be filed by mail? A: Their online system has limitations with certain characters and formatting.
Q: Can I change my filing from online to mail if needed? A: Yes, but it’s better to decide upfront based on your name choice.
Q: Is it worth paying $100 for a trade name in Wyoming? A: Depends on your brand strategy. Consider the cost vs. benefit carefully.
Q: How long do mail filings take compared to online? A: Online is typically 1-2 business days; mail can take 2-3 weeks.
Q: Can I use Wyoming geographic terms freely? A: Generally yes, but avoid implying government connection.
My Complete Wyoming Search Process
Follow this checklist:
- Brainstorm 5-7 potential names avoiding mail-filing triggers
- Check domain availability for top choices
- Run systematic Wyoming searches using “Contains” setting
- Verify entity status for any similar inactive companies
- Call Wyoming Secretary of State for free name confirmation (307-777-7311)
- Decide online vs. mail filing based on your final name choice
- Prepare backup names in case your first choice has issues
- File promptly once you confirm availability
The Wyoming Advantage
Wyoming’s business-friendly reputation is well-deserved. The state offers excellent privacy protection, no state income tax, and courts that understand business needs.
The clear name rules and helpful staff make the process manageable, but the non-refundable filing fee demands respect for the process.
The bottom line: Wyoming rewards entrepreneurs who do their homework and leverage the state’s excellent resources. The combination of business advantages and reasonable fees makes it an excellent choice for many LLCs—just make sure you get the name right the first time.
Ready to search for your Wyoming LLC name? Use the “Contains” search setting, avoid unnecessary complexity that triggers mail filing, and definitely call for free name confirmation before you file. Wyoming’s advantages are real, but only if you navigate the system properly.
Jake Lawson is an LLC formation strategist who has guided over 1,200 entrepreneurs through U.S. business formation across all 50 states. His extensive Wyoming experience helps clients leverage the state’s advantages while avoiding costly mistakes. Connect with Jake at llciyo.com for unbiased business formation guidance.