Business License by State

Business License by State › West Virginia

West Virginia business license (2026)

State business license or registration. The West Virginia State Tax Department says: “every individual or business entity must obtain a West Virginia business registration certificate from the State Tax Department”

  • State page read October 21, 2026
  • Quoted from the state

West Virginia at a glance

State rule
State business license or registration
Next step
Apply through the agency named above before you operate.
Forming an LLC
$100 with the West Virginia Secretary of State
Best overall in West Virginia

Mainstay Filing

Our rating: 4.9 out of 5

$199 / year, same at renewal

  • LLC formation, prepared and filed
  • Registered agent, all year
  • EIN application (with an SSN or ITIN)
  • Annual report filed every year it is due where the state requires one
  • Compliance reminders and stored documents

Price from the Mainstay Filing pricing and FAQ pages, checked October 21, 2026. State fees are passed through at cost and shown before you pay.

Questions

Does West Virginia require a business license?

State business license or registration. The West Virginia State Tax Department says: “every individual or business entity must obtain a West Virginia business registration certificate from the State Tax Department”

Who do I contact in West Virginia?

West Virginia State Tax Department (page linked below), your city or county clerk, and the West Virginia Secretary of State for forming the company.

Is a West Virginia LLC the same as a license?

No. Forming the LLC is a filing with the West Virginia Secretary of State, which charges $100. A license, where one applies, is a separate step.

Sources