The West Virginia Assumed Name Certificate, also known as the West Virginia Doing Business As (DBA) Certificate, is a legal document that allows businesses or individuals to operate under a name other than their legal entity name. This certificate is usually required when conducting business operations using a trade name, fictitious name, or a name other than the actual legal entity name in West Virginia. In West Virginia, there are different types of Assumed Name Certificates based on the kind of business entity filing for it. Some common types include: 1. West Virginia Corporation Assumed Name Certificate: This type of certificate is filed by corporations registered in West Virginia that wish to operate under a different name. 2. West Virginia Limited Liability Company (LLC) Assumed Name Certificate: LCS in West Virginia can file this certificate if they want to do business using an alternative name. 3. West Virginia Partnership Assumed Name Certificate: Partnerships, including general partnerships and limited partnerships, can file this certificate to operate under a name other than the official partnership name. 4. West Virginia Sole Proprietorship Assumed Name Certificate: Sole proprietors who want to use a trade name or operate under a name other than their legal name can file this certificate. The process of obtaining an Assumed Name Certificate involves submitting a completed application form to the West Virginia Secretary of State’s office along with the required filing fee. It is important to conduct a thorough name search prior to filing to ensure that the desired business name is available and not already in use by another entity. The Assumed Name Certificate is crucial for businesses as it allows them to establish a separate identity, build a brand, and engage in transactions under a name that better represents their product, service, or market. It provides legal protection and enables businesses to differentiate themselves in the market while complying with West Virginia's business registration and licensing regulations. In summary, the West Virginia Assumed Name Certificate is a vital document for businesses operating under a name different from their legal entity name. It is available for various business entities such as corporations, LCS, partnerships, and sole proprietorship, providing legal protection and allowing business owners to establish a unique identity in the market.