Q: Can I register a company ending with “Co. Ltd.”? Does the state government allow symbols in the company name? Or should I remove all the symbols and just use “Co Ltd” when submitting the filing request?
Thank you to a client from Wyoming for that great question! Wyoming LLC law allows (but doesn’t require) punctuation like periods and commas in an LLC name. The rules for naming an LLC vary by state, so it’s important to research your state’s name requirements before forming your LLC. You should also make sure your LLC name is available before you submit your formation documents. We’ll go over the requirements for naming a Wyoming LLC.
Wyoming LLC Name Requirements
The rules for naming a Wyoming LLC can be found in WY Stat § 17-29-108. Your LLC name needs to include one of these phrases or abbreviations:
- limited liability company
- limited company
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- LC
- L.C.
- Ltd. liability company
- limited liability co.
In addition, a Wyoming LLC name cannot:
- Suggest that the LLC was organized for a business purpose other than the purpose stated in the Articles of Organization.
- Be the same as, or overly similar to, the name of another business, trademark, or service mark registered in the state of Wyoming.
- Contain a word like “nonprofit” or “corp.” that would suggest that the business is a corporation or nonprofit, rather than an LLC.
Using punctuation in an LLC name —like a period or comma—is allowed but not required in Wyoming.
For more information, read Do I Put a Comma Before LLC?
How to Check If Your Preferred LLC Name Is Available
Before you submit your Wyoming LLC Articles of Organization, you should make sure your LLC name is available to use. You can do this easily by looking up your name on the Wyoming Business Entity Search. However, remember to not only search for your exact business name but also for names that are very similar to yours. Names that the state consider overly similar to a registered business name or trademark will be rejected.
How do I make sure my LLC name isn’t too similar to another?
According to the Wyoming Secretary of State name search tips, a business name will be considered too similar to another if the only difference is…
- Differences in punctuation or special characters
- The words “the,” “and,” or “a”
- Plural vs. singular (for example, Happy Dog, LLC vs. Happy Dogs, LLC)
- Company designators like “LLC,” Corp.” etc.
- Company subtype designators, like “DAO,” “LAO,” or “L3C”
Wyoming LLC Name Reservation
If you want to make certain your LLC name will be accepted, you can reserve the name in advance by submitting a Wyoming LLC Application for Reservation of Name. This form must be submitted by mail, along with a $60 filing fee. Reserving your business name gives you exclusive rights to the name for 120 days. Filing a name reservation isn’t required, but doing so will make sure no one else claims your business name.