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Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is Nevada’s Secretary of State page includes a name availability checker. Check out LLC Name Search to learn more.
Meanwhile, if you’re interested in learning more about starting a Nevada LLC or forming an LLC in general, you can check out How to Start an LLC.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
How to Name an LLC in Nevada
Time needed: 5 minutes
There are guidelines to follow in doing a Nevada LLC name search. To learn more, check out LLC Naming Guidelines or read Foreign LLC Application for Registration if you’re planning to register a foreign LLC.
- Check Name Availability
Search the Business Entity Records in Nevada’s Official Secretary of State page to check if your chosen business name is available. You may also try typing your trademark, business, or domain name on any search engine to generate businesses with similar names and to ensure your trademark is unique and meets the state’s requirements.
Check out How to File a DBA to learn more about registering a DBA or trademark. For social media pages, use Social Searcher to avoid using similar page names. - Check Domain Availability
If your business name is still available, you must register for a domain name using Namecheap, Google Workspace, or other domain name sites. So customers can easily find your business over the Internet. Use the Kinsta app to manage your domains efficiently.
- File Name Reservation
A Name Reservation Certificate is required along with a Certificate of Formation. You can reserve a name online, by mail, or in person with a $25 filing fee (plus tax for online).
File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of Nevada. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to the Secretary of State, 202 North, Carson Street, Carson City, Nevada 89701-4201.
Guidelines to Follow in Naming LLC
- Use a business name with the abbreviation “LLC” or the phrase “Limited Liability Company.”
- Your decided business name must not coincide with any existing government entity. Otherwise, you might have to face legal lawsuits when filing your LLC.
- Use the LLC name availability checker to ensure your business name is unique.
- Get a license first if you plan on using restricted words to avoid any complications.
Note that you must put adequate effort into naming your LLC because this name will be with your business for a long time. Making your LLC name unique is vital as it would prevent people from confusing your business with others, not to mention it would be easier for them to recall your business, products, or services.
How To Do a Nevada LLC Online Name Search
It is important to have a name for the LLC and it also needs to be according to the guidelines of the state. So, when you get a name for the LLC, you need to search on the Nevada state website if it is unique and there is no business running by that name. Look at the following points and know about them.
1. Access the Business Entity Search Tool on the Official Website of Secretary of State
The ‘Businesses’ page on the Nevada State website offers a Business Entity Search Tool. This tool assists you in selecting a suitable name for your business LLC. This Search tool helps you in deciding the uniqueness and availability of the name. Also, keep a list of backup names ready, so you can finalize a name for your business LLC in a few attempts.
2. Enter the name
When you get to the search page, you will see four different search options under ‘Business Entity Search Criteria’, i.e., Entity Name, NV Business ID Number, Officer Name, and Registered Agent Name. You can conduct the search with either of the given options. To begin the process, you need to enter the name in the first blank space under the heading ‘I would like to search by’.
3. Perform the Search
To select a name, you can use different search criteria available on the page. You can also change the filters according to your needs such as starts with, contains, or exact match, or all words. An effective strategy can be to check the filter option “contains” and then type the proposed name. This way, you will get a list of all the business names that contain those particular words. Or you can also run the search with the “Starts with” filter. It will give you the list of competing business names that starts with your proposed name.
4. Advanced Search
The tool also provides an advanced search option where you can run the entity search as per your requirements after filing the primary details in the first section of the page.
5. Marks search
You can also lookup for trademarks, trade names, or service marks on the search tool page by filling in the details such as mark number, classification, goods and services, and applicant name.
If you also plan on conducting your business online through a website, you should also check if a domain name similar to your chosen business name is available or not.
F.A.Qs
A trade name (doing business as (DBA) name) is the official name under which a proprietor or company chooses to do business.
Having a domain isn’t necessary, but it is recommended. If you have a domain name, customers will find you more accessible through online means with your online website.
For domestic LLC, you can simply brainstorm for another name if the one you pick is no longer available. For foreign LLC, you must think up a “fictitious name,” which you’ll use only in the state.
How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in Nevada
To reserve an LLC name in Nevada you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Nevada Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $25.
The first step in reserving an LLC name in Nevada is to conduct a name search to ensure that the desired name is available. This can be done on the Nevada Secretary of State’s website to check the availability of the proposed name. It’s important to choose a name that is distinct and not already in use by another business in the state to avoid potential conflicts.
Once you have confirmed that the name is available, you can proceed with reserving it. To reserve an LLC name in Nevada, you will need to file an “Application for Reservation of Name” with the Secretary of State. This application can be submitted online through the Secretary of State’s website or by mail. The reservation is valid for 90 days, giving you time to finalize your LLC formation paperwork without fear of someone else taking the name in the meantime.
When filing the application to reserve an LLC name in Nevada, you will need to provide basic information such as the desired name, the name and address of the person filing the application, and your contact information. The filing fee for reserving a name is relatively low, making it a cost-effective way to secure your preferred LLC name.
Reserving an LLC name in Nevada is a critical step in the early stages of starting your business. By taking the time to reserve a unique and distinctive name, you are protecting your brand and ensuring that your business stands out from the competition. Additionally, having a reserved name can give you peace of mind as you move forward with your LLC formation process.
In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in Nevada is a straightforward process that can be done online or by mail. By conducting a name search, filing the necessary paperwork, and paying a small fee, you can secure your desired name for 90 days. This step is essential for any business owner looking to establish a strong branding presence and avoid potential legal issues. Don’t overlook the importance of reserving your LLC name – take the necessary steps to protect your business from the start.
In Conclusion
LLC names are important as it is the main identity of your business. While naming your LLC make sure to choose the one that suits the nature of your business. Follow the naming guidelines before you start filing your LLC name