Idaho LLC Name Search – How to Name Your LLC


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
Business Formation Expert
Steve runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adhere to the guidelines. The great thing is Idaho’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 an Idaho LLC or forming an LLC in general, you can check out How to Start an LLC.

How to Name an LLC in Idaho

Time needed: 5 minutes

There are guidelines to follow in doing an Idaho 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.

  1. Check Name Availability

    Search the Business Entity Records in Idaho’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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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 $20 filing fee (plus tax for online).

    File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of Idaho. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to the Office of the Secretary of State, 450 N 4th Street, P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0080.

Check Name Availability
Reserve Name Online
Download Reservation form

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 an Idaho LLC Online Name Search

As a part of your LLC registration process, it is important to have a suitable name for your LLC in accordance with the State naming guidelines. So, when you select a name for your LLC, you also need to run a quick search on the Idaho Business Entity Search page to check whether the name is unique and there is no other business running in the State with the same name.

Steps to Search the Name of your LLC in Idaho

1. Access the Business Entity Search Tool on the State website

The Idaho Secretary of State website offers a Business Search Tool to assist you in finalizing a name for your business LLC. This tool is helpful in deciding the uniqueness and availability of the name. Also, keep a list of backup names ready, so you can select a final name in a few attempts.

idaho name search step 1

2. Run the Search

After you navigate to the Search page, you can run the search either by name or file number. You can also conduct a thorough search by clicking on the “advance” option on the screen. In the advance search, you can change the filters accordingly and get detailed results of different business names.

idaho name search step 2

3. Perform the Search

Search the availability of the proposed business name on the State website. If the chosen business name is already in use, the search result will display the relevant details of similar businesses. While conducting the search, you can exclude usage of identifiers such as “LLC” to access wider results from different forms of business structures running in a similar name. Conduct thorough research of the name by using the provided filters before filing it with the Authorities.

You can also search and register for a Trademark on the Idaho Secretary of State website for a distinct identity for your LLC business.

Other Consideration

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

What is a Trade Name?

A trade name (doing business as (DBA) name) is the official name under which a proprietor or company chooses to do business.

Is having a domain name necessary?

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.

What if my name is unavailable?

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 Idaho

To reserve an LLC name in Idaho you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Idaho Secretary of State by mail for $40 or online by paying a filing fee of $20. It can be expedited by paying an additional amount.

The process of reserving an LLC name in Idaho is quite simple and can be done online through the Secretary of State’s website. Before you jump into reserving a name, it’s essential to ensure that the name you have in mind is available and complies with the Idaho business naming guidelines. The name you choose must be distinguishable from any existing business entities in Idaho and should include the words “Limited Liability Company” or the abbreviations “LLC” or “L.L.C.”

Once you have identified a unique and compliant name for your LLC, you can move forward with reserving it online. The reservation process involves filling out a simple form on the Secretary of State’s website, where you will be required to provide details such as the proposed name, your name and address, and a brief description of the business activities you plan to conduct under the LLC. The filing fee for reserving an LLC name in Idaho is minimal, making it a cost-effective step in the business formation process.

Reserving a name for your LLC is a strategic move that allows you to secure the name for a period of 120 days. During this time, you have the freedom to complete the required paperwork and formally register your LLC with the state of Idaho. Additionally, reserving a name can help you avoid the risk of another entity registering the same name before you have a chance to do so.

By reserving a name for your LLC, you are taking a proactive step towards safeguarding your business identity and setting the foundation for your brand. A distinctive and memorable name can give your LLC a competitive edge in the market and help attract customers and clients. It also allows you to establish a professional image and build trust with your target audience.

In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in Idaho is a crucial step in the business formation process that should not be overlooked. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can secure a unique and compliant name for your LLC and set the stage for a successful business venture. So, take the time to carefully select a name that reflects your brand identity and resonates with your target market, and reserve it today to protect your business and pave the way for future growth and success.

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

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