Maryland 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 adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is Maryland’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 LLC in Maryland or forming an LLC in general, you can check out How to Start an LLC.

How to Name an LLC in Maryland

Time needed: 5 minutes

There are guidelines to follow in doing a Maryland 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 Maryland’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 $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 Maryland. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to the Department of Assessments and Taxation, 301 W. Preston Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.

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 a Maryland LLC Online Name Search

As a part of the LLC registration and establishment procedure, it is important to have a suitable name for your LLC in accordance with the requirements of the State. While selecting the name for your LLC, you also need to run a check to see whether the proposed name is available for registration in the State or not. The name of your LLC should be unique and in compliance with the naming guidelines of the State of Maryland.

Before you establish your LLC in Maryland, you must know if the proposed name of your LLC is unique and available to use. You can check and file the LLC name online. Here’s how to do that.

Access the Business Entity Search Tool of the State of Maryland

The State of Maryland provides a Business Entity Search Tool to assist you in deciding the uniqueness of your proposed business name. This tool is very helpful in deciding whether the proposed business name is available for usage in the State or not. Keep a list of backup names ready, so you can select the final name in a few attempts.

Run the Search

After you navigate to the search page, you will find two different types of search filters that you can execute to find a relevant name for your business. You can perform the search either by the “Business Name”, or “Department ID”.

Perform the Search

Search the availability of the chosen name on the website. If the proposed business name is already in use, the page will display the relevant details of the business using the same name. You may exclude identifiers such as “LLC” while running the search to gain wider search results from every form of business structure in Maryland. Conduct thorough research of the name by using the provided filters before filing it with the Authorities.

If you are also planning to take your business online by setting up a website, you should also check if a similar domain name is available or not for your business.

If you also wish to use a Trademark for the distinct identity of your business in the State, you can run a trademark search on the Trademark Database of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to see whether the chosen name is already in use by any other business entity.

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 Maryland

To reserve an LLC name in Maryland you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Maryland Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $25. It can be expedited by paying an additional amount.

The first step in reserving an LLC name in Maryland is conducting a thorough search to ensure that your desired name is not already in use by another company. The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) offers an online database where you can search for existing business entities to check for name availability. It’s important to choose a name that is not too similar to existing businesses, as this can lead to confusion among customers and potential legal issues.

Once you have confirmed that your desired LLC name is available, you can proceed with reserving it. In Maryland, you can reserve an LLC name by filing an Application for Reservation of Name form with the SDAT. The form can be submitted online or by mail, along with the required fee. The name reservation is valid for 30 days, giving you time to complete the necessary paperwork to officially register your LLC.

When reserving an LLC name, it’s important to choose a name that complies with Maryland’s naming requirements. The name must include the words “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation like “LLC.” Additionally, the name cannot suggest that the LLC is a government entity or use any restricted terms without the appropriate approvals.

In addition to following the naming guidelines, it’s also essential to consider the marketing and branding aspects of your chosen name. A strong and memorable name can help attract customers and build brand recognition. Consider factors like the uniqueness of the name, its relevance to your business, and its ease of pronunciation and spelling. Conducting market research and seeking feedback from potential customers can also help you choose a name that resonates with your target audience.

While reserving an LLC name is a crucial step in the business registration process, it’s important to remember that this is just the beginning of establishing your business. Once you have reserved your LLC name, you’ll need to complete additional steps, such as filing Articles of Organization, appointing a registered agent, and obtaining any necessary business licenses and permits.

Overall, reserving an LLC name in Maryland is a relatively straightforward process, but it’s essential to proceed with care and attention to detail. By conducting a thorough name search, following Maryland’s naming guidelines, and considering the branding implications of your chosen name, you can set your business on the path to success. Remember that your LLC name is the foundation of your brand identity, so choose wisely to stand out in the competitive marketplace.

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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