Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
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.
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 is to come up with a unique name that is not already taken by another business. You can easily check the availability of a name by searching the Nevada Secretary of State’s website. It is important to ensure that your chosen name is distinguishable from existing businesses and meets the state’s naming requirements. The name must include the words “Limited Liability Company” or its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.) and should not contain restricted words without proper consent.
Once you have chosen a name, you can move on to reserving it with the Secretary of State. Reserving a name gives you the exclusive right to use it for a specified period of time while you prepare the necessary documentation to form your LLC. To reserve a name, you can file an Application for Reservation of Name with the Secretary of State. This can be done online or by mail, along with the required filing fee.
It is important to note that name reservations are valid for 90 days, during which time you should file your Articles of Organization to officially form your LLC. If you fail to do so within the 90-day period, you may need to apply for an extension or reserve the name again. This underscores the importance of promptly completing the formation process after reserving your desired name.
Reserving a name for your LLC is a crucial step in establishing your business identity and protecting your brand. It ensures that no other business can use the same name in Nevada, giving you exclusive rights to your chosen identity. By following the outlined steps and adhering to state naming requirements, you can successfully reserve an LLC name in Nevada and lay the groundwork for your business venture.
In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in Nevada is a simple yet important process that sets the foundation for your business. By choosing a unique name, meeting state requirements, and timely filing for reservation, you can ensure that your business identity is secured and protected. Take the necessary steps to reserve your LLC name and embark on your entrepreneurial journey with confidence.
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