Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is New Hampshire’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 NH 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 New Hampshire
Time needed: 5 minutes
There are guidelines to follow in doing a New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire’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 New Hampshire. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to Corporation Division, NH Dept. of State, 107 N Main St, Rm 204, Concord, NH 03301-4989.
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 New Hampshire LLC Online Name Search
It is crucial to select the name you want your LLC to have. If you’ve got a unique name for your LLC, and there is no other company using it, you’ll have to look up the New Hampshire state site. Check out these tips to find out more.
Use the search engine for business entities in the state’s tool.
The New Hampshire Department of State offers an online business search site. This tool can assist you in determining whether the name you’re looking to purchase is available for use for your company. It is only necessary to keep backup names, so you can easily choose the name.
Go to search for business names
You don’t need to create an account with the New Hampshire Department of State website to search for business names. If you scroll to the bottom part of the page, you’ll see a fine text beside a magnifying glass icon, which says “Search for Business Name.” Just click that option, and you will be directed to the search page.
Enter your name
There are three kinds of searches that you can perform on the page. You can look up the name of the entity, the business ID, or the filing number. It is necessary to type in the entity’s name or number to start the entire procedure.
Do the lookup
There are two ways of finding a name. Enter the search term, then you need to tick the “contains” option on the top list. You can also select “starts with” to get results for businesses that have similar names and words like yours. You can also choose to search for the exact match of names to find names having all the words you input.
Searches will reveal information on the current status of companies. Statuses may be a voluntary dissolution or involuntarily dissolved, or they can be in good standing. However, only voluntary dissolution of all the possible statuses permits you to use the name of your company.
How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in New Hampshire
To reserve an LLC name in New Hampshire you need to submit a name reservation request form to the New Hampshire Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $15.
How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in New Hampshire
Starting a business is an exciting and fulfilling endeavor that many individuals and entrepreneurs strive for. Once you have decided to commence on this path, one of the crucial steps in the process is choosing a legal business entity and registering it with the appropriate authorities. For those considering forming a limited liability company (LLC) in the picturesque state of New Hampshire, a critical aspect to consider is reserving a unique name for your business. In this editorial, we will guide you through the process of reserving an LLC name in New Hampshire, ensuring that your business stands out in the competitive marketplace.
The first step in reserving an LLC name is to conduct a comprehensive search through the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s website. By utilizing their easily accessible online database, you can determine whether the desired name for your LLC is already in use by another active business entity. It is crucial to ensure that the name you choose is available and unique to avoid potential legal hassles or conflicts in the future.
After verifying the availability of your desired LLC name, the next step is to file a Name Reservation application with the New Hampshire Secretary of State office. The form for this purpose is available on their website and can be submitted either online or by mail. When completing the form, be sure to provide accurate and detailed information, including your full name, address, contact details, and the desired name for your LLC.
Along with the application, you will also need to submit the filing fee, which is currently set at a nominal sum by the Secretary of State’s office. It is important to double-check the instructions and payment requirements before submitting the application, as any mistakes or non-compliance can result in delays or complications.
Once your Name Reservation application and fee have been submitted, it may take a few business days for the Secretary of State’s office to process it. If approved, they will provide you with a letter confirming the reservation of your LLC name, which typically lasts for a period of 120 days. This reservation allows you the security of knowing that your chosen name will be available for exclusive use while you complete the remaining steps in organizing your business.
While the process of reserving an LLC name in New Hampshire may seem straightforward, it is crucial to approach it with careful attention and dedication. Properly reserving your desired name will enable you to establish a strong brand identity in the market and avoid potential conflicts that may arise if another business has the same or a similar name. Remember, your choice of LLC name is an essential aspect of your business identity, and reserving it early on is a key part of laying the foundation for your eventual success.
In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in New Hampshire is a vital step when embarking on your journey as a business owner. By following the process outlined above and acquiring the necessary approvals from the Secretary of State’s office, you can ensure that your desired name is exclusive to your LLC. This will enable you to build a distinctive brand and establish a solid presence in New Hampshire’s competitive business landscape. So, take the necessary steps to reserve your LLC name today and set the stage for a successful entrepreneurial venture.
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.
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
