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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 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.
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 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.
To reserve an LLC name in New Hampshire, you must first ensure that the desired name is available and complies with state regulations. The name you choose for your LLC must be distinguishable from the names of existing businesses in the state. This means that the name cannot be too similar to any other registered business name, including variations in spelling, punctuation, or spacing.
Once you have selected a suitable name for your LLC, you can reserve it for a period of 120 days by filing a Name Reservation Form with the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s office. The form can be submitted online through the Secretary of State’s website or sent by mail. The filing fee for reserving an LLC name is minimal, making it a cost-effective way to protect your desired business name.
When reserving an LLC name in New Hampshire, it’s important to include all required information on the Name Reservation Form, such as your chosen business name, your contact information, and the intended purpose of your LLC. Providing accurate and complete information will expedite the processing of your reservation and minimize the risk of any delays or complications.
Once your LLC name reservation is approved, you will receive a confirmation letter from the Secretary of State’s office, along with a copy of the approved Name Reservation Form. It’s important to keep these documents on file for future reference, as you will need them when you are ready to formally register your LLC and obtain a Certificate of Formation.
Reserving an LLC name in New Hampshire is an important first step in the process of establishing your business. By securing your desired business name early on, you can avoid potential conflicts with existing businesses and ensure that your brand identity is protected. Taking the time to choose a memorable and distinctive name for your LLC will set you apart from competitors and make a positive impression on potential customers.
In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in New Hampshire is a simple and cost-effective way to protect your business identity and lay the foundation for a successful venture. By following the requirements and guidelines set forth by the state, you can confidently move forward with the process of starting your own LLC and building a strong brand presence in the 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