Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is New Jersey’s Division of Revenue 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 NJ 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 Jersey
Time needed: 5 minutes
There are guidelines to follow in doing a New Jersey 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 Jersey’s Official Division of Revenue 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 $50 filing fee (plus tax for online).
File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Division of Revenue Online Services page of New Jersey. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to the NJ Division of Revenue, PO Box 308, Trenton, NJ 08646.
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 Jersey LLC Online Name Search
It is critical that you choose a name for your LLC. If you have a unique name for your LLC, you’ll need to look it up on the New Jersey state website to check if no other company is using it. Check out these hints to learn more.
Utilize the search engine for business entities in the state’s tool.
The New Jersey Department of Treasury will provide a business search website. This tool can help you determine whether the name you want is available for use by your company. It is only necessary to keep backup names, so they can be easily selected.
Enter your name
There are three kinds of searches that you can perform on the search page. You can look up the name of the entity, the entity ID, or a keyword. Just type in the detail required in the search field for the search type that you choose.
Run the search
There are two methods for locating the desired name. Enter the search term, then select the “contains” option. The names of businesses with the word you input would then be displayed. You can also choose “starts with.” This will return results for businesses with names that start with the word you input.
Searches will reveal information on the current incorporated date of companies, their type, city, and entity IDs.
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 Jersey
To reserve an LLC name in New Jersey you need to submit a name reservation request form to the New Jersey Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $50.
First and foremost, it is essential to conduct a thorough search to ensure that the name you have chosen for your LLC is not already in use by another business in the state. A quick online search can help you determine if the name is available or if there are any similar names that may cause confusion in the market. It is important to avoid potential legal issues down the line by choosing a name that is truly unique and not already registered by another entity.
Once you have confirmed that the name you have selected is available, the next step is to reserve it with the state of New Jersey. Reserving a name for your LLC is a relatively simple process that can be done online through the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services website. You will need to provide basic information about your LLC, including its name, address, and the name and address of the registered agent.
There is a fee associated with reserving an LLC name in New Jersey, but it is a small price to pay for the peace of mind of knowing that your chosen name is secure and will not be taken by another business. The reservation is valid for 120 days, during which time you can complete the necessary steps to officially form your LLC.
Reserving an LLC name is not a requirement for starting a business in New Jersey, but it is a recommended step to take to protect your brand and ensure that no other business can use the same name. By reserving your LLC name, you are taking proactive measures to establish your presence in the marketplace and build a strong foundation for your business.
In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in New Jersey is a straightforward process that all entrepreneurs should consider when starting a business in the state. By taking the time to research and reserve a unique name for your LLC, you are setting yourself up for success and minimizing the risk of encountering legal issues in the future. So, if you are planning to start a business in New Jersey, be sure to take the necessary steps to reserve your LLC name and establish your presence in the market.
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