Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is New York’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 New York 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 York
Time needed: 5 minutes.
There are guidelines to follow in doing a New York 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 York’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 $20 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 York. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to the New York Department of State, Division of Corporations, One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12231.
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 Business Entity Search in New York
It is crucial to select the name you want to use for your LLC. If you have a distinctive name for your LLC and no other business using it, you will need to search the New York State website to confirm it. Take a look at the following information and be aware of the process.
Utilize the state’s search engine for businesses.
The New York Department of State Division of Corporations provides a business search website. This tool can assist you in determining if the proposed name has been taken already. It is only necessary to have a backup names list, so you can quickly choose an alternative.
Enter your name
There are various kinds of searches that you can perform when you reach the page for a search. You can search for the entity’s name or by entity ID. You will be given a drop-down menu to make your choices easier. Be sure to fill out the form for your search choice accordingly.
Do the search
There are several ways to find a name. The first method allows you to search by name, under which you can use a name ID, an assumed name, or an assumed ID. Choose one and be sure to fill out the form that follows.
You can further filter your search with an entity type, search functionality, or entity list. For search functionality, you can use the result to show you businesses that contain the word you input or those that start with it.
As for entity type, you can choose from active, inactive, or suspended.
How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in New York
To reserve an LLC name in New York you need to submit a name reservation request form to the New York Department of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $20.
The process of reserving an LLC name in New York can appear daunting, but it primarily entails adhering to certain legal requirements while filing appropriate documents. Understanding these steps and fulfilling legal obligations is essential to ensuring the smooth operation of your business venture.
Before beginning the process, it is important to conduct a thorough name search to ascertain that the name you choose is available. By law, name availability checks must be made strictly using the New York State Department of State database.
Once the name has been ascertained to be available, the next step involves filing an LLC reservation application through a legal representative. The form provides general information concerning your business and the desired name for reservation. Keep in mind that sending a completed application and paying a $20 non-refundable reservation fee will not hinder other entities from applying for the exact or similar name during the six-month validity period of the reservation.
The state of New York allows for multiple name resolutions during the lifespan of LLC formation. As a result, it is worthwhile to note that a Second and third-class waiting period may exist if another LLC entity chooses to utilize the same name. After three years have elapsed without anybody registering the comparable names, the first organisational name adjudged official will be held for ease of selection by the authorized applicants.
After verifying your application, the state of New York will send a confirmation of reservation with a unique reservation number. It is imperative to remain organised and retain that reservation code when proceeding as you will need it to complete the legal steps imminently after the submission of the application.
In New York, when commencing your liquidation and entity formation proposes, include the reserved company name and State Tax agency tax id also priorly received from the Legal documentation completing your adherence to fulfilling requirements to form a Limited Liability Corporation. Additionally, protect your business interest further by ensuring to trademark your business name and acquiring and registering domain rights to signal successively at eMarketing and related social and website platforms like e-commerce APIs by which customers may interact, learn and sample offerings, and eventually undertaking commerce transactions.
In conclusion, contentment a name reservation for an LLC in New York is a welcoming preliminary step to preparing for LLC formation and cultivating the future commercial success of your business entity by adding signature style and professional identity to cohere your vision for your Company into agreements with your Legal and branding implementers. By a sound assessment of name availability, attention to legal requirements, and online market importance and possibilities will provide individuals seeking to reserve an LLC name in New York with the best prospects of establishing a thriving business 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
