Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is North Carolina’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 LLC in NC 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 North Carolina
Time needed: 5 minutes
There are guidelines to follow in doing a North Carolina 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 North Carolina’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 $10 filing fee (plus tax for online).
File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of North Carolina. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to the NC Secretary of State Business Registration, P.O. Box 29622, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0622.
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 North Carolina Business Entity Search
It is important that the LLC name matches the state guidelines. When naming your LLC, make sure that you search North Carolina’s state website to confirm that the name you pick is unique and not utilized by another organization. Look at the following points to guide you with the process.
Use the search engine for business entities in the state’s tool.
The North Carolina Secretary of State maintains a website for conducting business searches. This tool can assist you in determining whether or not the proposed name has already been taken. It is sufficient to have backup names so that you can quickly select an alternate.
Enter your name
When you reach the search page, you have the option of conducting various types of searches. You can conduct a search for an entity using its name or its unique identifier. A drop-down menu will appear to assist you in making your selections. Ensure that you complete the appropriate fields in the form for your search option.
Make the search
You only need to input a keyword to do a search. However, there are different filters you can choose like searching for names with any of the words you input. There is also one where all of the words you input are present and finding an exact match. To boot, you can search names using IDs.
How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in North Carolina
To reserve an LLC name in North Carolina you need to submit a name reservation request form to the North Carolina Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $30.
Reserving an LLC name in North Carolina might sound like an intimidating bureaucratic process, but fear not. The state provides resources and guidelines to make this endeavor relatively simple for interested applicants. By adhering to a straightforward set of steps, you can secure your desired LLC name and take a definitive step towards building your dream business.
First things first, it is vital to thoroughly brainstorm and finalize the name for your LLC. While this may appear to be a straightforward task, it is often a decision that carries weight, as the business name will become a key component of its identity. Prioritize a unique name that accurately reflects your brand and sets you apart from competitors. Once you have chosen a name, it is essential to verify its availability to avoid conflicts down the line.
The next step in the process involves filing an Application to Reserve a Business Entity Name with the North Carolina Secretary of State’s office. While various methods are available, the online route is undoubtedly the most convenient and efficient option. The online application requires basic information about your proposed LLC, such as its name, address, and the name of the applicant. Subsequently, a nominal filing fee must be remitted to complete the reservation process.
However, keep in mind that name reservations in North Carolina do not last indefinitely. Upon successful application, the name will be reserved for a period of 120 days, during which time it becomes unavailable to others seeking to register an LLC with the same name. If circumstances dictate the need for an extended reservation, a single 60-day extension can be requested before the expiration of the initial 120-day window.
Once you have completed the essential steps and successfully reserved your desired LLC name, it is essential to solidify your business plans and take the necessary steps to register the LLC officially. The reservation of an LLC name is just the beginning; it fashions the launchpad for a more extensive journey towards realizing your entrepreneurial dreams.
Maintaining a clear focus and determination during the initial stages can set the tone for your future endeavors. While abundant paperwork and legal requirements may seem overwhelming, channeling your energies into their comprehension and fulfillment is integral to building a strong foundation for your LLC.
As with any legal process, seeking professional guidance always remains wise. Soliciting legal or business advice from an attorney experienced in matters of LLC formation can help dispel any doubts or missteps while ensuring compliance with North Carolina’s administrative procedures.
Reserving an LLC name in North Carolina may appear as the first hurdle in a long race, but with meticulous planning and careful execution, it becomes a rather manageable task. By conscientiously completing the necessary steps, one can confidently take a step forward in their entrepreneurial journey, harnessing the excitement of embarking on a new business venture while safeguarding their chosen LLC name.
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
