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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 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.
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 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.
The first step in reserving an LLC name in North Carolina is to conduct a thorough search to ensure that the name you want is available. This can be done online through the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, where you can search the state’s business entity database to see if the name you desire is already in use or too similar to an existing name. It is essential to choose a unique and distinguishable name to avoid any potential legal issues down the road.
Once you have verified that your desired LLC name is available, you can move forward with the reservation process. In North Carolina, you can reserve an LLC name for up to 120 days by filing a Name Reservation Application with the Secretary of State’s office. This application can be submitted online, by mail, or in person, along with the required filing fee. By reserving a name, you buy yourself some time to complete the necessary paperwork to officially form your LLC without worrying about someone else taking the name in the meantime.
When completing the Name Reservation Application, it is essential to provide accurate and detailed information to ensure that your reservation is processed promptly and accurately. You will need to include the name you wish to reserve, your name and address, as well as any additional information requested by the Secretary of State’s office. Double-check all the information before submitting your application to avoid any delays or rejections.
After submitting your Name Reservation Application and paying the required fee, the Secretary of State’s office will review your application and, if everything is in order, approve your reservation. You will receive a confirmation of the reservation, along with a reservation number that you can use when filing the necessary paperwork to form your LLC. It is essential to keep this confirmation and reservation number in a safe place for future reference.
Once you have reserved your LLC name, it is crucial to stay organized and follow through with the next steps in forming your business. This may include drafting and filing Articles of Organization, creating an operating agreement, obtaining any necessary business licenses or permits, and fulfilling any other requirements set forth by the state of North Carolina. By staying on top of these tasks, you can ensure that your LLC is formed correctly and legally, setting your business up for success.
In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in North Carolina is a vital step in the process of forming your business. By following the proper procedures and staying organized, you can secure the name you want for your LLC and move forward with confidence as you establish and grow your business. By taking the time to reserve your LLC name, you can protect your brand and lay the foundation for a successful business venture.
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