Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is North Dakota’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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota
Time needed: 5 minutes.
There are guidelines to follow in doing a North Dakota 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 Dakota’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 Dakota. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to the Secretary of State, State of North Dakota, 600 E Boulevard Ave Dept. 108 Bismarck ND 58505-0500.
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 North Dakota LLC Online Name Search
Business names are really important. Choosing a name for an LLC in North Dakota is difficult since it must appeal to customers while also adhering to certain standards. You can run a North Dakota LLC name search in numerous ways to make sure the name you choose is still available:
By Business Search
Type the business name that you want to search for in the search box when you reach the business entity search page. You can see a drop-down arrow with the ‘Advanced’ option. This option lets you refine your search results. You would be able to search for active entities as well.
By Trademark Search
Another way to search is by the ‘Trademark’ option. It is available on the business entity search page. Whatever you wish to search for, type that in the search field. By entering, you will get a list of entities that have the searched trademark. ‘Advanced’ search option is present in the Trademark search as well.
How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in North Dakota
To reserve an LLC name in North Dakota you need to submit a name reservation request form to the North Dakota Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $25.
One of the most important steps to take when starting a business is registering a name that represents your company. For entrepreneurs in North Dakota, this means reserving an LLC name with the Secretary of State.
LLCs, or Limited Liability Companies, are a popular choice for business owners as they provide liability protection while maintaining flexible management structures. However, before you can start your LLC, you must reserve a name to ensure that it is available for use and prevent other companies from using it.
To reserve an LLC name in North Dakota, the first step is to search the Secretary of State’s database to ensure that no other company has a similar name. This can be done online, and it is always recommended to conduct a thorough search to avoid any potential conflicts with existing businesses.
Once you have determined that the name is available, you can submit a Name Reservation Request form to the North Dakota Secretary of State’s office. This form requires basic information such as the desired name, your contact information, and a small fee.
It is important to note that the North Dakota Secretary of State’s office does not offer automatic name reservation, meaning that once you reserve a name, it must be approved by the office before it can be officially registered. The office typically takes 3-5 business days to review name reservation requests.
In addition, it is important to keep in mind that name reservations are valid for 60 days, during which time you must take further steps to register your LLC and secure your name permanently. Failure to do so could result in losing the name reservation and having to start the process over.
Another crucial aspect to keep in mind when reserving an LLC name is the use of restricted words. North Dakota has specific rules about the use of words such as “bank,” “insurance,” and “trust. ”If you wish to use such names for your LLC, you need to obtain approval from the corresponding regulatory agency before you can reserve or use the name.
In summary, reserving an LLC name in North Dakota is a simple but important process that should be done carefully and in compliance with state rules and regulations. By conducting a thorough search, submitting the proper form and fee, and completing the registration process on time, business owners can confidently secure their chosen name and lay a solid foundation for their LLC.
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
