What to Remember When Choosing Your Business Name

One of the most important aspects of a business is its name. A unique and memorable name is important to the success of any business. But when it comes to filing your business entity it is required to be clearly different from any other name already registered with your state.

Our goal is to help you save time and save money by guiding  you through the right links for check to see if your desired business name is available in your state. Part of that success comes from selecting a name that meets your state’s criteria.

The most common reason a proposed business name is rejected is because it’s either identical or very similar to an entity name that has already been registered with your State.

We have provided at no charge an business name searching tool that you can use to see if the name you want to use is available in your State.

While you search, do keep the following tips in mind:

1. &nbspSpacing and punctuation does not make one word different from another
&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp (ex. AGX, A G X and A.G.X. are all the same).

2. &nbsp“And” and “&” are considered the same.

3. &nbsp“Four” and “4” and “IV” are considered the same.

4. &nbsp&nbspThe plural or possessive version of a word is considered the same as the singular version (ex. “Systems”
&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbspand “System” and “System’s” are the same).

5. &nbspAbbreviations are the same as a full word (ex. “Brothers” is the same as “Bros.”)

6. &nbsp“The”, “A”, and “An” do not alone make one word different from another
&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp (ex. “The Kitchen” and “A Kitchen” and “Kitchen” are all considered the same).

7. &nbspThe entity suffix at the end of your company name does not make it different from other names (ex. “Business
&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbspEnterprises, Inc.” is the same as “Business Enterprises, LLC”)

The entity naming rules are complicated, and even if the above guidelines are followed your business name may be rejected. But don’t worry, the name search tool on this page will help. When you provide us with your company information, you can also provide one alternative name that you’re willing to use for your business. That way you’re covered if your first name is taken.

Business Name Search By State