Maryland LLC Name Search & Lookup (Guide)

Choosing the right name for your LLC in Maryland is essential for your business identity.

A Maryland LLC name search helps ensure your desired name is available and complies with state laws. This straightforward process can save you time and effort in the long run.

This step-by-step guide covers how to search for and verify the availability of your LLC name in Maryland.

Should You Conduct a Maryland Entity Search or an LLC Lookup?

When starting an LLC in Maryland, knowing whether to conduct an entity search or an LLC lookup is important.

Here are some reasons to consider both:

• Check Name Availability: If you have a business name in mind, you want to confirm it’s available. An entity search helps you find out if another business is using that name.
• Verify Legal Status: You should know the legal standing of existing businesses. An entity search provides detailed information on their status, ensuring you avoid potential legal issues.
• Identify Registered Agents: You may want to know who represents a business. An entity search reveals the registered agents and their contact information, useful for legal notifications.
• Gather Location Details: Knowing where a business operates is essential. The entity search provides addresses for existing companies, assisting in market analysis.
• Planning for LLCs: If you specifically plan to form an LLC, an LLC lookup can help. This focused search allows you to check for existing LLCs that may have similar names or structures.

Maryland LLC Name Search (step-by-step)

Finding the right name for your LLC in Maryland is important. The following steps will guide you through using the Maryland Business Express website to check name availability efficiently.

Step 1: Visit the Maryland Business Express website

Start by going to the Maryland Business Express website at businessexpress.maryland.gov. This site is the official portal for business-related services in Maryland.

Step 2: Navigate to the “Business Entity Search” section

Once on the Maryland Business Express website, look for the “Business Entity Search” section. This area allows you to search for existing business names registered in Maryland.

Step 3: Enter the desired LLC name in the search field

In the search field, type the name you want for your LLC. You can enter the full name or part of it. The Maryland LLC name search tool lets you search by Department ID.

After entering the name and choosing your search criteria, locate the “Search” button. Click this button to submit your query. The system will process it and generate a list of businesses that match your search parameters.

Step 4: Review the search results for name availability

Now, take a close look at the search results. The list will show names of existing entities that match your search. If the search result shows “the business name you entered was not found,”your desired LLC name may be available.

If your desired name appears here, it means it is already taken. You get information like Department ID, Business Name, and Status for your search term.

Clicking on the Blue “Business Name” takes you to a detailed profile page, containing the following:

• Principal Office Address
• Registered Agent Information
• Good Standing
• Business Type
• Business Code
• Date of Formation/ Registration
• State of Formation
• Filing History
• Annual Report

If the name you want is available, you can move forward with registration. However, if your desired name is unavailable, take the time to brainstorm alternative names.

Critical LLC Naming Guidelines and Requirements in Maryland

When naming your LLC in Maryland, it’s crucial to follow state-specific guidelines to ensure your business name complies with all regulations.

Here are the crucial Maryland LLC naming guidelines:

1. Include Required Terms

Your LLC name must include “Limited Liability Company” or abbreviations like LLC, L.C., LC, or L.L.C. This clearly identifies your business as an LLC, distinguishing it from other business structures.

2. Unique Name

The name you select must be unique and distinguishable from any other registered business in Maryland.

To check availability, use the Maryland Business Entity Search to ensure your desired name isn’t already in use. Choosing a name that’s too similar to an existing business could result in rejection or confusion.

3. No Misleading Terms

Your LLC name cannot imply that it is a government entity or affiliated with state or federal agencies.

Avoid terms that could mislead the public about the nature of your business, such as “government” or “agency.”

4. Approved Characters

The name may include letters, numbers, and certain symbols, but be mindful of punctuation marks or special characters. These are generally discouraged, as they are not typically used in business names and could cause confusion.

5. Prohibited Words

Certain words are prohibited or restricted in Maryland. For example, terms like “bank,” “insurance,” or “trust” may require additional approval from state regulatory bodies.

These restrictions are in place to prevent misleading associations with regulated industries.

6. Maintain Professionalism

Choose a name that reflects the professional nature of your business and is appropriate for your industry. A professional name can help establish a positive image and attract potential clients or customers from the outset.

What Words are not allowed in my Maryland LLC name?

When choosing a name for your Maryland LLC, it’s essential to avoid using certain words that are prohibited or require special approval.

Here are key categories to consider:

Restricted Words

Some of the key restricted words include:

• Bank: You cannot use “bank” in your LLC name unless you are a licensed banking institution. Using this term without the proper licensing could imply that your business offers banking services, which could mislead the public.
• Trust: The term “trust” is reserved for entities legally recognized as trusts. If your LLC is not officially registered as a trust, you cannot use this term in your name. This is to prevent confusion with legally binding fiduciary relationships.
• Insurance: To use the word “insurance” in your LLC name, your business must be licensed to sell insurance in Maryland.
• Government: Words like “government,” “federal,” or “state” are restricted to prevent businesses from misleading the public into believing they are affiliated with government agencies or entities.

Misleading Terms

Your LLC name should accurately represent the nature of your business and not create confusion about its legal structure, purpose, or affiliation. Avoid using words that could mislead others into thinking your LLC is something it is not.

For example:

• Government Agency: Words or phrases like “federal,” “state,” or “municipal” suggest government affiliation. If your LLC is a private business and not an actual government agency, using these terms could mislead the public.
• Charitable Organization: If your LLC is a for-profit business and not a non-profit or charitable organization, avoid using terms like “charity,” “fund,” or “foundation.”
• Other Legal Entities: Your LLC name cannot imply that your business is another type of entity, such as a corporation or partnership unless it is actually registered as such. For example, using terms like “Inc.,” “Corporation,” or “Co.” could create confusion if your business is not structured that way.

How do I File a Maryland LLC Name Reservation? (In steps)

Reserving your LLC name in Maryland is a straightforward process that ensures your business name is secure while you finalize your LLC formation.

Follow these steps to reserve your LLC name:

1. Choose a Unique Name Complying with Maryland’s Naming Requirements

Your LLC name must include “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation such as “LLC,” “L.C.,” or “L.L.C.” The name must be distinct from other businesses already registered in Maryland.

Use the Maryland Business Entity Search to ensure your desired name is available and does not conflict with existing names.

2. Complete the Name Reservation Application

Download the Application for Reservation of Name form from the Maryland Secretary of State’s website.

The form requires basic details such as the applicant’s full name, mailing address, and the desired LLC name.

3. Submit the Form and Pay the Reservation Fee

Submit the completed form by mail or in person to the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) at 700 East Pratt Street, Suite 2700, Baltimore, Maryland.

The filing fee for reserving your LLC name is $25. Ensure the payment is made payable to the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.

4. Duration of Reservation

Once approved, your LLC name will be reserved exclusively for your use for 30 days. During this time, you can complete your LLC registration process. You may extend the reservation for an additional 60 days for an extra $25 fee.

Other Business Entities and Naming Considerations

When starting a business in Maryland, it’s essential to consider how your name may impact your branding and legal standing. Here are important aspects regarding trade names, filing for a DBA, and domain name availability.

Trade Names and Trademark Search

A trade name is the name under which you operate your business. It may differ from your official business name.

If you plan to use a trade name in Maryland, it’s wise to conduct a trademark search. This ensures your name does not infringe on existing trademarks.

Here are the steps to consider:

• Visit the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website.
• Use the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) to check for similar names.
• Evaluate potential name conflicts.

Remember, registering a trademark provides legal protection for your brand.

Filing for Doing Business As (DBA) in Maryland

If you want to operate under a name different from your registered LLC name, you must file for a Doing Business As (DBA) name. In Maryland, the process is straightforward.

Here are the key steps:

• Choose Your DBA Name: Ensure it’s unique and not similar to any existing names.
• Complete the Application: You can file your DBA with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT).
• Pay the Fee: There is a small fee associated with the application.

Once approved, you can legally use your DBA name in business activities.

Check Domain Name Availability

In today’s digital age, having an online presence is crucial. Before settling on your business name, check if an appropriate domain name is available.

Here’s how to check:

• Use domain registration websites like GoDaddy or Namecheap.
• Search for variations of your business name.
• Consider different endings like .com, .net, or .biz.

Securing a matching domain strengthens your brand and aids in online marketing. It’s advisable to purchase the domain as soon as you decide on your business name.

Final Thoughts – Is it Worth it to Search and Reserve My Business in Maryland?

Searching for and reserving your LLC name in Maryland protects your business identity by ensuring your name is unique, compliant with state regulations, and not already in use by another entity.

The reservation process provides 30 days of security, allowing you time to finalize your LLC registration.

At a modest cost of $25, it offers peace of mind and makes the registration process smoother, ultimately saving you time and avoiding potential conflicts.

Related posts on Maryland LLC:

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can I contact for assistance with business-related inquiries in Maryland?

For assistance, contact the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation at 410-767-1330. They can help answer your questions and guide you through the process.

What are the most important LLC naming guidelines in Maryland?

In Maryland, your LLC name must contain “Limited Liability Company” or acronyms like “LLC.” The name cannot be similar to an existing business or misleading in any way.

How do I change my Maryland LLC name?

To change your Maryland LLC name, file an Articles of Amendment with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. Make sure to follow the required procedures and pay any applicable fees.

How long does it take to set up an LLC in Maryland?

Setting up an LLC in Maryland typically takes 2 weeks if you file online and 5-8 weeks (plus mail time) if you file by mail.

How long does a Maryland LLC Name Reservation last?

A name reservation in Maryland lasts for 30 days. You can reserve a name to ensure that it is not taken while you prepare to file your LLC registration.