New York LLC Name Search & Lookup (A Step-By-Step Guide)

Are you starting an LLC in New York?

Before diving into paperwork, there’s a crucial first step that ensures your business stands out legally and makes an impact on customers: securing a unique name.

Conducting a thorough business name search helps verify that your chosen LLC name isn’t already in use and complies with New York’s legal requirements.

This guide walks you through the New York LLC name search and lookup process, offering clear, step-by-step instructions to ensure your business name is distinctive, memorable, and legally available.

Should You Conduct a New York Name Search or an LLC Lookup?

Conducting a thorough name search is an important step when starting an LLC in New York.

Here are great reasons why you should consider it:

• Avoid Similar Names: You want your business name to stand out. A search helps you find similar names, helping you avoid confusion with existing businesses.
• Check Availability: Before you finalize your business name, ensure it is available. If the name is already taken, you may need to brainstorm new options.
• Legal Compliance: New York requires that LLC names include specific terms, like “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company.” A name search ensures your chosen name meets these legal standards.
• Branding Strategy: A good name can strengthen your brand. By searching existing names, you can select a name that resonates with your target audience.
• Market Research: Understanding what names are already in use can provide insights into your competition. This information can help you create a unique market position.

New York LLC Name Search (step-by-step)

To start your LLC registration in New York, first check if your desired business name is available.

Here are the steps to perform a thorough New York LLC name search.

Step 1: Visit the New York Department of State’s website

Begin by visiting the New York Department of State’s website at dos.ny.gov. Search for the Division of Corporations section. You will find the necessary tools for conducting your business name search here.

Step 2: Navigate to the “Corporation and Business Entity Records” section

Once on the website, move your cursor to the “Licensing & Business” menu option and click “Corporation and Business Entity Records.” This database is specifically designed for searching business names and checking their availability.

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

To search the New York LLC database, select the Search Type in the “Search By” field. You can search by entity name, DOS ID number, or other criteria.

Next, enter the name or ID value of the entity you’re searching for in the appropriate field. You may filter your search by Entity Status—active, inactive, suspended, or all statuses—within the “Entity Type” field to refine your results further.

If you’re searching by name, you can customize the Matching Type in the “Search Functionality” field. This lets you specify whether the name should “Begins With,” “Contains,” or “Base Words” to improve accuracy.

Finally, select the specific Entity Type from the “Entity List” to define the type of business or organization you are searching for.

Then click on Search the Database to view your results.

Step 4: Review the search results for name availability

Once the results appear, review them carefully. If your desired LLC name shows “No business entities were found,” your name may be available.

Ifyour search term appears in the results, it means that it is already in use. You get information about the business name, DOS ID, Assumed Name ID, Status, Entity Type, Date of First Filing, and County.

Clicking on any business name will take you to a more detailed profile page. Here’s what you can expect.

• Statement Status
• Next Statement Due Date
• Chief Executive Officer’s Name and Address
• Principal Executive Office Address
• Registered Agent Name and Address
• Name History
• Filing Fistory
• Merger History

If your desired name is not available, you can revise your search terms and try again. Get creative and think of alternative names that might be available.

Crucial LLC Naming Guidelines and Requirements in New York

When choosing a name for your LLC in New York, you must follow specific guidelines to ensure compliance.

Here are the key requirements:

1. Inclusion of Required Terms

Your LLC’s name must clearly identify it as a limited liability company. This means the name must include the phrase “Limited Liability Company” or the abbreviations “LLC” or “L.L.C.”

Including these terms is mandatory and signals your business structure to the public, ensuring transparency for potential customers and partners.

2. Distinctiveness

To prevent confusion and protect brand identity, New York requires that your LLC name be unique and distinguishable from existing registered businesses in the state.

This means your name should not be too similar to existing names in the New York Department of State’s registry and must also differ from any names currently reserved by other entities.

Ensuring distinctiveness helps you establish a strong, recognizable brand that stands out in the marketplace.

3. Restrictions on Certain Words

New York restricts the use of specific words in LLC names, which may:

• Require additional approval or paperwork.
• Be prohibited entirely if they suggest a misleading affiliation, such as with government agencies or financial institutions.

Restricted words may include terms like “bank,” “insurance,” or “university,” which could imply licensing or accreditation that you may not hold. Always check for restricted terms to avoid potential delays in the registration process.

4. Character Limitations

Your LLC name should adhere to New York’s character rules.

This includes:

• Avoiding special characters and symbols not typically allowed in business names, such as “@” or “%.”
• Sticking to letters and numbers, along with limited punctuation like hyphens and commas.

Following these character limitations helps keep your name professional and easily searchable.

5. Availability Check

Before finalizing your LLC name, it’s essential to conduct a New York Business Name Search to verify its availability. You can perform this search via the New York Department of State’s database.

This quick check ensures that:

• Your desired name isn’t already taken or reserved.
• You avoid potential trademark issues and the need to rebrand later on.

6. Reservation Option

If you’re not ready to file your LLC but want to secure your chosen name, consider reserving it.

New York offers a name reservation valid for 60 days and two possible 60-day extensions if additional time is needed.

What Words are not allowed in my New York LLC name?

When forming an LLC in New York, certain terms are restricted to protect the public and ensure only qualified entities use specific terms.

Here’s a list of common restricted words:

• Bank: Reserved exclusively for licensed banks or trust companies to prevent misleading the public about financial services.
• Insurance: Limited to licensed insurance companies to avoid unauthorized implications of offering insurance.
• University: Only accredited educational institutions can use “university” to maintain trust and credibility in the education sector.
• Doctor, Physician, Medical: Restricted to professional corporations of licensed medical practitioners to avoid confusing the public.
• Attorney or Lawyer: This can only be used by licensed legal firms or attorneys to prevent unlicensed practice of law.
• Architect, Engineering, Surveyor: Limited to licensed professionals or firms in these fields to uphold industry standards and ensure proper licensing.
• Trust: Reserved for authorized financial institutions that operate with specific fiduciary responsibilities.
• Credit Union: Only actual credit unions, regulated under state or federal laws, may use this term to ensure consumer clarity and compliance.
• Mortgage: Reserved for licensed mortgage lenders or brokers to protect consumers from potential fraud in the lending sector.

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

Reserving your LLC name in New York helps protect your desired business name while you complete the necessary steps to form your LLC.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to reserving your LLC name in New York.

Step 1: Choose a Unique Name That Meets New York’s Naming Requirements

Ensure your chosen name meets New York’s LLC naming requirements by including “Limited Liability Company” or one of its abbreviations, such as “LLC” or “L.L.C.”

The name must be unique and distinguishable from other businesses registered in New York. To check availability, use the New York Department of State’s online entity database to avoid any conflicts.

Step 2: Complete the Application for Name Reservation

Visit the New York Department of State website to download the “Application for Reservation of Name” form.

Fill out the form with your personal information, including your full name and mailing address, as well as the LLC name you want to reserve.

Step 3: Submit the Form and Pay the Reservation Fee

After completing the form, submit it along with the $20 reservation fee. You can mail the form to the New York Department of State, Division of Corporations at One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12231-0001.

Alternatively, you may submit the form in person at the same address. Checks should be made payable to the “Department of State.”

Step 4: Duration of Reservation

Once your application is processed, your LLC name will be reserved for 60 days. This reservation period provides enough time to complete your LLC formation without risking your desired name being taken.

If necessary, you can extend the reservation by filing another application and paying an additional $20 fee before the 60 days expire.

Other Business Entities and Naming Considerations

When starting a business in New York, understanding different entity types and their naming implications is crucial. Consider domain names, trade names, and any necessary registration for operating under a different name.

Check Domain Name Availability

Before you finalize your business name, check if the domain name is available. Having a matching domain helps strengthen your brand. You can use websites like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains to check availability.

Follow these steps to conduct a search:

• Go to a domain registration site.
• Type your business name in the search box.
• Review the results for availability.

If the domain is taken, consider slight variations or different domain extensions like .net or .co. Remember, your online presence is essential for attracting customers.

Trade Names and Trademark Search

A trade name is the name under which your business operates. This can be different from your registered LLC name. To avoid legal issues, you should check if your desired trade name is trademarked.

You can search the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database:

• Visit the USPTO website.
• Use the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS).
• Enter your desired name and review the results.

If a similar trademark exists, you may face legal challenges. Planning your name carefully can save time and money later.

Filing for Doing Business As (DBA) in New York

If you want to operate under a name different from your registered LLC, you need to file for a DBA, or “Doing Business As.” This process is straightforward but important to maintain compliance.

To file for a DBA in New York:

• Check for name availability with the Department of State.
• Fill out the appropriate application form.
• Submit your application with a fee.

Keep track of any local requirements as they vary by location. Filing a DBA allows you to promote your business effectively while meeting legal requirements.

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

Yes, searching and reserving your business name in New York is worthwhile. A name search prevents conflicts with existing businesses, helping you establish a unique, legally compliant brand from the start.

Reserving the name then gives you 60 days of exclusive rights, offering peace of mind as you complete your LLC formation.

For just $20, reserving your name ensures your preferred identity is protected in New York’s competitive business landscape, making it a small but smart investment toward building your LLC.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I verify if an LLC name is available in New York?

You can verify the availability of an LLC name through the New York Department of State’s website. Use their business entity search tool to check if your desired name is already in use by another company.

What steps should I follow to perform an LLC name lookup in New York?

To perform an LLC name lookup, go to the New York Department of State’s website. Enter the name you wish to search in the designated search bar and review the results for availability.

Is there a way to find the owner of a registered LLC in New York?

Yes, you can find the owner of a registered LLC by accessing the New York Department of State’s business entity database. This database provides information on registered entities, including names of principals or registered agents.

Can I reserve a business name online with the New York Department of State?

Yes, you can reserve a business name online through the New York Department of State’s online services. You’ll need to fill out the appropriate forms and pay the reservation fee to complete the process.

What is the process for checking the availability of a business name in NY?

To check a business name’s availability, visit the New York Department of State’s website. Enter the desired name in the business entity search tool, and check if there are any existing entities with that name.