North Carolina LLC Name Search & Lookup (Guide)

Choosing the right name for your LLC is vital for starting a business in North Carolina. Your LLC name acts as your brand’s identity and must comply with state regulations.

The North Carolina Secretary of State offers an easy way to conduct a name search to avoid conflicts with existing businesses. With a few clicks, you can confirm if your chosen name can be registered for your new LLC.

This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the North Carolina LLC name search process, ensuring your chosen name is unique and memorable.

Should You Conduct a North Carolina Entity Search or an LLC Lookup?

When starting an LLC in North Carolina, you must ensure your business name is unique and complies with state laws. This is where conducting a North Carolina entity search or an LLC lookup comes in.

Here are compelling reasons to conduct an LLC name search or lookup:

• Check Name Availability: You want to verify that your desired business name is not already in use. An entity search allows you to see existing names registered in the state.
• Understand Naming Requirements: North Carolina has specific naming rules for LLCs. Your chosen name must include “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation like “LLC.”
• Avoid Legal Issues: Conducting a name search helps prevent potential trademark disputes. Ensuring your LLC name is distinguishable from others keeps you safe from legal challenges later.
• Stay Informed on Existing Businesses: An entity search provides details on established businesses, helping you gauge market competition. This data can inform your marketing and branding strategies.
• Know the Filing Requirements: If your name is unique, you must properly file it. Understanding the filing process for an LLC in North Carolina is essential for compliance.

North Carolina LLC Name Search (step-by-step)

Follow these steps to successfully search for your desired LLC name in North Carolina.

Step 1: Visit the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website

Start your process by accessing the official North Carolina Secretary of State’s website at sosnc.gov. This website is the main source for business registrations and name searches in North Carolina.

Step 2: Navigate to the “Business Registration” section

Once you’re on the homepage, click on the “Divisions” menu and then the “Business Registration” option. This area contains important information and tools for registering new businesses, including LLCs.

Step 3: Navigte to “Search Business Registration”

Within the Business Registration section, locate “Search Business Registration.” This is where you will conduct your LLC name search.

Step 4: Enter the desired LLC name in the search field

In the search tool, you’ll find a field to enter your desired LLC name. Type the complete name you intend to use. Make sure to spell it correctly to avoid any errors.

Filter the search by choosing what and how you want to search. You can choose how from these options, “Starting With,” “Exact,” and “SOSID,” and choose what from these options, Company, Registered Agents, Assumed Business Names, and Company Officials.

Once you’ve entered your name and selected the criteria, click the “Search” button. This action will initiate the search process.

Step 5: Review the search results for name availability

After the search is over, review the results carefully. If the search results show “Records Found: 0,” your desired LLC name may be available for registration.

On the other hand, if the search results show a number of records found, your desired LLC name is unavailable for registration.

You will see information about businesses that match your search term like Entity Name, SOS ID, Date Formed, Status, and Type.

Clicking on the blue entity name will generate more business details like:

• Previous legal name
• Fiscal Month
• Annual Report Due Date
• Annual Report Status
• Registered Agent
• Mailing Address
• Principal Office Address
• Registered Agent Office Address
• Registered Agent Mailing Address
• Officers
• Stock

Critical LLC Naming Guidelines and Requirements in North Carolina

When choosing a name for your LLC in North Carolina, follow these key guidelines:

• Distinguishability: Your LLC name must be unique. It cannot be the same as or too similar to any existing business names registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State. This ensures that your business stands out.
• Name Suffix: All LLC names must end with an acceptable designator such as “Limited Liability Company” or abbreviations like “LLC” or “L.L.C.” The suffix is not used in the distinguishability check.
• Restricted Words: Certain words are restricted. Names that imply a specific profession, like “architect” or “doctor,” require proof of qualification.
• Offensive Language: Your business name cannot include any offensive or inappropriate language.
• Business Role: If you plan to operate under a different name than your LLC, you will need to register an assumed name (doing business as – DBA).

What Words are not allowed in my North Carolina LLC name?

When naming your LLC in North Carolina, certain words are not allowed. You need to be aware of these restrictions to ensure your name is acceptable.

Here are the restricted words:

• Banking Terms: Words like “Bank,” “Trust,” and “Credit Union” imply a regulated financial institution and are restricted unless proper licensing and approval are obtained.
• Insurance Terms: Terms such as “Insurance,” “Assurance,” and “Underwriter” are restricted to licensed insurance businesses to avoid public confusion.
• Educational Terms: Words like “University,” “College,” and “Institute” require proof of accreditation or additional approval to protect the legitimacy of educational institutions.
• Professional Titles: Titles like “Doctor,” “Attorney,” “Engineer,” or “Architect” require proof of licensing, as they imply specialized professional services regulated by state boards.
• Governmental Terms: Words like “FBI,” “Treasury,” or “Secret Service” are prohibited as they suggest an affiliation with federal or state government agencies.
• Deceptive or Misleading Terms: Words like “Non-Profit” or “Charity” are restricted unless your LLC is organized as a non-profit entity. Similarly, terms that mislead the public, like “Corporation” or “Inc.,” cannot be used in an LLC name.

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

Reserving a name for your LLC in North Carolina involves a series of clear steps.

1. Choose a Unique Name that Meets North Carolina’s Naming Rules

Your LLC name must include “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation like “LLC” or “L.L.C.” and be distinguishable from other business names registered in North Carolina.

Conduct a preliminary search on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website to confirm availability.

2. Complete the Application to Reserve a Business Entity Name Form

Download the “Application to Reserve a Business Entity Name” form from the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website. Fill in the required information, such as the applicant’s name, mailing address, and the chosen LLC name.

3. Submit the Form and Pay the Filing Fee

Send the completed form along with a $10 filing fee to the North Carolina Secretary of State’s Business Registration Division.

Forms can be submitted online through the North Carolina’s PDF Upload Portal or by mail or in person at

Secretary of State Business Registration Division
P.O. Box 29622
Raleigh, NC 27626-0622

Make checks payable to the North Carolina Secretary of State.

4. Duration of the Reservation

Once approved, your reserved LLC name will be held for 10 years, giving you more than ample time to complete your LLC formation process without the risk of another entity claiming the name.

Other Business Entities and Naming Considerations

When starting a business in North Carolina, understand options beyond just naming your LLC. This includes filing for a Doing Business As (DBA), checking trade names and trademark availability, and ensuring your desired domain name is available.

Filing for Doing Business As (DBA) in North Carolina

A Doing Business As (DBA) name allows you to operate your business under a name different from your LLC’s registered name. This is useful if you want a more memorable or descriptive name.

To file for a DBA in North Carolina, you need to submit an application to the county where your business is located. You can find the application form online or at your local county register of deeds.

The filing fee varies by county, so check with your local office for the exact amount.

Once filed, the DBA must be published in a local newspaper to inform the public. This step is essential for legal recognition.

Trade Names and Trademark Search

Before choosing a name, you should perform a trade name search. This helps ensure that your desired business name is not already in use by another entity. You can conduct a search through the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website.

It’s also wise to check trademark availability. A trademark protects your brand and helps prevent legal disputes. Use the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database to see if your name is already trademarked.

If your intended name is available, you might consider applying for a trademark. This provides stronger legal protections and adds value to your business brand.

Check Domain Name Availability

In today’s digital age, you want an online presence that matches your business name. A website with your exact business name builds credibility.

Use domain registration sites to check if your desired web address is available. If it’s taken, consider variations that still reflect your brand. You can choose different domain extensions, like .com, .net, or .biz, if your preferred choice isn’t available.

Remember, securing your domain early helps establish your online identity. If your business name is unique, you have a better chance of finding an available domain.

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

Performing a North Carolina LLC name search and reserving your business name can be a valuable step as you establish your LLC.

A name search ensures that your chosen name is unique and complies with state regulations, reducing the risk of future conflicts and legal issues. By confirming your name’s availability, you protect your brand’s identity and help it stand out in the market.

Reserving your LLC name adds another layer of security, allowing you to secure the name while you finalize the registration process.

Although there’s a $10 fee, it can save you time and stress by guaranteeing that your chosen name will be available when you’re ready to register.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process for performing an LLC name search through the North Carolina Secretary of State?

To perform an LLC name search, visit the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website. Use the search tool to input your desired name and review the results.

Can I look up the availability of an LLC name in North Carolina online?

Yes, you can look up the availability of an LLC name online. The North Carolina Secretary of State’s website provides a search feature specifically for this purpose.

What steps should I take if my desired LLC name is already in use in North Carolina?

If your desired name is already in use, consider modifying it by adding a unique word or changing the order of words. You may also consult a trademark attorney for additional options.

How often is the North Carolina business entity search database updated?

The North Carolina business entity search database is updated regularly. This ensures that the information reflects the most current status of businesses registered in the state.

What are the guidelines for choosing a compliant LLC name in North Carolina?

Your LLC name must be unique and not too similar to existing entities. It should also include “Limited Liability Company” or abbreviations like “LLC” or “L.L.C.” Additionally, avoid words that could confuse your LLC with government agencies.