North Dakota LLC Name Search & Lookup (Guide)

Starting a business in North Dakota is an exciting venture, and one of the first crucial steps in this journey is choosing the right name for your LLC.

Conducting a thorough North Dakota LLC name search is essential to ensure that your chosen name reflects your identity and meets legal requirements.

This process safeguards your business from potential legal conflicts down the road.

Should You Conduct a North Dakota Name Search or an LLC Lookup?

Conducting a North Dakota name search or an LLC lookup is an important step when starting your business.

Here are some reasons why you should consider this:

• Check Name Availability: You want to ensure your desired business name isn’t already taken. A name search will help you find out if the name you want can be registered.
• Avoid Legal Issues: By confirming the name’s availability, you can prevent potential trademark disputes. This saves you from costly legal problems in the future.
• Understand Existing Entities: An LLC lookup lets you see details about existing businesses. You can check their status, what they do, and whether they might pose a conflict with your business.
• Plan Future Growth: Knowing what names are already used can help you plan for expansion. You can create a distinct brand that stands out in the market.
• Build Customer Trust: A unique name is important for your brand image. It helps customers remember you and feel more confident doing business with you.

FirstStop North Dakota LLC Name Search (step-by-step)

Finding the right name when starting an LLC in North Dakota is crucial. North Dakota offers a free search tool for checking your LLC name availability and looking up any registered business in the state.

Follow these steps to complete the North Dakota LLC name search effectively.

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

Start by going to the official website of the North Dakota Secretary of State at sos.nd.gov. You will find all the necessary resources for your business name search here.

Step 2: Navigate to the “Enter FirstStop” button

Once on the website, navigate to and click on the “Enter FirstStop” button. This area contains important details about online business services in North Dakota.

Step 3: Click on “Searches”

After entering North Dakota’s FirstStop portal, click on “Searches.” Clicking this link will take you to the search tool for looking up existing LLCs and other business entity types.

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

After accessing the search tool, you will see a field where you can input the desired name of your LLC. Type in the name you are interested in and make sure it matches your preferred spelling.

Click on the “Advanced” button for a more advanced search option. Choose the search criteria that will help narrow down the results.

Options typically include “Starts With” or “Contains.” Selecting the correct criteria will help you find names that best match your search. You can tick the “Active Entities Only” box to restrict your search to active business entities.

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

Step 5: Review the search results for name availability

Review the search results carefully. If the search result returns with “No results were found,” your desired name is available for registration.

If the search result shows names for your search term, it means your desired name is unavailable. You will get information about the Form Info, SOS Control ID, Status, Standing, and Filing Date for your search term.

Clicking on the blue Form Info for any search result will generate the following:

• Filing Type
• Owner Name
• Owner Address
• Term of Duration
• Expiration Date

If your desired LLC name is available, you can move on to the registration process. If your name is unavailable, you will need to brainstorm alternatives that are unique and meet state requirements.

Important LLC Naming Guidelines and Requirements in North Dakota

Choosing a compliant and distinctive name is essential when forming an LLC in North Dakota. Here are the key guidelines and requirements to consider:

1. Required Designators

Your LLC name must include a term or abbreviation that identifies it as a Limited Liability Company.

Acceptable designators are “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.” This designation is legally required to clarify your business structure to the public.

2. Uniqueness Requirement

The name must be unique and distinguishable from any other business names registered in North Dakota. This prevents confusion with other entities and helps your business stand out.

3. Restricted Words

Certain words are restricted and require additional permissions if used in an LLC name.

Words like “Bank,” “Trust,” “Insurance,” or “University” often need approval from state departments to ensure that your business does not mislead the public regarding its services.

4. Governmental Terms Limitation

North Dakota restricts terms that imply an affiliation with government agencies, such as “FBI,” “Treasury,” or “State Department.” These terms are regulated to prevent any misleading association with government bodies.

5. Professional Licensing Terms

If you want to use terms associated with licensed professions like “Engineer” or “Doctor” your LLC or its members may need to show proof of proper licensure. This ensures that professional terms are used only by qualified individuals or businesses.

6. Prohibited and Offensive Language

North Dakota prohibits the use of obscene, vulgar, or offensive language in LLC names. This requirement maintains a standard of professionalism and public decency in business naming.

7. Name Reservation Option

If you have a specific name in mind but need more time to complete your LLC registration, North Dakota allows you to reserve a name for up to 12 months. You can secure your name by filing a reservation application with the Secretary of State.

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

When forming an LLC in North Dakota, certain words are restricted or prohibited in business names.

Here’s a breakdown of these words and the reasons why they are limited:

• Bank, Trust, Credit Union: Terms related to banking and financial services are restricted because they imply that the business provides banking services.
• Insurance, Assurance, Reinsurance: These words suggest that the LLC offers insurance services, which are heavily regulated.
• University, College, Institute, Academy, School: Educational terms imply that the business offers accredited educational services. LLCs may need authorization to include these words.
• Federal, National, State, United States, Treasury, Municipal: Governmental terms can mislead the public into thinking the business is associated with or endorsed by government agencies.
• Doctor, Engineer, Attorney, Architect: Titles of licensed professionals are restricted to those with the appropriate qualifications. LLCs using these terms must provide proof of licensing to ensure that only authorized professionals represent themselves under these titles.
• Cooperative, Co-op: These terms suggest the business operates as a cooperative, which is a specific legal structure in North Dakota. Only entities that qualify as cooperatives are permitted to use these terms to avoid misrepresentation.
• Pharmacy, Medicine, Surgery, Dentistry: Health-related terms indicate that the business provides medical or pharmaceutical services, which require strict regulatory compliance.
• Non-Profit, Foundation: These words imply that the business is a non-profit organization. Unless the business is registered as a non-profit entity, these terms are restricted to prevent the public from being misled.
• Obscene or Offensive Words – North Dakota prohibits any words that are considered obscene, vulgar, or offensive to maintain public decency and professionalism in business names.

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

Follow these steps to reserve your LLC name in North Dakota:

1. Choose a Unique Name That Meets North Dakota’s Requirements

Your LLC name must include “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation, such as “LLC” or “L.L.C.” The name should be distinguishable from any existing business names registered with the North Dakota Secretary of State to avoid conflicts.

Conduct a name search through the North Dakota Secretary of State’s website to verify availability.

2. Navigate to “Reserved Name Application”

Visit North Dakota’s FirstStop online business services portal and click “Forms” at the sidebar. Navigate and click on the “Reserved Name Application” form to file online. You will have to sign up for this service to access this page.

The Reserved Name Application form will request essential information, including your full name, mailing address, and the desired LLC name.

3. Submit the Form and Pay the Filing Fee

You can submit the completed form and payment on the FirstStop portal if you file online. You can also make submissions by mail or in person to the Secretary of State, 600 E Boulevard Ave, Dept 108, Bismarck, North Dakota.

The filing fee is $10, which can be paid via check or credit card. Checks should be made payable to the “North Dakota Secretary of State.”

4. Reservation Period

Once approved, your reserved LLC name is held for 12 months. This reservation secures your chosen name, giving you time to finalize your LLC formation and file the necessary documentation without risking the availability of your business name.

Other Business Entities and Naming Considerations

When creating an LLC or any business entity in North Dakota, consider trade names and trademark searches, doing business as (DBA) and domain name availability.

Trade Names and Trademark Search

A trade name is the name under which you conduct business. In North Dakota, you should check if the name is already in use by another business.

Conducting a trademark search is vital to avoid legal issues. Start by visiting the North Dakota Secretary of State’s trademark search tool. If your trade name is available, consider filing for trademark protection to secure your brand.

Filing for Doing Business As (DBA) in North Dakota

If you want to operate under a name other than your LLC’s official name, you must file a DBA. This allows you to use a different name for marketing and branding.

To file, you need to submit an application to the North Dakota Secretary of State’s office. This process typically requires the following:

• Name of the business you want to register
• Your LLC’s details
• $25 filing fee

Once filed, your DBA must be renewed periodically. Ensure to check if the name you want is available before applying to avoid potential issues.

Check Domain Name Availability

In today’s digital age, having a website is crucial. It’s important to have a domain name that matches your business name. Start by checking the availability of your desired domain name through domain registration services.

Consider choosing a domain that:

• Reflects your business name for brand consistency
• Is easy to remember
• Uses a common extension like .com or .net

Securing your domain early can help protect your brand online and ensure your customers can find you easily.

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

Conducting a North Dakota LLC name search and reserving your business name can be a valuable step to secure your brand. An LLC name search confirms your chosen name is unique, helping you avoid legal conflicts and potential rebranding costs.

Reserving your name is optional but beneficial if you need time to finalize your LLC formation.

North Dakota’s 12-month reservation period ensures that no other business can claim your name, allowing you to proceed at your own pace. Although there’s a $25 fee, the peace of mind and protection it offers are often well worth it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What steps are involved in registering a new LLC in North Dakota?

Registering a new LLC in North Dakota involves several steps. You must choose a name, file articles of organization, and pay the $135 fee.

What are the fees associated with forming an LLC in North Dakota?

The filing fee for articles of organization in North Dakota is $135 if filed online and $150 if filed by mail. Additional fees may apply for name reservations or amendments.

How do I change my LLC’s business name in North Dakota?

To change your LLC’s business name, file the appropriate amendment form with the Secretary of State. Include the new name and pay any relevant fees.

Where can I find the login portal for the North Dakota Secretary of State’s FirstStop system?

You can find the login portal for the FirstStop system on the North Dakota Secretary of State’s official website. This portal allows you to manage your business filings online.

What is the process for filing an LLC application in North Dakota?

Filing an LLC application involves submitting articles of organization to the Secretary of State. You must include the LLC name, and registered agent, and pay the filing fee.