Why do you need to do a business entity search?

A business entity search means checking the availability of a business name in the state where you intend to register your LLC. This search helps:

• Ensure the name you want to use is not already taken by another business.
• Avoid any potential legal issues with trademark infringement.
• Comply with state-specific naming regulations.
• Establish a unique identity for your business.

Conducting a business entity search is critical to avoiding any future legal complications.

Nevada’s naming guidelines

In Nevada, there are a few specific guidelines you must follow when choosing a name for your new Nevada LLC formation:

• Uniqueness: Your LLC name has to be distinguishable from existing businesses registered in Nevada. This means you can’t use the exact same name, but it also means a name that is highly similar to another one (especially in the same industry or area) might not be approved.
• Required Words: The name must include the words “Limited-Liability Company” or abbreviations like “LLC” or “L.L.C.” This helps the public know what type of business you are.
• Restricted Words: Certain words that could let people confuse your LLC with a government agency (e.g., “FBI,” “Treasury,” “911,” etc.) are prohibited unless you have permission.
• Prohibited Words: Terms like “bank,” “trust,” “financial advisors,” or any words suggesting an association with the financial industry are restricted unless you comply with additional regulatory requirements.

For more detailed guidelines on naming your business, visit the Nevada Secretary of State’s website at www.nvsos.gov.

Conducting a business name search in Nevada: Step-by-step guide with tips

To start your search, visit the Nevada Secretary of State’s Business Search.

Search options

You can search by:

• Entity Name: Check if the specific business name is already in use.
• Entity ID: Useful if you have a specific business entity ID.
• Assumed Name/DBA: If you are searching for a fictitious name or “Doing Business As” name.

Fees

Searching the database is free. But if you decide to reserve a name, you’ll need to pay a fee. The Nevada Secretary of State’s website also has a service that helps you reserve a domain name under your new LLC.

Search tips

• Use different variations of the name to ensure you’re searching every corner of the state.
• Check for similar names that might be confusingly similar.
• Pay attention to spelling and abbreviations.

Reviewing the results

Once you get the search results, review the following:

• Entity Status: Active, inactive, dissolved, etc.
• Entity Type: LLC, corporation, partnership, etc.
• Registered Agent: Information about the registered agent on file.

For example, a search for the name “casino” turns up these results:

You’re able to see each business’s status, registration date, type, and business ID. You can begin with a general search for one or more of the words in your company’s name, then drill down into more specific results. Be as thorough as possible–it’s well worth the extra search time to avoid future legal complications.

Fictitious name (DBA)

If you plan to use a “doing business as” (DBA) name, or a company name that is different than the one you operate your business under, you must also search the fictitious name database to ensure it’s not already being used.

What can you do once you have an available business name?

Consider reserving your name

You can reserve your LLC name for 90 days by filing a name reservation application with the Nevada Secretary of State. This costs $25 and keeps your company’s name from being taken by another business while you complete the other steps to form your business.

The name reservation form is available for download on the Secretary of State’s website. It includes detailed instructions on how to complete it.

Consider trademarking your name

Registering your name as a trademark provides protection throughout the country, not just in Nevada. This step can also add value to your brand by reserving the right to market to a national and international market. Visit the USPTO website for more information on trademark protections and how to apply.

Consider domain registration

These days, it’s all but impossible to have a successful business without some sort of online presence. The easiest way to do this is by securing a domain name that matches your business name. Even if you use other social media to market your business, having your domain name reserved will prevent others from capitalizing on your name (and goodwill) and can give you a landing page to direct clients or customers to your other marketing.

Conclusion

Choosing a name for your LLC is one of the most crucial steps in starting your new business. By conducting a thorough business entity search and following Nevada’s naming guidelines, you can make sure your business name is unique, attention-getting, and completely legal. For more information and to start your business entity search, visit the Nevada Secretary of State’s website at www.nvsos.gov.

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