How to Check Business Name Availability

Co-authored by Madison Boehm

Last Updated: October 4, 2021 References

Starting a business is an exciting adventure. There can be many hoops to jump through first, including establishing a unique name. Check with your local Secretary of State or similar government agency to see if the name is already taken. Many agencies have an online database you can search, but this is not considered definitive. To get the final word about whether not you get the name you want, you will have to complete an official application and submit it to the agency.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Researching Names Online

1
Go to the website of your local Secretary of State. Look for a section of the website devoted to business. Usually, local governments keep official records of all businesses registered in the area, including their names.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Madison Boehm
Business Advisor, Jaxson Maximus
Expert Interview. 29 September 2021.} If so, there's probably a search box for you to use.^{[2]
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- In some areas, the agency you need to check with might not be called the Secretary of State. If you're not sure, just ask a local government or development office which agency maintains business name records.
- For instance, in Scotland, the equivalent office is called "National Records," but in Australia it's the "Securities and Investments Commission," while in San Diego it's called the "Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk."
2
Enter the name you would like to search for. Choose a name that is unique to you as a person and has a meaning behind it.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Madison Boehm
Business Advisor, Jaxson Maximus
Expert Interview. 29 September 2021.} Simply type the name into the search box and hit enter. Some government websites will also allow you to search for a specific type of business alongside the name.^{[4]
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3
Make the name search as broad as possible. Leave out punctuation, plurals, and words and abbreviations like “inc.” or “co.” This help the search be as thorough as possible.^{[5]
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- For instance, if you search for “Brown bros. Painting,” the database might not reveal that there is already a company called “Brown Brothers Painting.” Search more broadly with simple terms like “Brown” and “Painting.”
4
Make a note if the name you want turns up. Record the information for any businesses listed in the database that have the name that you would like to use. If you find some with the same name, it doesn't necessarily mean that it's off-limits for you.^{[6]
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- Sometimes, the databases include businesses that are different defunct. In such cases, you might still be able to use the name.
- On the other hand, even if you don't see the name that you want, that doesn't mean it's available to you. Some databases don't include businesses operating under assumed names or fictitious names.
5
Come up with some alternative names. Keep in mind that the names should match your brand. It will make it easy for the clients to find you.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Madison Boehm
Business Advisor, Jaxson Maximus
Expert Interview. 29 September 2021.} Have a list of a few possibilities so that you don't waste time scrambling to come up with a new name if a particular one is already taken. For instance, if you want to call your business "Brown Brothers Painting," you might also list some possibilities like "Brown family painting" or “Colors by Brown.”^{[8]
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- Some business name application forms will ask you to list your first choice, followed by alternatives.
- Search for the alternative names as well.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Applying to Verify a Name Choice

1
Ask the government agency for the business name application form. You should first look and see if this form is made available on the website. If not, you will have to call, email, or write to the agency to receive the form.
2
Fill out the name application form. Into your contact information, the name request, and any other information that the form requests. This may or may not include the type of business you want to establish, such as an LLC or sole proprietorship.
3
Include the required fee. Usually, there will be a fee to submit the form. Submit this along with the form when you turn it then according to the instructions provided on it. You may be asked to mail the payment with the form, pay in person, or submit the fee online.^{[9]
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4
Wait for approval. The government agency will thoroughly research registered businesses to verify whether or not the name you want is available. This will take some time. The agency should be able to give you an estimate on how long this process will take. You can also ask if there is a way to expedite the search if needed.
5
Verify if you have the right to reserve the name. When you submit your application, ask the Secretary of State or other government agency responsible for business names in your area about this. Once you submit a request to verify the name’s availability, you may have the exclusive right to this name for a certain period of time, such as 60 days.^{[10]
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- This means that if someone else applies to search for and use the name after you, their request will be rejected as long as the name is reserved for you.
- This reservation period allows you enough time to prepare for establishing your business without worrying about losing the name.

Community Q&A

Question

What are some considerations when deciding on a business name?

Madison Boehm
Business Advisor, Jaxson Maximus
Madison Boehm is a Business Advisor and the Co-Founder of Jaxson Maximus, a men’s salon and custom clothiers based in southern Florida. She specializes in business development, operations, and finance. Additionally, she has experience in the salon, clothing, and retail sectors. Madison holds a BBA in Entrepreneurship and Marketing from The University of Houston.

Madison Boehm

Business Advisor, Jaxson Maximus

Expert Answer

Beyond checking the business name availability, you should make sure the desired social media handles and website domains aren't taken by someone else. Don't make your clients have a hard time finding you.
Question

How do I name my small business?

Madison Boehm
Business Advisor, Jaxson Maximus
Madison Boehm is a Business Advisor and the Co-Founder of Jaxson Maximus, a men’s salon and custom clothiers based in southern Florida. She specializes in business development, operations, and finance. Additionally, she has experience in the salon, clothing, and retail sectors. Madison holds a BBA in Entrepreneurship and Marketing from The University of Houston.

Madison Boehm

Business Advisor, Jaxson Maximus

Expert Answer

The name should always be something that is unique to you as a person. I usually love names that have meaning behind them. When people ask where did the name come from, will you have a significant story to tell that connects your clients to you and to your business? These are a couple of things to consider when thinking about the name you want for the company.