If you are forming an LLC or a corporation in Arizona, the first thing you need to do is a business name search. Like all other states, Arizona requires each LLC or corporation registered in the state to have a unique business name. You can do an Arizona business name search on the Arizona Corporation Commission (AZCC) website to see if the business name you want to use is available.
Related: Guide to starting a business in Arizona
Steps To Do an Arizona Business Name Search
Step 1: Visit the Arizona Entity Name Database
Link – Arizona Corporation Commission’s website.
Step 2: Search for a Business Name
Enter the business name you would like to use in the “Entity Name” field.
In this example, we will look up “Henry the Pool Guy” and click “Name Availability Check.”
Step 3: Review Results
When we search “Henry the Pool Guy” we see two results, one for a Trade Name (which is for sole proprietorships or partnerships) and the other for a Domestic LLC. Assuming you searched for this business name and were forming an LLC, we would want to research this entry further, so we click on the linked number on the left side of the screen.
In most cases, if the name you want to use shows up in the name database it isn’t available to use. However, an entity that is no longer active (see top right of the image above) is still showing on the database. Depending on how long the name has been inactive, you may still be able to use it. final approval is still made by the Arizona Corporation Commission when filing the LLC or corporation filing.
Something to keep in mind is that even though each Corporation and LLC name must be unique, it may not stop someone else from using that name since business names for a sole proprietorship or partnership are not registered by the Secretary of State and are not required to be unique. To protect your business name, consider getting a trademark.
What information can be found on the Arizona business entity database?
The Arizona business entity search can uncover several pieces of information about registered businesses in the state. Some of the highlights include:
- Entity type: Corporation, Limited Liability Company, etc.
- Date of Formation: Date the entity first became active.
- Status: Good standing means all reports and filing fees are up to date.
- Life period: Perpetual is the most common and means the entity intends to exist indefinitely.
- Statutory Agent Information: An Arizona Statutory Agent (called a Registered Agent in many states) is the singular point of contact for the entity should a legal or tax notice need to be sent to the business. This is often one of the owners, and if their home address is used, that address becomes public information. Many people find this concerning and use a Registered Agent service like Northwest Registered Agent, so their home address isn’t listed.
- Principal Information: Names of officers or members of the entity.
Arizona Business Name Search FAQs
How do I find the business name of an Arizona sole proprietorship?
an Arizona sole proprietorship or partnership can use the business owner(s) full first and last name as the business name, but many will want to operate under a specific business name. In order to register the business name, they will register for an Arizona Trade Name, which is also known as “Doing Business As,” DBA, Assumed Name, or Fictitious Business Name.
Similar to corporations or LLCs, Trade Name registrations can be searched on the Arizona Corporation Commission’s website.
How do I form an LLC in Arizona?
Before starting your business and forming an LLC, be sure to do the business entity search first to make sure the name is available to use. Once you know the LLC name is available, check out our step-by-step guide on how to form an Arizona LLC.
While not required in Arizona, an LLC operating agreement, which basically are the rules for how the LLC operates, is a document worth considering, especially for multi-member LLCs.
After forming a Limited Liability Company, be sure to register for any Arizona business licenses and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN). This is a “social security number” for the business. There is no cost to get one through the IRS.
What are the naming guidelines for an Arizona LLC?
There are a few requirements for registering an LLC in Arizona.
– The LLC name must contain the words “limited liability company” or “limited company” or the abbreviations “L.L.C.,” “L.C.,” “LLC,” or “LC” in uppercase or lowercase letters.
– The LLC name may not contain the words “association,” “corporation,” “incorporated,” or words related to banking.
– The LLC name must be distinguishable from other entity names and trade names.
Can an LLC name be reserved in Arizona?
If you aren’t ready to file for the LLC, you can reserve a name up to 120 days before filing. To do so, fill out the Application to Reserve Limited Liability Company Name with the Arizona Corporation Commission.
