If you are forming an LLC or a corporation in Arizona, you first need a business name search. Like all other states, Arizona requires each LLC or corporation registered to have a unique business name. You can search for available business names on the Arizona Corporation Commission (AZCC) website to see if the business name you want to use is available.
Related: Checklist To Start 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 (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, it isn’t available if the name you want to use shows up in the name database. However, an entity no longer active (see top right of the image above) is still showing on the database. You may still be able to use it, depending on how long the name has been inactive. 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, meaning the entity intends to exist indefinitely.
- Statutory Agent Information: An Arizona Statutory Agent (a Registered Agent in many states) is the singular point of contact for the entity should a legal or tax notice be sent to the business.
- 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.
What are the naming guidelines for an Arizona LLC?
There are a few naming 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.