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How To Do An Idaho Business Name Search

By: Startup 101
Last Updated: November 15, 2024

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If you are forming an LLC or a corporation in Idaho, the first thing you need to do is a business name search. Like all other states, Idaho requires each LLC or corporation registered in the state to have a unique business name. You can do an Idaho business name search on the Idaho Secretary of State website to see if the business name you want to use is available.  

Related: Checklist To Start A Business In Idaho

Steps To Do An Idaho Business Name Search

Steps For Searching Corporation and LLC Names In Idaho

Step 1: Visit the Idaho Entity Name Database

Go to the Idaho Secretary of State website.

Step 2: Search your Business Name

Enter the name you would like to use in the “Business Search ” field.  In this example, we will do an Idaho LLC name search by looking up “Lawn & Order” to see if it is available to register.

How to do an Idaho Business Name Search

 

Step 3: Review Results

When we search the registered names, we get a list of all the businesses with the words “Lawn & Order.”  To register a business name with the Secretary of State, the name has to be unique from other corporation or LLC names. Assumed names do not have the same requirement.

Click on a registered business name to find more information about it. In this example, we will look up “Lawn & Order LLC.”

 

Clicking on the link for “Lawn & Order LLC” brings a detailed report. In addition to the information below, you can click the “View History” button and see an image of the original Certificate of Organization.

Idaho LLC Name Search

To see an example, search for a name that isn’t being used, such as “Cowboy Cleaners.” This search does not return any results. While final approval is still with the Secretary of State, it is likely available to register. 

Business Entity Search - No Results

These are the basics of searching for a business name in Idaho.  Even when the name of the business you want is available, the Secretary of State will make a final determination when filing to ensure the name you picked isn’t too similar to other registered names. 

What information can be found on the Idaho business entity database?

An Idaho business entity search can uncover several pieces of information about registered businesses in the state. Some of the highlights include:

  • Filing Type: Corporation, Limited Liability Company. Etc.
  • Status: Active-Existing means the business is in good standing with the Secretary of State, and all reports and filing fees are up to date
  • Term of Duration: The business entity intends to operate indefinitely
  • Principal Address: This can be either the physical address of the business or an address where business records are stored
  • Registered Agent Information: An Idaho registered agent is the singular point of contact for the entity should a legal or tax notice be sent to the business. 
  • Initial Filing Date: The date the entity was filed with the Secretary of State

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 are not required to be unique.  To protect your business name, consider getting a trademark.

Related: Should I trademark my business name?

Idaho Business Name Search FAQs

How do I find the business name of an Idaho sole proprietorship?

An Idaho 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. To register the business name, they will register for an Idaho Assumed Name, which is also known as “Doing Business As,” DBA, Assumed Name, or Fictitious Business Name.

Similar to corporations or LLCs, Assumed Name registrations need to be unique and are registered through the Idaho Secretary of State’s office.

What are the naming guidelines for an Idaho LLC?

In addition to being unique, an Idaho LLC name must include a special designator such as Limited Liability Company, LLC, L.L.C., etc., and it may not use restricted words such as bank or insurance unless the entity is licensed to operate as such.

Can an LLC name be reserved?

If there is a name you want to use but are not ready to form the LLC, the name can be reserved.  A name can be reserved for up to four months by filing the Reservation of Legal Entity Name, which can be filed with the Secretary of State.

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