If you are forming an LLC or a corporation in Maryland, you first need a business name search. Like all other states, Maryland requires each sole proprietorship, general partnership, LLC, or corporation registered in the state to have a unique business name. You can search Maryland business names on the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation website to see if the business name you want to use is available.
Related: Checklist To Start A Business In Maryland
Steps To Do A Maryland Business Name Search
Step 1: Visit the Maryland Entity Name Database
Visit the Maryland Business Express website – https://egov.maryland.gov/businessexpress/entitysearch
Step 2: Search for a Business Name
Enter the name you want to use in the “Business Name” field. In this example, we will search for a Maryland LLC name by looking up “Lawn & Order.”
Step 3: Review the Results
When we search the registered names, we get a list of all the businesses with the words “Lawn & Order.” To register a corporation or LLC name in Maryland, the name must be distinguishable from the other registered names.
If the name you want is taken, first look at the “Status.” If it shows “Forfeited,” there may still be an opportunity to register it as the previous owner is not in good standing with the state.
Unfortunately, if you were looking to form an LLC with this name, you wouldn’t be able to since one is already registered.
To find more information about each registered business name, click the “View Business Details” button to see a detailed report. In this example, we will look up “Lawn and Order LLC.”
While the name “Lawn & Order LLC” by itself may not be available, variants like “Baltimore Lawn & Order” or “Lawn & Order by Joe” are. Searching for those business names brings a result that says, “The business name you entered was not found.” While final approval is still with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation, it is likely available to register.
These are the basics of searching for a business name in Maryland. Even when the name of the business you want is available, the Department of Assessments and Taxation 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 Maryland business entity database?
The Maryland business entity search can find several pieces of information about the business. Some of the highlights include:
- Business Name
- Principal Office: This could be the business’s physical address or where business records are stored.
- Resident Agent Information: A Maryland resident agent is the singular point of contact for the entity should a legal or tax notice need to be sent to the business.
- Status: Active means the entity is still operating, while Forfeited means the business has closed.
- Good Standing – If all reports and filing fees are up to date, the business is considered to be in good standing
- Business Type: Sole proprietorship, general partnership, corporation, Limited Liability Company, Limited Liability Partnership, etc.
- Date of Formation: When the entity was officially filed with the Department of Assessments and Taxation
Maryland Business Name Search FAQs
What are the naming guidelines for a Maryland LLC?
In addition to the name being unique, the name of the LLC must include a special designator such as Limited Liability Company, Liability Company, L.L.C., etc., in addition to not using restricted words such as bank or insurance, unless the entity is licensed to operate as such.
Can an LLC name be reserved in Maryland?
If there is a name you want to use but aren’t ready to form the LLC, the Corporate Name Reservation Form can be filed to hold the name for up to 30 days.
