If you are forming an LLC or a corporation in Massachusetts, you first need a business name search. Massachusetts requires each LLC or corporation registered to have a unique business name like all other states. You can search for business names in Massachusetts on the Massachusetts Secretary of State website to see if the business name you want to use is available.
Related: Checklist To Start A Business In Massachusetts
Steps To Do A Massachusetts Business Name Search
Step 1: Visit the Massachusetts Entity Name Database
Visit the Massachusetts Secretary of State – Commonwealth Corporations Division website.
Step 2: Search your Business Name
Enter the name you want to use in the “Search by entity name” field. In this example, we will search for a Massachusetts LLC name by looking up “Fix our Lawn” and clicking on the “Search Corporations” button. It is recommended that you try your search with the “Search type” drop-down menu (“Begins with,” “Exact match,” and “Full text”). Otherwise, you may miss a name that is already registered.
Step 3: Review Results
When we search the registered names, we get a list of all the businesses with the words “Fix our Lawn.” In this instance, there is only one, but your search may show several more. The name must be distinguishable from the other registered names to register a corporation or LLC name in Massachusetts. If you were looking to form an LLC with this name, you wouldn’t be able to since one is already registered.
To view detailed reports on each registered business name, click on the “Entity Name” link.
While the name “Fix our Lawn” may not be available by itself, other variants, such as “Fix our Lawn Fast” or “Fix our Lawn Landscaping,” are. Searching for those business names brings a result that says, “No records found; try a new search using different criteria.” While final approval is still with the Secretary of State, it is likely available to register.
These are the basics of searching for a business name in Massachusetts. 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 Massachusetts business entity database?
The database search can find several pieces of information about the business. Some of the highlights include:
- Business Name
- Entity Type: Corporation, Limited Liability Company, etc.
- ID Number: Number assigned to a new corporation or LLC by the Massachusetts Secretary of State.
- Date of Organization: The date the entity was filed with the Secretary of State
- Principal Address: This could be the business’s physical address or where business records are stored.
- Resident Agent Information: A Massachusetts resident agent is the singular point of contact for the entity should a legal or tax notice be sent to the business.
- Manager Address: Name and address of each manager.
- You can also view filings such as the Massachusetts LLC annual report, certificate of organization, and more.
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 Massachusetts Secretary of State and are not required to be unique. To protect your business name, consider getting a trademark.
Related: Should I trademark my business name?
Massachusetts Business Name Search FAQs
How do I find the business name of a Massachusetts sole proprietorship?
Unlike corporations and LLCs in Massachusetts, the names of Massachusetts sole proprietorships and general partnerships are not listed on the state database. Instead, they are registered with the Town Clerk or City Clerk in the community where the business is located.
Registering a name for a sole proprietorship or general partnership requires filing a Massachusetts Business Certificate Form (often referred to as a DBA or Doing Business As name) with the County Clerk.
What are the naming guidelines for a Massachusetts LLC?
In addition to the name being unique, the name of a Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
If there is a name you want but are not ready to register the LLC, you can file the Application for Reservation of Name. The name registration will hold a name for up to 60 days.
