The first step in forming an LLC or corporation in New Jersey is verifying that the business name is available. Each business entity registered with the New Jersey Department of the Treasury must use a unique name. See our step-by-step guide to learn how to quickly do a New Jersey business name search available names by using the state’s Business Entity Database.
Related: Checklist To Start A Business In New Jersey
Steps To Do A New Jersey Business Name Search
Step 1: Visit the New Jersey Entity Name Database
Visit the New Jersey Department of the Treasury website.
Step 2: Search your Business Name
Enter the name you want to use in the “Business Name” field. In this example, we will search for a New Jersey LLC name by looking up “Sew What.” After entering a company name, click “Search.”
Step 3: Review the Results
Searching the registered names, we get a list of all the businesses with the words “Sew What.” To register a corporation or LLC name in New Jersey, the name must be distinguishable from the other names registered. If you were looking to form an LLC with this name, a warning is displayed stating that the name you chose may conflict with other names on file. If you feel your name is different, you will have to contact the Department of the Treasury Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services for a manual review.
While the name “Sew What” may not be available by itself, other variants, such as “Sew What Quilting” or “Sew What Seamstress,” are. Searching for those business names brings a result that says “Available!” While final approval is still with the Department of the Treasury, it is likely available to register.
These are the basics of searching for a small business name in New Jersey. Even when the name of the business you want is available, the Department of the Treasury will make a final determination when filing to ensure the name you picked isn’t too similar to other registered names.
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.
Related: Should I trademark my business name?
What information can be found on the New Jersey business entity database?
Doing a New Jersey business search can find several pieces of information about businesses in the state. Some of the highlights include:
- Entity Type: Corporation, Limited Liability Company, Limited Liability Partnership, etc.
- Status: Active Good Standing means all reports and filing fees are up to date. Other results include “Inactive Voluntary Dissolution,” “Inactive Revocation,” and “Cancelled.” The names of these results may be available to register.
- Principal Address: This could be the business’s physical address or the address where business records are stored.
- Registered Agent Contact Information: A New Jersey registered agent is the singular point of contact for the entity should a legal or tax notice need to be sent to the business.
- Date the entity was filed with the New Jersey Department of the Treasury
- Names of the officers and their title
New Jersey Business Name Search FAQs
How do I find the business name of a New Jersey sole proprietorship?
Unlike corporations and LLCs in New Jersey, the names of New Jersey sole proprietorships and general partnerships are not listed on the state database. Instead, they are registered with the County Clerk’s office in the county where the business is located.
Registering a name for a sole proprietorship or general partnership requires filing a New Jersey Certificate of Trade Name (often referred to as a DBA or Doing Business As name) with the County Clerk.
What are the naming guidelines for a New Jersey LLC?
In addition to being unique, a New Jersey 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 in New Jersey?
If you want an LLC name but are not ready to register it, you can file an Application for Name Reservation. The name reservation will hold a name for up to 120 days.
