The first step in forming an LLC or corporation in New York is to verify that the business name is available to use. Each business entity registered with the New York Department of State must use a unique name. To learn how to quickly see if your name is open, check out our guide on how to do a New York business name search using the state’s Business Entity Database.
Related: Checklist To Start A Business In New York
Steps To Do A New York Business Name Search
Step 1: Visit the New York Entity Name Database
Visit the New York Department of State website.
Step 2: Search for a Business Name
Enter the name you want to use in the “Entity Name” field. In this example, we will search for a New York LLC name by looking up “Sew What.” After entering the company name, click “Search the Database.” To ensure that your name is searched thoroughly, it is recommended that you search both by “Begins With,” “Contains,” and “Partial” in the drop-down menu.
Step 3: Review the Results
When we search the registered names, we get a list of all the businesses with the words “Sew What.” The name must be distinguishable from the other registered names to register a corporation or LLC name in New York. If you were looking to form a corporation with this name, you wouldn’t be able to since one is already registered, but the LLC is available.
To find more information about any registered business names, click on the link in the “Entity Name” column to see a detailed report. In this example, we will look up “Sew What Inc.”
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, “There were no records found.” While final approval is still with the New York Department of State, it is likely available to register.
These are the basics of searching for a small business name in New York. Even when the name of the business you want looks like it is available, the Department of State 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 York business entity database?
Using the New York business search database, you can find several pieces of information about the business. Some of the highlights include:
- Business Name
- Initial DOS Filing Date: The date the entity was filed with the Department of State
- Entity Type: Corporation, Limited Liability Company, Limited Partnership, etc.
- Current Entity Status: Active means the entity is in good standing, and 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.
- Registered Agent Information: A New York registered agent is the singular point of contact for the entity should a legal, or tax notice need to be sent to the business.
New York Business Name Search FAQs
How do I find the name of a New York sole proprietorship?
Unlike corporations and LLCs in New York, the names of New York 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 York Assumed Name (often referred to as a DBA or Doing Business As name) with the County Clerk.
What are the naming guidelines for a New York LLC?
In addition to being unique, a New York 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 York?
If there is a name you want to use but aren’t ready to form the LLC, the Application for Reservation of Name can be filed to hold the name for up to 60 days.
