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Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is North Carolina’s Secretary of State page includes a name availability checker. Check out LLC Name Search to learn more.
Meanwhile, if you’re interested in learning more about starting an LLC in NC or forming an LLC in general, you can check out How to Start an LLC.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
How to Name an LLC in North Carolina
Time needed: 5 minutes
There are guidelines to follow in doing a North Carolina LLC name search. To learn more, check out LLC Naming Guidelines or read Foreign LLC Application for Registration if you’re planning to register a foreign LLC.
- Check Name Availability
Search the Business Entity Records in North Carolina’s Official Secretary of State page to check if your chosen business name is available. You may also try typing your trademark, business, or domain name on any search engine to generate businesses with similar names and to ensure your trademark is unique and meets the state’s requirements.
Check out How to File a DBA to learn more about registering a DBA or trademark. For social media pages, use Social Searcher to avoid using similar page names. - Check Domain Availability
If your business name is still available, you must register for a domain name using Namecheap, Google Workspace, or other domain name sites. So customers can easily find your business over the Internet. Use the Kinsta app to manage your domains efficiently.
- File Name Reservation
A Name Reservation Certificate is required along with a Certificate of Formation. You can reserve a name online, by mail, or in person with a $10 filing fee (plus tax for online).
File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of North Carolina. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to the NC Secretary of State Business Registration, P.O. Box 29622, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0622.
Guidelines to Follow in Naming LLC
- Use a business name with the abbreviation “LLC” or the phrase “Limited Liability Company.”
- Your decided business name must not coincide with any existing government entity. Otherwise, you might have to face legal lawsuits when filing your LLC.
- Use the LLC name availability checker to ensure your business name is unique.
- Get a license first if you plan on using restricted words to avoid any complications.
Note that you must put adequate effort into naming your LLC because this name will be with your business for a long time. Making your LLC name unique is vital as it would prevent people from confusing your business with others, not to mention it would be easier for them to recall your business, products, or services.
How to do a North Carolina Business Entity Search
It is important that the LLC name matches the state guidelines. When naming your LLC, make sure that you search North Carolina’s state website to confirm that the name you pick is unique and not utilized by another organization. Look at the following points to guide you with the process.
Use the search engine for business entities in the state’s tool.
The North Carolina Secretary of State maintains a website for conducting business searches. This tool can assist you in determining whether or not the proposed name has already been taken. It is sufficient to have backup names so that you can quickly select an alternate.
Enter your name
When you reach the search page, you have the option of conducting various types of searches. You can conduct a search for an entity using its name or its unique identifier. A drop-down menu will appear to assist you in making your selections. Ensure that you complete the appropriate fields in the form for your search option.
Make the search
You only need to input a keyword to do a search. However, there are different filters you can choose like searching for names with any of the words you input. There is also one where all of the words you input are present and finding an exact match. To boot, you can search names using IDs.
F.A.Qs
A trade name (doing business as (DBA) name) is the official name under which a proprietor or company chooses to do business.
Having a domain isn’t necessary, but it is recommended. If you have a domain name, customers will find you more accessible through online means with your online website.
For domestic LLC, you can simply brainstorm for another name if the one you pick is no longer available. For foreign LLC, you must think up a “fictitious name,” which you’ll use only in the state.
How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in North Carolina
To reserve an LLC name in North Carolina you need to submit a name reservation request form to the North Carolina Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $30.
To begin the process of reserving an LLC name in North Carolina, it is essential to understand the role that your chosen name will play in defining your company’s identity. Your LLC name not only serves as an important part of your branding and marketing strategy but also helps establish your business’s reputation and credibility in the market. Therefore, it is essential to select a name that is both distinctive and relevant to your industry while complying with North Carolina’s naming requirements.
The first step in reserving an LLC name in North Carolina is conducting thorough research to ensure that your desired name is unique and available for use. The North Carolina Secretary of State provides online resources that allow you to search for existing business names to avoid conflicts with other registered entities. It is essential to select a name that is distinguishable from existing entities to prevent any legal disputes or confusion in the future.
Once you have confirmed the availability of your desired name, you can proceed with the reservation process by filing an Application for Reservation of Limited Liability Company Name with the North Carolina Secretary of State. This application allows you to reserve your chosen LLC name for a period of 120 days, giving you the opportunity to finalize your business formation documents and secure your preferred name for your company.
When preparing your application for name reservation, it is crucial to follow the required format and guidelines set forth by the North Carolina Secretary of State. Ensure that you provide accurate information, including your desired LLC name, the name and address of the applicant, and the intended use of the reserved name. By adhering to these guidelines, you can expedite the name reservation process and avoid any delays or complications in securing your chosen name.
It is important to note that reserving an LLC name in North Carolina does not automatically grant you the right to use that name for your business entity. To establish legal rights to your chosen name, you must complete the necessary steps to form your LLC, including filing Articles of Organization and paying the requisite fees to the North Carolina Secretary of State. By completing these requirements, you can officially register your LLC name and begin conducting business under that name in compliance with state regulations.
In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in North Carolina is a critical step in establishing your business identity and ensuring regulatory compliance. By conducting thorough research, following the necessary guidelines, and filing the appropriate documentation, you can secure your desired LLC name and lay the foundation for a successful business venture. Taking the time to reserve a suitable name for your LLC demonstrates your commitment to professionalism and sets the stage for future growth and success in North Carolina’s competitive business landscape.
In Conclusion
LLC names are important as it is the main identity of your business. While naming your LLC make sure to choose the one that suits the nature of your business. Follow the naming guidelines before you start filing your LLC name