North Dakota LLC Name Search – How to Name Your LLC


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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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 Dakota’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 a North Dakota LLC or forming an LLC in general, you can check out How to Start an LLC.

How to Name an LLC in North Dakota

Time needed: 5 minutes

There are guidelines to follow in doing a North Dakota 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.

  1. Check Name Availability

    Search the Business Entity Records in North Dakota’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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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 Dakota. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to the Secretary of State, State of North Dakota, 600 E Boulevard Ave Dept. 108 Bismarck ND 58505-0500.

Check Name Availability
Reserve Name Online
Download Reservation form

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 North Dakota LLC Online Name Search

Business names are really important. Choosing a name for an LLC in North Dakota is difficult since it must appeal to customers while also adhering to certain standards. You can run a North Dakota LLC name search in numerous ways to make sure the name you choose is still available:

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By Business Search

Type the business name that you want to search for in the search box when you reach the business entity search page. You can see a drop-down arrow with the ‘Advanced’ option. This option lets you refine your search results. You would be able to search for active entities as well.

By Trademark Search

Another way to search is by the ‘Trademark’ option. It is available on the business entity search page. Whatever you wish to search for, type that in the search field. By entering, you will get a list of entities that have the searched trademark. ‘Advanced’ search option is present in the Trademark search as well.

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F.A.Qs

What is a Trade Name?

A trade name (doing business as (DBA) name) is the official name under which a proprietor or company chooses to do business.

Is having a domain name necessary?

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.

What if my name is unavailable?

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 Dakota

To reserve an LLC name in North Dakota you need to submit a name reservation request form to the North Dakota Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $25.

Reserving an LLC name in North Dakota is a relatively simple and straightforward process. To begin, you will need to conduct a name search to ensure that the name you wish to use for your LLC is not already in use by another business in the state. You can do this by searching the North Dakota Secretary of State’s online database or by contacting the office directly.

Once you have confirmed that your desired LLC name is available, you can then proceed with reserving it. To reserve a name for your LLC in North Dakota, you will need to file an Application for Reservation of Name form with the Secretary of State’s office. This form can be submitted online or by mail, along with the required filing fee.

Keep in mind that reserving a name for your LLC does not automatically create a legal entity or give you exclusive rights to that name. However, it does prevent other businesses from using the same name while you prepare to register your LLC. The reservation of a name is valid for 120 days, during which time you can proceed with the formation of your LLC.

One important thing to note is that reserving a name for your LLC does not grant you trademark rights to that name. If you want to protect your business name and logo, you may need to file for a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. This will give you exclusive rights to use your business name and logo in connection with your goods and services.

In summary, reserving an LLC name in North Dakota is a crucial step in starting a business. By ensuring that your desired name is available and reserving it with the Secretary of State’s office, you can prevent other businesses from using the same name. This process is relatively simple and inexpensive, and it can help you establish your brand identity and protect your business name.

Before moving forward with your LLC registration, be sure to carefully review the regulations and requirements set forth by the state of North Dakota. By following these guidelines and seeking legal advice if necessary, you can successfully reserve a name for your LLC and take the next steps in launching your business.

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

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