New Jersey Business Search — Name Availability & Records

How to Search NJ Businesses Online

You’ll use two state tools in tandem to run a New Jersey business search fast. Start with the official entity search (Business Name, Keyword, or Entity ID) to find existing records and spot conflicts, then confirm distinguishability in the Business Name Availability checker so your proposed business entity name meets jersey public rules. Because the results table doesn’t open a full profile, treat it as an index: scan the rows, note potential conflicts, and move straight to the availability check or to ordering proof documents (Status Report/Standing Certificate) if a bank or vendor needs them—before you proceed with business registration. This section walks you through the current New Jersey business search flow step-by-step (when you’re ready to file, follow our step-by-step New Jersey LLC formation guide).

Open the Business Entity Name Search

When you land on the Business Entity Name Search page you’ll see a blue “searching guidelines” banner and two side-by-side boxes (tiles). Here’s how they work—and the order to use them:

• Search Registered Businesses (left tile): where you run the entity search via Business Name, Keyword, or Entity Id to see existing business names and other index details. Use this first to surface possible conflicts in the state’s records.
• Search for Available Names (right tile): the Business Name Availability tool. Use this second to verify whether your proposed business entity name is distinguishable under New Jersey’s rules before you file or reserve.
• Workflow tip: left tile → scan for conflicts → right tile → confirm availability → (if needed) order proof (Status/Standing) or proceed with business registration. Because the list view doesn’t open a full profile, don’t hunt for one—move directly to the next step in the workflow.

Run a Broad Business Name Search

Click Business Name. Type only the core words—drop “LLC/Inc.”—and use the wildcard % to bridge words (e.g., Shore%Solar). Then hit Search.
If your first query is too narrow, widen it with one fewer word; if it’s too noisy, add one strong descriptor (industry or geography).

Another sample inputs that work well:

Read the Results Index (What Each Column Tells You)

Before you dive into filings, pause on the results index. Treat it as a fast filter: scan for exact matches and close variants (plurals, hyphens, swapped word order), confirm the designator (LLC vs Inc.), note the entity type and city to tell look-alikes apart, and copy the Entity ID you’ll need when ordering documents. The screenshot below highlights what to look for in each column.

Remember: you can’t open a full profile from this list, it’s only an index. Use it to triage conflict risk quickly, then move to Name Availability and the Business Records Service to pull records and certificates.

If the list is long, refine and re-run your search (e.g., add “Storage,” “Bakery,” a city). If it’s clean, move on.

Decide If Your Idea Is Unique (Experience Tips & Naming Examples)

Use what you saw to judge whether your idea is truly distinctive. New Jersey wants names that are meaningfully different—cosmetic changes don’t count.

Likely to work (still confirm in Availability):

• Shore Solar & Storage LLC (adds a distinctive service term)
• Maple & Main Coffee Roasters LLC (adds a specific industry noun)
• Pine Street Kitchen Group LLC (adds a distinctive modifier)

Won’t work (NJ treats these as the same name):

• Punctuation/spacing tweaks: “A.B.C.” vs “ABC”
• Singular vs. plural: “Boat” vs “Boats”
• Swapping designators: “Inc.” vs “LLC”
• Minor misspelling/phonetic: “Kwick” vs “Quick”

Where the “experience” content belongs: This is the best spot in all “business search” articles to add practical examples and naming do’s/don’ts—immediately after the results table and before the Availability check—so readers can refine the idea before they test it.

Confirm with the Name Availability tool

Click Business Name Availability and enter the name exactly as you plan to file it (e.g., “Shore Solar”).

• If it returns Available!, save a screenshot and proceed.
• If it’s Not available, add a unique, descriptive word (industry/geography/brand) and check again. Repeat until it passes.

For a broader walkthrough, see our step-by-step guide to checking LLC name availability.

Next actions: order records or reserve the name

If a bank, vendor, or landlord needs proof before or after filing, order documents from the Business Records Service using the Entity name or Entity Id on the order forms:

Status Report (fast snapshot).
Shows current status, last reports, and key data (like registered agent). It’s inexpensive and quick. Use it when a party wants a summary rather than a certified document.

Standing Certificate (certified proof).
Shows legal standing (good standing/active). Banks and larger vendors typically ask for this certified document. Note that electronic updates may not appear on certificate screens until the next business-day morning—plan timing accordingly.

Certified copies.
When a third party asks for the filed formation, amendments, or other filed documents, order them from the same service pages using the name/ID.

Not ready to form? Reserve it.
If you’re not filing business registration today, reserve the name so no one else can grab it while you finalize details.

Read NJ Search Results Correctly (What the List Shows vs. What It Doesn’t)

Before you run filings, use the New Jersey business search results as a quick index, not a dossier. The table shows Business Name, Entity ID, City, Type, and Incorporated Date so you can spot confusingly similar names. It doesn’t show status or a full profile—get those via Status Report or Standing Certificate in the Business Records Service.

What You Can Read from The Search Table (free index)

Think of the results list as a quick-signal index, not a profile. It gives just enough to judge conflict risk—name, type, city, and age—so you can refine your query or proceed to the availability check and documents. Use it to spot look-alikes fast, then move on.

Where to get Status/Agent/Officers (not in the list)

Those details don’t live in the search table. Pull them from the Business Records Service: a Status Report for a quick snapshot, or a certified Standing Certificate for bank-ready proof. Timing matters—electronic filings can take until the next business morning to appear on certificate screens.

• Status Report (paid): shows status (Active/Revoked/Void/etc.), last reports, registered agent/office. “Allow two business days for electronic filings to be reflected.”
• Standing Certificate (paid, certified): bank-ready proof of good standing. Certificate screens reflect electronic updates by 10:00 AM next business day; fees depend on entity type.

Domestic vs. foreign; where the dates live

In a New Jersey business search, domestic means formed under New Jersey law; foreign means formed elsewhere and later authorized to do business in New Jersey. The results list is only an index—it does not display formation or authority dates. To verify timelines, open a Status Report for a quick snapshot or order a Certificate of Standing for certified details; you’ll also encounter month/year prompts inside Annual Reports & Change Services (e.g., reinstatement). For domestic entities, record the formation (filed) date. For foreign entities, confirm both the home jurisdiction and the New Jersey authority date—that pairing is what banks and vendors usually check.

Status meanings (applies to Status Report/Standing—not the list view)

Status appears on documents, not search results. Read it to know whether you’re bank-ready (“Active/In Good Standing”) or need to fix gaps (“Revoked/Void,” often from missed annual reports or tax issues). If you just filed, wait for the system refresh before ordering proof so your changes are reflected.

• Active / In Good Standing: filings are current; you can order a Standing Certificate.
• Revoked / Voided: often tied to missed annual reports and/or tax issues; reinstatement starts in the online service (begins with filing the annual report).

Timing tip: If you just filed something electronically, wait for the system refresh (Status Report: up to 2 business days; Standing: about 10:00 AM next business day) before ordering proof, so the current change is reflected. For the broader end-to-end approval timeline for forming an NJ LLC, see this quick guide.

Registered agent & registered office

Every business entity in New Jersey must maintain a registered agent and registered office on the public record. For a plain-English explainer, see what a registered agent is and does. You can change either one inside the Annual Reports & Change Services flow (same portal used for annual reports, reinstatements, and closures). The state lists the agent/office change fee as $25; if you make the change within an annual report or reinstatement, there’s no extra portal fee, while a stand-alone change carries the $25 statutory fee plus a small online service fee ($3 credit card / $1 eCheck). Paper/legacy forms and the amendment guidance also show the $25 agent-change fee across entity types.

If you need a commercial agent, compare the best registered agents in New Jersey before you file or switch, so you’re available for service without exposing a home address.

What to open first (documents, not profiles)

Because the search results list doesn’t open a full profile, jump straight to the document you need. This table keeps it simple:

Pro tip (accurate for today’s UI): Use the results table as an index and refine with wildcards or extra descriptors (e.g., Maple%Main%Coffee). If you need clusters, switch to Business Entity Lists (Registered Agent, Principal, Associated Name). Entity ID searches are exact-match—ideal when a lender or attorney gives you the number.

Pro Tips & Advanced Lookups

Use these quick, high-signal techniques to squeeze more value from the state database before you file anything. They help you spot conflicts, map an agent’s entire client list, and pull the exact records third parties ask for—all within the Division of Revenue & Enterprise Services’ portal.

Search by Registered Agent or Principal Name via Business Entity Lists

From the Business Records Service, open Business Entity Lists. Choose a search type like Registered Agent or Principal Name (officer/director, manager, managing member), then select a date range or leave it open to see all companies tied to that person/firm. You can also query by Associated Name (alternate/fictitious names) to catch including DBA usage. This is the fastest way to view every business entity an agent represents or a principal controls, so you can check for confusing similarity across existing filings—before registering or ordering certificates.

Order status reports and standing certificates online

Need proof for a bank or vendor? Order a $5 Status Report (quick snapshot of status, officers/members, last reports filed) or a certified Standing Certificate. Fees: $25 for corporate/LP standing; LLC/LLP short form $50 / long form $100; the small online convenience fee applies to status reports. The system notes that electronic filings reflect by 10:00 AM the next business day on the certificate screens. You can validate certificates directly on the site.

Name Rules & Reservation

Before you file anything, make sure your proposed business name meets New Jersey’s distinguishability rules and that you’re using the right option—legal name, alternate name (entity-level), or county trade name (sole prop/partnership). The steps below help you pass the entity search, avoid conflicts with existing companies, and lock your name for up to 120 days.

Distinguishability standard

New Jersey requires a public business entity name that’s distinguishable on the state database. Minor tweaks don’t count—changing punctuation, capitalization, spacing, plural/singular, swapping an LLC/Inc. designator, or a simple misspelling will not make a name different. Run an entity search first, then adjust with a unique word if your name is too close to one already filed. For truly restricted words (like “Bank” or “University”), NJ directs you to handle them via the Corporate Filing team rather than the automated checker.

Helpful sources: Official “Check Business Name Availability” and the administrative code defining “distinguishable.”

Name reservation window

If your search looks clear—but you’re not registering yet—reserve it. New Jersey’s UNRR-1 makes the reservation effective for 120 days; you can renew it in another 120-day block with UNRR-3. Statutes for corporations (14A:2-3) and LLCs (42:2C-10) both reflect the 120-day period. The current state form lists a $50 fee per reservation type (corporation, nonprofit, LP, LLC, LLP). You can submit by mail or use the state portal; renewals are allowed.

Mini-map: Reserve your name:

1. Confirm availability in the Name Availability Look-Up.
2. Request UNRR-1 (reservation) if you need more time before formation.
3. If the 120 days will lapse, file UNRR-3 (renewal) in the last 30 days.
4. When ready, proceed to business registration (formation filing).

Alternate names vs county trade names

Pick the right naming path for your situation. Entities (LLC/corp/LP) can register an alternate name with the state for statewide use, while sole props/general partnerships record county-level trade names with the clerk. Choose based on your entity type and where you need recognition.

• Alternate name (a/k/a “doing business as” for entities): Available to corporations, LLCs and LPs only—filed with the Division of Revenue & Enterprise Services. It links a secondary name to the entity for banking, advertising and other commercial uses. The state notes alternate names are registered for five years and can be renewed; fees apply and some transactions are available online. Distinguishability rules for the entity name don’t govern your alternate name choice, but you should still avoid confusion with existing companies and marks.
• Trade name (county DBA): For individual sole proprietors and general partnerships; file at the county clerk where you operate. Protection is county-level only and it does not equal state registration of a business entity. Always check county instructions.

Check Licenses & Permits

The entity search shows name and filing records, not your operating approvals. To stay compliant (and bank-ready), you’ll need to search state licensing portals and, in some cases, your city or county for local permits. If you’re budgeting the process, here’s a complete breakdown of New Jersey LLC costs(formation + annual fees).

Professional/occupational license verification

Use New Jersey’s Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA) License Verification. It’s a real-time database where you select a profession, then search by person or company name to confirm status (Active/Expired), license number, and any public actions. If the profession is licensed at DCA, this is the authoritative result you show to banks, landlords, or for bids.

If you’re unsure which board regulates your field, start with Business.NJ.gov’s Licensing & Certification Guide (it routes you to the correct state service or board), then verify at DCA. You can also check an application’s progress directly from DCA’s Licensing Services page.

How to verify (fast path):

1. Open DCA License Verification
2. Choose “Person” or “Business” search
3. Enter name
4. Confirm status, expiration, and board
5. Save/print the record for your compliance file.

Regulated industries lookups

Some activities need special state approvals beyond business registration. Use these high-signal portals first:

• Environmental permits (NJDEP): Air, water, waste, underground storage, and more. Start at NJDEP’s Permits, Applications & Registrations hub to find the right application and agency information.
• Alcohol (NJ ABC): Retail and manufacturing licenses are state-regulated and often administered locally. Use the ABC Online system and public resources (e.g., downloadable licensee lists) to check current status; municipalities (clerks/ABC boards) publish local licensing details and renewal steps.
• Building permits & inspections: If you’re fitting out space, Business.NJ.gov’s page walks you through when permits are required and how to file locally.
• Local licenses & zoning: Many approvals are issued by your city/county (e.g., signage, retail, food). The SBA explains how local licensing works—and why you must verify with your municipality.

After the Search: File & Stay Compliant

Your entity search tells you what’s taken and what’s possible. Now lock in the right filings so your jersey business stays in good standing, passes bank checks, and avoids avoidable delays. Reserve the name if you need time, form or foreign-register, get an EIN, complete NJ-REG to obtain your BRC, calendar your Annual Report month, and keep Status/Standing docs updated after any change so vendors and banks always see a clean record. (If you prefer guided help with formation, compare LLC services in New Jersey).

Register for taxes with NJ-REG & get your BRC

After you file formation or foreign registration, complete state tax registration using NJ-REG. This issues your Business Registration Certificate (BRC)—often required for public bids, vendor onboarding, and some commercial leases. If you need an EIN first, apply with the IRS online (free), if you need to research another business’s tax ID for due diligence, use this EIN lookup guide. Keep copies of the NJ-REG confirmation and BRC in your compliance record; many third parties will request them alongside a Status Report or Standing Certificate.

Annual Report, agent changes & the due-date rule

New Jersey requires an Annual Report every year for each business entity (corporations/LLCs, nonprofits, LPs/LLPs). The due date tracks your formation/authorization month; file in that month to keep status active. You can also change your registered agent/registered office in the same online service (agent change fee is $25) or via a separate change filing. If you miss two consecutive annual reports, your company risks being voided/revoked—meaning you’ll need to catch up filings (and sometimes tax clearance) before reinstatement.
External refs: see the NJ Division of Revenue & Enterprise Services Annual Report page (state.nj.us) and Business Records Service for ordering proof documents.