North Dakota Business Search: Name Availability & Records

How to Search North Dakota Businesses Online

FirstStop is North Dakota’s official portal to check name availability, verify an existing company, and order records in one place. The steps below show exactly which search filters to use, how to read Status vs. Standing in the results, and when to run the state trademark search so you don’t miss a hidden conflict. Follow the flow and you’ll finish with a clear answer, pass or conflict, plus the fastest next move: reserve the name, form/register, or order a Certificate of Good Standing.

Open the FirstStop Business Search

Go to Business → Search in FirstStop. Click Advanced under the search bar and choose how you want results returned:

• Contains to run a broad sweep and catch near-matches.
• Starts with to narrow to names that begin with your phrase.
• Leave Active entities only unchecked when clearing a name (inactive/revoked names and trade names can still block filings).
  These controls determine how many potential conflicts you see—start broad, then tighten.

Enter Name or System ID and Refine Results

Type only the core word(s) of your brand—skip “LLC,” “Inc.,” punctuation, and extra descriptors. Run a broad pass with Contains, then a tighter pass with Starts with. If you see collisions, change words that alter meaning; spacing, punctuation, and capitalization rarely make a name distinguishable.

Fresh examples (what works vs. what doesn’t) — using “American Prairie” as the idea:

• Works: “American Prairie Analytics LLC,” “American Prairie Outfitters LLC” (passes if there’s no confusingly similar entity or trade name using the same second word).
• Likely conflict: “American Prairie Construction LLC” (too close to “AMERICAN PRAIRIE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY”).
• Still risky: “AmericanPrairie LLC” (spacing/compound styling usually isn’t enough).
• Needs prior approval: “American Prairie Trust LLC” (restricted word “trust”).

Read The Results Grid, Then Open the slide-out profile

In the results table, scan Form Info (type; Domestic vs Foreign), SOS Control ID, Status (active/terminated/withdrawn/revoked), Standing (Good vs Not Good Standing), and Filing Date. Trade name rows can also block availability—review those, too.

Click the chevron to open the entity’s profile. You’ll see Status and Standing (sometimes split as AR/RA/Other), registered agent, principal/mailing addresses, and AR Due Date, plus a Request Certificate button for ordering a Certificate of Good Standing.

Confirm Availability with Business Search and Trademark Search (Optional Name Reservation)

Do a two-step clearance before you commit. First, run Business Search using your base words (e.g., “American Prairie”) with Contains, then rerun with Starts with to surface tighter collisions. Treat inactive/revoked entities and trade names as potential blockers—spacing, punctuation, or capitalization changes rarely make a name distinguishable. Second, open the FirstStop Trademark Search and look for identical or confusingly similar state marks.

Example — “American Prairie”:

If results include:

• AMERICAN PRAIRIE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY (Inactive – Voluntary, Good Standing), and
• AMERICAN PRAIRIE FOUNDATION (Active, Good Standing)

A candidate like American Prairie Construction LLC would be too close. A name such as American Prairie Outfitters LLC may be acceptable only if no similar “American Prairie + [word]” entries or trade names exist. When in doubt, add a meaning-changing modifier (Analytics, Supply, Outfitters) and re-check both searches.

If you need time to prepare filings, file a Reserved Name Application in FirstStop (fee $10, reservation up to 12 months, renewable). Selling nationally? Add a federal check in USPTO TESS for extra protection.

Choose Next Action: Order Records or File/Reserve

Vendor/banking due diligence: Open the entity’s slide-out and click Request Certificate to order a Certificate of Good Standing ($20) or to request certified/plain copies of filed documents—issued directly by the North Dakota Secretary of State inside FirstStop.

Form your company or lock the name: From the same portal, go to Business → Forms to form/register an LLC or corporation, file amendments, or reserve the name. If your clearance in Step 4 revealed close hits, either refine the wording and re-search, obtain a Consent to Use Business Name, or consult counsel before proceeding.

Read North Dakota Search Results Correctly

A clean search is only half the job, you also need to interpret what the business records actually say. Here’s how to read statuses, understand domestic vs. foreign business entity types, confirm the registered agent/office, and decide which filings to open first for faster decisions.

Status and Standing Meanings

In FirstStop you’ll see two different fields: Status and Standing.
Status reflects whether the entity is active or has been terminated/withdrawn/revoked. Standing reflects compliance. If an annual report isn’t filed on time, FirstStop switches the entity to Not Good Standing; if that past-due report isn’t cured, the Secretary of State typically involuntarily terminates or revokes the registration within 6–12 months from when Not Good Standing began. When you need bank-ready proof that an entity is compliant, order a Certificate of Good Standing right in FirstStop (fee $20). Always confirm Standing before you file, sign a contract, or place an order.

Status vs. Standing (FirstStop)

Domestic vs Foreign and Authority Date

Domestic means the entity was formed under North Dakota law; Foreign means it was formed elsewhere and then registered to operate in North Dakota. Out-of-state LLCs must first obtain a Certificate of Authority to transact business here; in FirstStop, a foreign record will show its state of formation plus a North Dakota registration/authority date that corresponds to that filing. When you’re validating a foreign company’s right to operate, open the profile and confirm the authority/registration date is present, Standing is Good Standing, and a North Dakota registered agent is on file.

Registered Agent and Registered Office

Every entity must maintain a registered agent and North Dakota address for service of process. A company cannot serve as its own agent; an individual at the company may serve if they reside in ND. The SOS recognizes commercial and noncommercial agents, with address rules that show up inside the public records you view. If the agent’s information looks outdated in search results, expect notices or potential status issues.

If you prefer a professional agent, compare North Dakota registered agents.

Which Filings to Open First

Start by opening the entity’s profile in FirstStop, then review the most recent Annual Report for current officers/managers (public filings list managers/directors, not necessarily owners). Next, check the Registered Agent/Office Change to confirm where legal notices go today, and, if a bank or vendor is asking for proof, request a Certificate of Good Standing from the same record. This sequence gives you the fastest, high-confidence read on who runs the company, where service goes, and whether the entity is in good standing, all without leaving the portal.  

Pro Tips & Advanced Lookups

Once you’ve run a basic business search, a few pro moves can save time and sharpen your results. These tips focus on exact identifiers, state trademarks, and official certificates—straight from the secretary of state.

Precision Lookups with System ID

If you already know an entity’s unique System ID, you can skip guesswork and jump to the exact business entity record. North Dakota’s official Archived Business Records Search explicitly supports queries by Entity Name or System ID, handy for legacy lookups and for copying the ID for your notes.

FirstStop is the current public portal for active business records and filings. Use it for most searches and filings; reach for the archived search only when you need that System ID input or historic context.

Search State Trademarks in FirstStop

Before you register a business name or file any form, run a state-level trademark search in FirstStop to catch conflicts that won’t show up in the entity database alone. North Dakota provides a dedicated Trademark Search next to the Business Search. For national protection (and to reduce legal risk), run a federal search via the USPTO’s public trademark search system.

Request Good Standing and Certified Copies Online

If a bank, vendor, or licensing agency asks for proof, request a Certificate of Good Standing right in FirstStop—the public fee is $20 and the state’s page explains the process. For other certifications (like apostilles for overseas use), the SOS details requirements and fees ($10 per authentication plus $5 per record search).

When lenders also request a federal tax ID, here’s how to find a company’s EIN.

Name Rules and Reservation

Before you register a business in north dakota, make sure your name meets state rules and that you properly reserve it if you’re not filing today. The secretary of state enforces distinguishability, designator, and restricted-word requirements—and lets you hold a name for up to 12 months via the FirstStop portal.

Basic Naming Requirements

Before you file in FirstStop, make sure your name passes North Dakota’s core rules: it must be distinguishable in SOS records, use the correct entity designator, avoid restricted words without approval, and have a clear path if a conflict pops up. The quick table below shows what to check and how to pass it.

For inspiration that follows common rules, browse our LLC name examples.

Reserve a Name (Up to 12 Months for $10)

You can reserve an available name in FirstStop for up to 12 months, with the option to renew in successive 12-month periods; the fee is $10. A reservation simply holds the name while you finalize formation or authority paperwork—it doesn’t authorize you to transact business. To avoid rework, clear conflicts first by running a FirstStop business-name search and the state Trademark Search before you submit the reservation.

Check Licenses and Permits

Even after your business registration is approved by the secretary of state, many north dakota businesses still need tax permits, employer coverage, or industry licenses. Use the checklist below to stay compliant and maintain good standing. (All steps link to the official agency pages). If you’re unsure about the difference between entity registration and local/state permits, see LLC vs business license.

State Tax Permits (sales & use tax)

Most business entities selling taxable goods/services must register for a North Dakota Sales & Use Tax permit through ND TAP (Taxpayer Access Point). You apply online; the Tax Commissioner’s page links directly to the TAP application and explains Streamlined Sales Tax if you sell in multiple states.

Workers’ Compensation (before hiring your first employee)

North Dakota requires employers (with limited exceptions) to secure workers’ comp coverage with Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) before employees begin working. WSI’s coverage page states the mandate and where to contact Policyholder Services.

Unemployment Insurance (within 20 days)

After you hire, register for unemployment insurance tax with Job Service North Dakota via the UI EASY system. The state notes employers must register within 20 days of first employing workers. If you prefer to offload payroll, tax filings, and HR compliance, compare North Dakota PEO companies.  

Industry & Professional Licensing (contractors, food, healthcare, and more)

Some activities require a professional or sector license in addition to your SOS registration. Use this section to jump to the right agency—for example, contractors apply through the SOS in FirstStop, food businesses work with ND Health & Human Services (and local health departments), and many occupations are overseen by state boards listed in the ND Boards directory.

• Contractors: Apply for a contractor license with the SOS in FirstStop; the official page shows steps and required documents (e.g., certificate of liability insurance).
• Food businesses: ND Health & Human Services requires plan review and a Food Establishment License; see “Start a Food Business” and the current license application (SFN 19382). Local public-health departments (e.g., Bismarck/Burleigh) also license restaurants and mobile food units.
• Professional boards: Many occupations (e.g., engineering, nursing) are regulated by state boards. Use the ND Boards directory to find the correct licensing agency.

City & County Permits (don’t skip local rules)

Local jurisdictions may require additional permits (signage, zoning, temporary food events, etc.). Example: Bismarck requires a temporary food establishment license and fee before events. Check your city/county website. For a quick benchmark, review typical business license costs by state.

Quick reference table

For quick tip: keep copies of your business records (filings, permits, certificates) in one cloud folder. When a bank, vendor, or the bank of north Dakota program asks for proof, you can provide documents quickly.

After the Search: Annual Report and Compliance

You ran the business search and confirmed the name. Next, keep your business entity compliant: file the annual report on time, keep addresses and agents current, and order proof of business registration when needed. FirstStop is the central online portal for all of this under the secretary of state. (Ready to file? Follow our North Dakota LLC formation guide).

File the Annual Report (Key Deadlines)

Most businesses file online in FirstStop. ND SOS lists exact due dates by entity type; miss one and you’ll incur a late fee and risk “Not Good Standing.”

Amend, Reinstate, or Update Registered Agent or Address

If you miss an annual report, FirstStop will show “Not Good Standing.” You have 1 year to fix it by filing the past-due report; if you don’t, the entity is involuntarily dissolved (or a foreign entity’s North Dakota authority is revoked). Reinstatement within that 1-year window is straightforward once the overdue report and fees are filed. After 1 year, reinstatement generally requires a court order under the Century Code. In practice, the fastest path is: file the overdue annual report in FirstStop, make any needed Registered Agent/Office update, then submit the reinstatement request.

Keep your addresses current the same way. You can update the principal executive office or mailing address directly in FirstStop (via the “Address Change of Principal Executive Office” workflow) or during your next annual report. Doing the address change before you reinstate avoids bounced notices and speeds approvals.

North Dakota also requires you to maintain a registered agent with a physical in-state street address (no P.O. boxes). If your agent resigns or changes, appoint/record the new agent in FirstStop; the Registered Agent/Office Statement of Change is a $10 filing. An agent’s resignation takes effect after 31 days unless you appoint a successor earlier, so don’t leave the slot vacant—service of process must always have a valid destination.

Need a quick assist? You can book a virtual or in-person slot with the SOS Business Services team or call (701) 328-2900; all of the above filings are done inside the FirstStop portal.

Obtain a Good Standing Certificate

When a lender or vendor asks for proof, request a Certificate of Good Standing inside FirstStop; the public fee is $20. You can also request a Certificate of Fact via SOS contact.

For quick tip: programs at the bank of north Dakota and private lenders often request proof of good standing during underwriting, ordering it before a loan meeting can save time and speed decisions. (Confirm exact documentation with the agency or lender.)