{"id":27865,"date":"2023-08-03T18:44:30","date_gmt":"2023-08-03T18:44:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/?page_id=27865"},"modified":"2023-08-03T19:15:05","modified_gmt":"2023-08-03T19:15:05","slug":"business-entitity-search","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/","title":{"rendered":"Conducting a United States Business Entity Search"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Are you planning to start a business with a super clever business name? Well, I doubt you\u2019ll ever top Lord of the Wings, but you can try. Whether you\u2019ve thought up something fire or you\u2019re just gonna go with Bob\u2019s Plumbing Service or something equally boring, you\u2019ll need to run a business name search first.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Running a search before reserving your business name will safeguard your company from a lot of legal issues in the future. In this article we\u2019ll discuss everything you need to know about running a business entity search in every state, and what to expect.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To skip to how you can run a business name search in your state, <a href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#Business_Entity_Search_by_State\">click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_69_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #212121;color:#212121\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #212121;color:#212121\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#Why_It_Matters_If_Your_Business_Name_Is_Taken\" title=\"Why It Matters If Your Business Name Is Taken&nbsp;\">Why It Matters If Your Business Name Is Taken&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#Types_of_Business_Name_Searches_You_Should_Do\" title=\"Types of Business Name Searches You Should Do\">Types of Business Name Searches You Should Do<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#Quick_Screening_Search\" title=\"Quick Screening Search\">Quick Screening Search<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#Fictitious_Name_Databases\" title=\"Fictitious Name Databases\">Fictitious Name Databases<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#Sole_Proprietorships\" title=\"Sole Proprietorships\">Sole Proprietorships<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#Corporation_LLC_or_Limited_Partnership_Name_Databases\" title=\"Corporation, LLC, or Limited Partnership Name Databases\">Corporation, LLC, or Limited Partnership Name Databases<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#Registered_Trademark_Search\" title=\"Registered Trademark Search\">Registered Trademark Search<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#Use_the_Free_Trademark_Database_on_the_USPTOs_Website\" title=\"Use the Free Trademark Database on the USPTO\u2019s Website\">Use the Free Trademark Database on the USPTO\u2019s Website<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#Check_State_Trademark_Databases\" title=\"Check State Trademark Databases\">Check State Trademark Databases<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#Business_Entity_Search_by_State\" title=\"Business Entity Search by State\">Business Entity Search by State<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#1_Alabama\" title=\"1. Alabama\">1. Alabama<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#2_Alaska\" title=\"2. Alaska\">2. Alaska<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#3_Arizona\" title=\"3. Arizona\">3. Arizona<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#4_Arkansas\" title=\"4. Arkansas\">4. Arkansas<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#5_California\" title=\"5. California\">5. California<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#6_Colorado\" title=\"6. Colorado\">6. Colorado<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#7_Connecticut\" title=\"7. Connecticut\">7. Connecticut<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#8_Delaware\" title=\"8. Delaware\">8. Delaware<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#9_District_of_Columbia\" title=\"9. District of Columbia\">9. District of Columbia<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#10_Florida\" title=\"10. Florida&nbsp;\">10. Florida&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#11_Georgia\" title=\"11. Georgia\">11. Georgia<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#12_Hawaii\" title=\"12. Hawaii\">12. Hawaii<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#13_Idaho\" title=\"13. Idaho&nbsp;\">13. Idaho&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#14_Illinois\" title=\"14. Illinois\">14. Illinois<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#15_Indiana\" title=\"15. Indiana\">15. Indiana<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#16_Iowa\" title=\"16. Iowa\">16. Iowa<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#17_Kansas\" title=\"17. Kansas\">17. Kansas<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#18_Kentucky\" title=\"18. Kentucky\">18. Kentucky<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#19_Louisiana\" title=\"19. Louisiana\">19. Louisiana<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#20_Maine\" title=\"20. Maine\">20. Maine<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#21_Maryland\" title=\"21. Maryland\">21. Maryland<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#22_Massachusetts\" title=\"22. Massachusetts\">22. Massachusetts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#23_Michigan\" title=\"23. Michigan\">23. Michigan<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#24_Minnesota\" title=\"24. Minnesota\">24. Minnesota<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#25_Mississippi\" title=\"25. Mississippi&nbsp;\">25. Mississippi&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#26_Missouri\" title=\"26. Missouri&nbsp;\">26. Missouri&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#27_Montana\" title=\"27. Montana\">27. Montana<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#28_Nebraska\" title=\"28. Nebraska\">28. Nebraska<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-39\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#29_Nevada\" title=\"29. Nevada\">29. Nevada<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-40\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#30_New_Hampshire\" title=\"30. New Hampshire\">30. New Hampshire<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-41\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#31_New_Jersey\" title=\"31. New Jersey\">31. New Jersey<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-42\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#32_New_Mexico\" title=\"32. New Mexico&nbsp;\">32. New Mexico&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-43\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#33_New_York\" title=\"33. New York&nbsp;\">33. New York&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-44\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#34_North_Carolina\" title=\"34. North Carolina\">34. North Carolina<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-45\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#35_North_Dakota\" title=\"35. North Dakota&nbsp;\">35. North Dakota&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-46\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#36_Ohio\" title=\"36. Ohio\">36. Ohio<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-47\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#37_Oklahoma\" title=\"37. Oklahoma\">37. Oklahoma<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-48\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#38_Oregon\" title=\"38. Oregon&nbsp;\">38. Oregon&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-49\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#39_Pennsylvania\" title=\"39. Pennsylvania\">39. Pennsylvania<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-50\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#40_Rhode_Island\" title=\"40. Rhode Island\">40. Rhode Island<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-51\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#41_South_Carolina\" title=\"41. South Carolina&nbsp;\">41. South Carolina&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-52\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#42_South_Dakota\" title=\"42. South Dakota&nbsp;\">42. South Dakota&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-53\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#43_Tennessee\" title=\"43. Tennessee\">43. Tennessee<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-54\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#44_Texas\" title=\"44. Texas\">44. Texas<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-55\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#45_Utah\" title=\"45. Utah&nbsp;\">45. Utah&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-56\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#46_Vermont\" title=\"46. Vermont&nbsp;\">46. Vermont&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-57\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#47_Virginia\" title=\"47. Virginia&nbsp;\">47. Virginia&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-58\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#48_Washington\" title=\"48. Washington&nbsp;\">48. Washington&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-59\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#49_West_Virginia\" title=\"49. West Virginia&nbsp;\">49. West Virginia&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-60\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#50_Wisconsin\" title=\"50. Wisconsin&nbsp;\">50. Wisconsin&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-61\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#51_Wyoming\" title=\"51. Wyoming&nbsp;\">51. Wyoming&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-62\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_It_Matters_If_Your_Business_Name_Is_Taken\"><\/span>Why It Matters If Your Business Name Is Taken&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you choose the same name as another company, or one that\u2019s too similar, you could be committing \u201ctrademark infringement\u201d or creating \u201cunfair competition.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not to mention, it would be incredibly confusing to your customers, as well as customers of the other business. It\u2019s generally not good practice to create a business that your customers aren\u2019t sure how to reach.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the other business were to sue your company, you could be forced to not only pay them damages, but also change your business name. To avoid this and other trademark law violations, do some research to ensure an identical or similar business name isn\u2019t already in use.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Types_of_Business_Name_Searches_You_Should_Do\"><\/span>Types of Business Name Searches You Should Do<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s no one-stop shop to search for any potentially similar business entity names. This is mostly because it\u2019s legal for a business to claim a trademark on a business name just by using it, which is what many businesses do. And in light of that fact, it\u2019s nearly impossible to create one central database to perform business entity name searches.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, you\u2019ll need to search a few different databases and websites to make sure you\u2019re not going to encounter future legal issues with your business name. Here\u2019s the best way to thoroughly search your chosen entity name.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quick_Screening_Search\"><\/span>Quick Screening Search<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A good way to weed out some of the company name options on your list (and you definitely should have a few for backups!), is to pop the name into a search engine, like Google. This is a quick and easy way to find out whether another business has been using that particular business name.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re starting a tire-changing business and want to use the name \u201cTread Ahead,\u201d type that name into the search bar. If the search results reveal that another automotive company is using the name \u201cA Tread Ahead,\u201d then it\u2019s a good idea to cross that one off your list.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you\u2019re running this quick screening search, you\u2019ll want to check social media handles and channels to see if someone already has your business name listed. It\u2019s also a smart move to do a domain name search.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While your social media and domain names aren\u2019t your business name, if you want unification in your business name presentation across all platforms and in advertising, and someone is already using your business name on social media or as a domain name, then you\u2019ll have to get creative \u2014 or even think up another business name.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to run this screen before you lock in your business name.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fictitious_Name_Databases\"><\/span>Fictitious Name Databases<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A fictitious name is a name that you use for your business that differs from its legally registered business name. It\u2019s also referred to as a \u201cDoing Business As (DBA) name,\u201d \u201cassumed business name,\u201d or \u201ctrade name.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Business entities that are legally established with the state government (like limited liability companies or corporations) sometimes use fictitious business names if they use a business name that\u2019s different from the one they officially registered for the company.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, if a company is officially registered as \u201cMoneybag Enterprises,\u201d but it does business as \u201cThe Moneybag Company,\u201d then it would need to register the latter as a fictitious business name.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fictitious business names must typically be registered with the local, county, or state government, and will show up only if you search for fictitious names. If you discover that your chosen name is being used as a fictitious name, you should choose another name.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To find out if another business entity is using a fictitious name that\u2019s similar to yours, check the county clerk\u2019s office or website. This will tell you if this particular fictitious name is currently in use in your county. Not every state lists fictitious business names, and some states don\u2019t even keep records of them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sole_Proprietorships\"><\/span>Sole Proprietorships<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In many instances, sole proprietors use their own names for their business names. So, if John Smith owns a sole proprietorship, it would likely be listed under \u201cJohn Smith.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If there are more people in your state with the same name listed as their business name, you may want to use a different business name because it could confuse other businesses, the state government, and your customers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, if the sole proprietor uses a business name other than their legal name, it would be a fictitious name. In this instance, if John Smith owns a business called \u201cSmith\u2019s Home Goods,\u201d then it would be registered as a fictitious business name.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Corporation_LLC_or_Limited_Partnership_Name_Databases\"><\/span>Corporation, LLC, or Limited Partnership Name Databases<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re establishing a limited liability company, corporation, or limited partnership, you need to ensure that the business name you\u2019ve chosen isn\u2019t already being used by another local limited liability company, corporation, or limited partnership.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To search through the names of business entities in your state, you need to navigate your way over to the governing authority in your state, probably the Secretary of State\u2019s website, and then conduct a business entity search. We\u2019ll go into this in much more detail later and explain everything you need to know about how to run a business entity search in your state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Registered_Trademark_Search\"><\/span>Registered Trademark Search<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Every new business entity should run a search of the federal trademark database through the USPTO (US Patent and Trademark Office) to find out if there are trademarks on their business name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Using a federally registered trademark name could leave you liable for \u201cwillful infringement\u201d if the owner of the trademark sues your company. Willful infringement means you knew there was a trademark and violated it anyway.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The law is clear that you can be sued for willful infringement even if you don\u2019t search the trademark database, and you definitely don\u2019t want to deal with this type of lawsuit. If you\u2019re sued for willful infringement, your penalties will cost more than other trademark violations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s how to avoid it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Use_the_Free_Trademark_Database_on_the_USPTOs_Website\"><\/span>Use the Free Trademark Database on the USPTO\u2019s Website<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s easy to search for trademarks on business names using the <a href=\"https:\/\/tmsearch.uspto.gov\/bin\/gate.exe?f=tess&state=4802:82pkgv.1.1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS)<\/a> on the USPTO\u2019s website. Choose the \u201cBasic Word Mark Search\u201d option, enter your chosen business name, and comb through the search results.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Check_State_Trademark_Databases\"><\/span>Check State Trademark Databases<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Not only are there federal trademarks, but you also have state trademarks to contend with, which means it\u2019s a good idea to check your state government\u2019s website for trademarks.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll usually find this database on the Secretary of State\u2019s website, although in some places the state trademark register is a whole department unto itself. To find out how your state handles trademarks, check with the Corporations Division or Secretary of State.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Business_Entity_Search_by_State\"><\/span>Business Entity Search by State<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a comprehensive guide to running a business entity search in every state. After all, if you're a big business that plans to expand to multiple states, you\u2019ll likely need to know how to run these searches in more than one state!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just in case you run into trouble along the way, we\u2019ve added the websites for the appropriate government agency to the top of each listing so that you can easily contact them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Alabama\"><\/span>1. Alabama<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Alabama visit the Alabama Secretary of State<a href=\"https:\/\/arc-sos.state.al.us\/CGI\/CORPNAME.MBR\/INPUT\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Note that Alabama is the only state that requires you to file a name reservation before you officially form your business. You can file your name reservation with the Secretary of State <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alabamainteractive.org\/sos\/introduction_input.action\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Alaska\"><\/span>2. Alaska<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Alaska, visit the Alaska Secretary of State Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.commerce.alaska.gov\/cbp\/main\/search\/entities\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Arizona\"><\/span>3. Arizona<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Arizona, visit the Arizona Corporation Commission <a href=\"https:\/\/ecorp.azcc.gov\/EntitySearch\/Index\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Arkansas\"><\/span>4. Arkansas<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Secretary of State <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ark.org\/corp-search\/index.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here.<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A handy Name Availability Guidelines link is at the top of the business name search, which you can find <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sos.arkansas.gov\/uploads\/bcs\/BCS_Name_Availability_Guidelines.7__.28__.21__.final__%281%29_.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_California\"><\/span>5. California<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in California, visit the California Secretary of State Business Programs Division <a href=\"https:\/\/bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov\/search\/business\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>California limits searches to 500 results and considers this an informal search. For a formal business name search, submit a paper Name Availability Inquiry Letter by mail, which you can find <a href=\"https:\/\/bpd.cdn.sos.ca.gov\/corp\/pdf\/naavinquiryform.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Colorado\"><\/span>6. Colorado<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Colorado visit the Colorado Secretary of State <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sos.state.co.us\/biz\/BusinessEntityCriteriaExt.do?resetTransTyp=Y\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here.<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Results are limited, so if your search produces too many results, you\u2019ll need to refine your search, narrowing it down by adding words or changing your search criteria.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Connecticut\"><\/span>7. Connecticut<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Connecticut, visit the Colorado Secretary of State Business Records Search page <a href=\"https:\/\/service.ct.gov\/business\/s\/onlinebusinesssearch?language=en_US\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Delaware\"><\/span>8. Delaware<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Delaware, visit the Delaware Secretary of State Division of Corporations <a href=\"https:\/\/icis.corp.delaware.gov\/Ecorp\/EntitySearch\/NameSearch.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The site notes that the results provided are current only at the time of the search. You can order a Certificate of Status from a registered agent <a href=\"https:\/\/corp.delaware.gov\/remoteagts-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_District_of_Columbia\"><\/span>9. District of Columbia<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in the District of Columbia, visit the Office of Secretary Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection <a href=\"https:\/\/corponline.dlcp.dc.gov\/Home.aspx\/Landing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Florida\"><\/span>10. Florida&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Florida, visit the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations <a href=\"http:\/\/search.sunbiz.org\/Inquiry\/CorporationSearch\/ByName\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_Georgia\"><\/span>11. Georgia<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Georgia, visit the Georgia Secretary of State Corporations Division <a href=\"https:\/\/ecorp.sos.ga.gov\/BusinessSearch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_Hawaii\"><\/span>12. Hawaii<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Hawaii, visit the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs <a href=\"https:\/\/www.northwestregisteredagent.com\/start-a-business\/secretary-of-state\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13_Idaho\"><\/span>13. Idaho&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Idaho, visit the Idaho Secretary of State <a href=\"https:\/\/sosbiz.idaho.gov\/search\/business\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"14_Illinois\"><\/span>14. Illinois<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Illinois, visit the Illinois Secretary of State <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.ilsos.gov\/businessentitysearch\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"15_Indiana\"><\/span>15. Indiana<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Indiana, visit the Indiana Secretary of State Business Services Division <a href=\"https:\/\/bsd.sos.in.gov\/publicbusinesssearch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"16_Iowa\"><\/span>16. Iowa<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Iowa, visit the Iowa Secretary of State <a href=\"https:\/\/sos.iowa.gov\/search\/business\/search.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.s.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"17_Kansas\"><\/span>17. Kansas<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Kansas, head over to the Kansas Secretary of State Business Entity Search Station (BESS) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kansas.gov\/bess\/flow\/main;jsessionid=4B608A859C06FE9CC0EFD39231C7FB3C.aptcs03-inst0?execution=e1s1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kansas doesn\u2019t keep track of DBA names, assumed names, trade names, fictitious names, or the names of sole proprietorships.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"18_Kentucky\"><\/span>18. Kentucky<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Kentucky, go to the Kentucky Secretary of State Business Entity Search site, which you can find <a href=\"https:\/\/web.sos.ky.gov\/bussearchnprofile\/search\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>..&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"19_Louisiana\"><\/span>19. Louisiana<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Louisiana, visit the Louisiana Secretary of State\u2019s business filings search <a href=\"https:\/\/coraweb.sos.la.gov\/CommercialSearch\/CommercialSearch.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The maximum number of search results is 250, so you may have to narrow your search by entering precise keywords or the whole business name.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"20_Maine\"><\/span>20. Maine<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Maine, visit the Maine Secretary of State Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commisions\u2019s Corporate Name Search page, <a href=\"https:\/\/apps1.web.maine.gov\/nei-sos-icrs\/ICRS?MainPage=x\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019re limited to 100 results, so add words or change them up to narrow your results a bit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"21_Maryland\"><\/span>21. Maryland<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Maryland, visit the Maryland Secretary of State Business Entity Search <a href=\"https:\/\/egov.maryland.gov\/businessexpress\/entitysearch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Secretary of State is warning people about a scam that\u2019s being perpetrated right now where businesses are getting registered with the state, and then are being told that they have to send out an additional payment for yet another filing fee to get their Certificate of Status, so watch out for that with your business filings!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"22_Massachusetts\"><\/span>22. Massachusetts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search a business name in Massachusetts, visit the Massachusetts Secretary of Commonwealth Corporations Division Business <a href=\"https:\/\/corp.sec.state.ma.us\/corpweb\/corpsearch\/CorpSearch.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"23_Michigan\"><\/span>23. Michigan<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Michigan, visit the Michigan Department of State Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs <a href=\"https:\/\/cofs.lara.state.mi.us\/SearchApi\/Search\/Search\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"24_Minnesota\"><\/span>24. Minnesota<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Minnesota, make your way over to the Minnesota Secretary of State Business & Liens page <a href=\"https:\/\/mblsportal.sos.state.mn.us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"25_Mississippi\"><\/span>25. Mississippi&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Mississippi, visit the Mississippi Secretary of State business search website <a href=\"https:\/\/corp.sos.ms.gov\/corp\/portal\/c\/page\/corpBusinessIdSearch\/portal.aspx?#clear=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"26_Missouri\"><\/span>26. Missouri&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Missouri, visit the Missouri Secretary of State business entity search site <a href=\"https:\/\/bsd.sos.mo.gov\/BusinessEntity\/BESearch.aspx?SearchType=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"27_Montana\"><\/span>27. Montana<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Montana, visit the Montana Secretary of State business search site <a href=\"https:\/\/biz.sosmt.gov\/search\/business\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"28_Nebraska\"><\/span>28. Nebraska<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Nebraska, go to the Nebraska Secretary of State Corporate & Business Search site <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nebraska.gov\/sos\/corp\/corpsearch.cgi?nav=search\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is an informal search. For an official name availability inquiry, you\u2019re required to submit a form to the Secretary of State by email, fax, or mail.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"29_Nevada\"><\/span>29. Nevada<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Nevada, visit the Nevada Secretary of State\u2019s business search page <a href=\"https:\/\/esos.nv.gov\/EntitySearch\/OnlineEntitySearch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"30_New_Hampshire\"><\/span>30. New Hampshire<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in New Hampshire, visit the New Hampshire Department of State\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/quickstart.sos.nh.gov\/online\/BusinessInquire\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Business Search page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"31_New_Jersey\"><\/span>31. New Jersey<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in New Jersey, go to the Department of Treasury Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services Business Records Service search <a href=\"https:\/\/www.njportal.com\/DOR\/businessrecords\/EntityDocs\/BusinessCopies.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"32_New_Mexico\"><\/span>32. New Mexico&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in New Mexico, head to the Business Search over on the New Mexico Secretary of State Corporations and Business Services site. You can find it <a href=\"https:\/\/portal.sos.state.nm.us\/BFS\/online\/CorporationBusinessSearch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"33_New_York\"><\/span>33. New York&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in New York, visit the Department of State Division of Corporations\u2019 <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.dos.ny.gov\/publicInquiry\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Corporation and Business Entity Database<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"34_North_Carolina\"><\/span>34. North Carolina<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in North Carolina, visit the Secretary of State\u2019s business entity search page <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sosnc.gov\/search\/index\/corp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"35_North_Dakota\"><\/span>35. North Dakota&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in North Dakota, go to the North Dakota Secretary of State\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/firststop.sos.nd.gov\/search\/business\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Business Search page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"36_Ohio\"><\/span>36. Ohio<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Ohio, head to the Secretary of State\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/businesssearch.ohiosos.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Business Name Search page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"37_Oklahoma\"><\/span>37. Oklahoma<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Oklahoma, visit the Secretary of State\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sos.ok.gov\/corp\/corpInquiryFind.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Business Entity Search page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"38_Oregon\"><\/span>38. Oregon&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Oregon, head to the Oregon Secretary of State Business Search site <a href=\"https:\/\/sos.oregon.gov\/business\/pages\/find.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"39_Pennsylvania\"><\/span>39. Pennsylvania<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Pennsylvania, go to the Pennsylvania Department of State Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations Business Search <a href=\"https:\/\/file.dos.pa.gov\/search\/business\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"40_Rhode_Island\"><\/span>40. Rhode Island<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Rhode Island, visit the Rhode Island Department of State business portal <a href=\"https:\/\/business.sos.ri.gov\/CorpWeb\/CorpSearch\/CorpSearch.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"41_South_Carolina\"><\/span>41. South Carolina&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in South Carolina, navigate to the South Carolina Secretary of State\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/businessfilings.sc.gov\/BusinessFiling\/Entity\/Search\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Business Name Search<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"42_South_Dakota\"><\/span>42. South Dakota&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in South Dakota, head to the South Dakota Secretary of State\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/sosenterprise.sd.gov\/BusinessServices\/Business\/FilingSearch.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Business Name Search page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"43_Tennessee\"><\/span>43. Tennessee<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Tennessee, go to the <a href=\"https:\/\/tnbear.tn.gov\/Ecommerce\/FilingSearch.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Business Entity Search<\/a> on the Secretary of State\u2019s website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"44_Texas\"><\/span>44. Texas<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Texas, visit the Texas Secretary of State <a href=\"https:\/\/direct.sos.state.tx.us\/acct\/acct-subscribe.asp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>. To avoid the $1 fee, conduct your search through the <a href=\"https:\/\/mycpa.cpa.state.tx.us\/coa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">business entity search<\/a> of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"45_Utah\"><\/span>45. Utah&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Utah, head over to the <a href=\"https:\/\/secure.utah.gov\/bes\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">business name search page<\/a> on the Division of Corporation\u2019s website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"46_Vermont\"><\/span>46. Vermont&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Vermont, visit the Secretary of State Corporation Division\u2019s business entity search <a href=\"https:\/\/bizfilings.vermont.gov\/online\/BusinessInquire\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"47_Virginia\"><\/span>47. Virginia&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Virginia, go to the State Corporation Commission\u2019s business entity search page, which you can find <a href=\"https:\/\/cis.scc.virginia.gov\/EntitySearch\/Index\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a quicker yes-or-no answer on name availability, head <a href=\"https:\/\/cis.scc.virginia.gov\/Account\/NameCheckAvailability\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a> to do a name availability search.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"48_Washington\"><\/span>48. Washington&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Washington, head to the Corporation Search page on the Secretary of State Corporation & Charities Division site <a href=\"https:\/\/ccfs.sos.wa.gov\/#\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"49_West_Virginia\"><\/span>49. West Virginia&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in West Virginia, go to the <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.sos.wv.gov\/business\/corporations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Business Organization Search<\/a> on the Secretary of State\u2019s page.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"50_Wisconsin\"><\/span>50. Wisconsin&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Wisconsin, go to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wdfi.org\/apps\/CorpSearch\/Search.aspx?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Corporate Records Search<\/a> on the Department of Financial Institutions site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"51_Wyoming\"><\/span>51. Wyoming&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To search for a business name in Wyoming, head to the <a href=\"https:\/\/wyobiz.wyo.gov\/Business\/FilingSearch.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Business Filing Search<\/a> on the Secretary of State\u2019s page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When starting a new business, it\u2019s important to choose the right business name, and part of choosing the right business name is choosing one that\u2019s not in use by another company.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Running a business name search is a quick and easy solution to determine whether you can use your chosen business name in your state.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019d like to learn more about other activities involved in the formation process, read my guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/\">How to Start an LLC<\/a>. If you\u2019d like the help of experienced professionals to get you through the formation process, read the <a href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/llc\/\">Best LLC Formation Services<\/a>. And if you\u2019d like to learn about registered agent services, read the <a href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/best-registered-agent\/\">Best Registered Agent Services<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Are you planning to start a business with a super clever business name? Well, I doubt you\u2019ll ever top Lord of the Wings, but you &#8230; <a title=\"Conducting a United States Business Entity Search\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/business-entitity-search\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Conducting a United States Business Entity Search\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":20481,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"footnotes":""},"featured_image_urls_v2":{"full":"","thumbnail":"","medium":"","medium_large":"","large":"","1536x1536":"","2048x2048":""},"post_excerpt_stackable_v2":"<p>Are you planning to start a business with a super clever business name? Well, I doubt you\u2019ll ever top Lord of the Wings, but you can try. Whether you\u2019ve thought up something fire or you\u2019re just gonna go with Bob\u2019s Plumbing Service or something equally boring, you\u2019ll need to run a business name search first.&nbsp; Running a search before reserving your business name will safeguard your company from a lot of legal issues in the future. In this article we\u2019ll discuss everything you need to know about running a business entity search in every state, and what to expect.&nbsp; To&hellip;<\/p>\n","category_list_v2":"","author_info_v2":{"name":"Aaron Kra","url":"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/author\/aaron\/"},"comments_num_v2":"0 comments","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/27865"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27865"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/27865\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27868,"href":"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/27865\/revisions\/27868"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/20481"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27865"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}