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CEO Advice
Forming a Business? Do a Free Business Entity Name Search.
In the quest for starting a business, conducting a business name search is a vital step that entrepreneurs must take before ultimately forming a business entity and selecting a registered agent. Unfortunately, many companies claim to offer assistance in this area, but they either demand personal information upfront or charge a fee, which can be frustrating for business owners on a budget. However, the good news is that conducting a business name search is a simple process that can be done by anyone, and it's almost always free.
Rather than giving away your personal information or hard-earned money, take a few minutes to learn how to check the availability of your desired business name yourself. To get started, find your state name below and follow the steps provided. Additionally, we have compiled a list of useful business links to various websites, including your state's Secretary of State office, Department of Revenue, and Department of Licensing, which can be valuable resources as you navigate the process of starting a business.
By taking the time to conduct your own business name search, you not only save money but also gain a better understanding of the process and the various resources available to you. As a business owner, it's essential to have a good grasp of these fundamentals, and taking control of the business name search process is an excellent way to start. Remember, your business name is the cornerstone of your brand identity, so invest the time and effort to find the perfect name that resonates with your target audience and sets you up for success.
Alabama
Contact Information
Voice: 334-242-7200
Fax: 334-242-4993
Mailing Address
PO Box 5616
Montgomery, AL 36103-5616
Physical Address
11 S. Union St, Suite 2017
Montgomery, AL 36104
Alabama Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Alabama:
1. Visit: http://arc-sos.state.al.us/CGI/CORPNAME.MBR/INPUT
2. Enter your business name in the search box. For the broadest match, skip the place of formation and city, and choose “all records” and “exists” for type and status.
3. Click “Search.”
The result is a list of companies that use the business name or keyword you entered as all or part of their business name in Alabama. Note that Alabama is the only state in the US that requires a name reservation before registering your business.
Corporation Forms:
https://www.sos.alabama.gov/business-entities/business-downloads/#bdCategory-2865
LLC Forms:
https://www.sos.alabama.gov/business-entities/business-downloads/#bdCategory-2867
Filing Fees:
https://www.sos.alabama.gov/sites/default/files/form-files/sosFeeSchedule.pdf
Department of Revenue:
https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/
Department of Licensing:
Business and License - Alabama Department of Revenue
Alaska
Contact Information
Voice: 907-465-2550
Fax: 907-465-2974
Email: Corporations@alaska.gov
Mailing Address
PO Box 110806
Juneau, AK 99811-0808
Physical Address
333 W. Willoughby Ave, 9th Floor
Juneau, AK 99811-0806
Alaska Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Alaska:
1. Visit: https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/cbp/main/search/entities
2. Click “I’m not a robot.”
3. Enter all or part of your business name in the “Entity Name” box.
4. Choose either “Starts With” or “Contains” and click “Search.”
You’ll see a list of all the registered businesses in Alaska with business names that match your search criteria. You’ll also see the status of each business, such as whether it’s in good standing, dissolved, or if the name has expired.
LLC and Corporation Forms:
https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/Corporations/CorpFormsFees/FormsbyEntity.aspx
LLC and Corporation Fees:
https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/corporations/corpformsfees.aspx#
Department of Revenue:
http://www.revenue.state.ak.us/
Department of Licensing:
https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/professionallicensing.aspx
Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing:
https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/
Arizona
Contact Information
Voice: 602-542-3026
Fax: 602-542-4100
Email: Records.corp@azcc.gov
Mailing Address
1300 W. Washington St. 1st Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85007-2929
Physical Address
1300 W. Washington St. 1st Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85007-2929
Arizona Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Arizona:
1. Visit: https://ecorp.azcc.gov/EntitySearch/Index
2. Choose your “Search Type” (“Starts With,” “Contains,” or “Exact Match”)
3. Enter all or part of your business name in the “Entity Name” box.
4. Narrow down your search by filter if needed (if your search produces more than 500results, the system will require you to narrow your search).
5. Click “Search” to see a list of companies that use the terms you entered in their business name in Arizona. Or, click “Name Availability Check” for a yes or noon if the name’s available.
LLC and Corporation Forms:
https://www.azcc.gov/corporations/forms
LLC and Corporation Fees:
https://www.azcc.gov/corporations/fee-and-payment-info
Department of Revenue:
https://azdor.gov/
Department of Licensing:
https://azdor.gov/transaction-privilege-tax/tpt-license/license-fees-cancellation-and-other-changes
Arkansas
Arkansas Secretary Of State
Contact Information
Voice: 501-682-3409
Email: Corporations@sos.arkansas.gov
Mailing Address
1401 West Capitol, Ste. 250
Little Rock, AR 72201
Physical Address
1401 West Capitol, Ste. 250
Little Rock, AR 72201
Arkansas Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Arkansas:
1. Visit: http://www.sos.arkansas.gov/corps/search_all.php
2. Enter all or part of your business name in the “Name” box. There are additional choices and boxes, but they are designed to help you find a specific business—not determine the availability of your business name.
3. Click“Search.”
You’ll see a list of all the registered businesses in Arkansas that use the terms you entered in their business name. You’ll also see the status of each company, such as whether it’s in good standing, dissolved, or revoked.
LLC and Corporation Forms:
https://www.ark.org/sos/ofs/docs/index.php
LLC and Corporation Fees:
https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/business-commercial-services-bcs/forms-fees
Department of Revenue:
https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/
Department of Licensing:
https://www.labor.arkansas.gov/licensing/
California
Contact Information
Voice: 916-657-5448
Fax: 916-653-4795
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 944230
Sacramento, CA 94244-2300
Physical Address
1500 11th St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
California Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in California:
1. Visit: https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/search/business
2. Scroll down and enter all or part of your business name in the Search bar.
3. Click the down arrow for Advanced Search.
4. Filter by keyword, exact match, or “begins with.”
5. Click “Search.”
You’ll see a list of all the corporations or LPs/LLCs in California that use the business name or keyword you entered. You’ll also see the status of each business, such as whether it’s active or dissolved. The state notes that this search is only preliminary and not formal. A formal name availability check requires businesses to submit a free paper form, the Name Availability Inquiry Letter.
LLC and Corporation Forms:
https://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities/forms/
LLC and Corporation Fees:
https://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities/forms/
Department of Revenue:
https://www.ftb.ca.gov/?WT.mc_id=akHome
Department of Licensing:
http://www.calgold.ca.gov/
Colorado
Contact Information
Voice: 303-894-2200
Fax: 303-869-4864
Email: Sos.business@sos.state.co.us
Mailing Address
1700 Broadway Suite 200
Denver, CO 80290
Physical Address
1700 Broadway Suite 200
Denver, CO 80290
Colorado Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Colorado:
1. Visit: https://www.sos.state.co.us/biz/BusinessEntityCriteriaExt.do?resetTransTyp=Y
2. Enter all or part of your business name in the search box.
3. Click “Search.”
If your search produces too many results, you’ll have to refine your search by adding or changing the words in the search box. In the results, you’ll see a list of all the registered businesses in Colorado that use the terms you entered in their name. You’ll also see the status of each company, such as whether or not it’s in good standing.
LLC and Corporation Forms:
https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/business/forms_main.html
LLC and Corporation Fees:
https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/info_center/fees/business.html
Department of Revenue:
https://www.colorado.gov/revenue
Department of Professions and Occupations:
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dora/dpo
Connecticut
Connecticut Secretary Of State
Contact Information
Voice: 860-509-6002
Fax: 860-509-6069
Email: Crd@ct.gov
Mailing Address
PO Box 150470
Hartford, CT 06115-0470
Physical Address
165 Capitol Avenue, Suite 1000
Hartford, CT 06106
Connecticut Business Name Search
How to do a business name search inConnecticut:
1. Visit: https://service.ct.gov/business/s/onlinebusinesssearch?language=en_US
2. Enter all or part of your business name next to “Search by Name:”
3. Click “Search.”
You’ll see a list of all the registered businesses in Connecticut that use the terms you entered in their business name. You’ll also see the status of each business, such as whether it’s in active or withdrawn.
LLC and Corporation Forms:
https://business.ct.gov/manage/all-business-filings?language=en_US
LLC and Corporation Fees:
https://business.ct.gov/-/media/BusinessOneStop/Fee-Schedule-Revised-712020.pdf
Department of Revenue:
https://portal.ct.gov/drs
Department of Licensing:
https://portal.ct.gov/DCP/Agency-Administration/Division-Home-Pages/Occupational–Professional-Licensing-Division
Delaware
Contact Information
Voice: 302-739-3073
Fax: 302-739-3812
Email: Corp@delaware.gov
Mailing Address
PO Box 898
Dover, DE 19903
Physical Address
401 Federal Street – Suite 4
Dover, DE 19901
Delaware Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Delaware:
1. Visit: https://icis.corp.delaware.gov/Ecorp/EntitySearch/NameSearch.aspx
2. Enter all or part of your business name in the “Entity Name” box.
3. Click “Search.”
You’ll see a list of all the registered businesses in Delaware that contain the terms you entered in their business name.
LLC and Corporation Forms:
https://corp.delaware.gov/formsentitytype09/
LLC and Corporation Fees:
https://corp.delaware.gov/fee/
Department of Revenue:
https://revenue.delaware.gov/
Division of Professional Regulation:
https://dpr.delaware.gov/
DC
Contact Information
Voice: 202-671-4500
Fax: 302-739-3812
Email: dlcp.dc.gov
Mailing Address
Corporations Division
P.O. Box 92300
Washington, D.C. 20090
Physical Address
1100 4th St SW
Washington, D.C. 20024
District Of Columbia Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Washington DC:
The DLCP requires users to create a free account to do an entity search. To make an account:
1. Visit: https://corponline.dlcp.dc.gov/Home.aspx/Landing
2. Click “Register for a CorpOnline Account here.”
3. Enter a username, email, password, first and last name, and address.
4. Click “Register” to create your account.
After logging into your account:
1. Choose “Business Filings Search”
2. Enter all or part of your business name (narrow your search by entering information in the other fields if desired).
3. Click “Search.”
The search produces a list of all the registered businesses in the District ofColumbia that use the terms you entered in their business name.
Corporation Forms and Fees:
https://dlcp.dc.gov/node/1622241
LLC Forms and Fees:
https://dlcp.dc.gov/node/1622226
Department of Revenue:
https://otr.cfo.dc.gov/
Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP):
https://dlcp.dc.gov/
Florida
Contact Information
Voice: 850-245-6000
Email: corphelp@dos.state.fl.us
Mailing Address
Department of State, Corporate Filings
P.O. Box 6327
Tallahassee, FL 32314
Physical Address
2661 Executive Center Circle
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Florida Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Florida:
1. Visit: http://search.sunbiz.org/Inquiry/CorporationSearch/ByName
2. Enter all or part of your business name in the “Entity Name” box.
3. Click“Search Now.”
You’ll see a list of all the registered businesses in Florida that use the terms you entered in their business names.
LLC and Corporation Forms:
https://dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/forms/
LLC and Corporation Fees:
https://dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/forms/
Department of Revenue:
https://floridarevenue.com/pages/default.aspx
Department of Licensing:
http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/
Georgia
Contact Information
Voice: 404-656-2817
Fax: 404-657-2248
Mailing Address
MLK Jr. Drive
Suite 313, Floyd West Tower
Atlanta, Georgia 30334-1530
Physical Address
315 West Tower, 2 MLK, Jr. Dr.
Atlanta, GA 30334-1530
Georgia Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Georgia:
1. Visit: https://ecorp.sos.ga.gov/BusinessSearch
2. Select “Starts With,” “Contains” or “Exact Match.”
3. Enter all or part of your business name in the “Business Name” box.
4. Click “Search.”
The search will produce a list of all the registered businesses in Georgia that use the business name or keywords you entered.
LLC and Corporation Forms:
https://sos.ga.gov/page/georgia-business-forms
LLC and Corporation Fees:
https://sos.ga.gov/sites/default/files/forms/Reference%20-%20Corporations%20Division%20Filing%20Fees.pdf
Department of Revenue:
https://dor.georgia.gov/
Department of Licensing:
https://sos.ga.gov/licensing-division-georgia-secretary-states-office
Hawaii
Contact Information
Voice: 808-586-2744
Fax: 808-586-2733
Email: Breg@dcca.hawaii.gov
Mailing Address
PO Box 40
Honolulu, Hawaii 96810
Physical Address
335 Merchant Street, Rm. 201
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Hawaii Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Hawaii:
1. Visit: https://hbe.ehawaii.gov/documents/search.html;jsessionid=A7A9C8ACF3C11D38CBDFB10D71AE659F.app4
2. Select “Begins with” or “Contains.”
3. Enter all or part of your business name in the “Business Name” box.
4. Click “Search.”
You’ll see a list of all the registered businesses in Hawaii that use the business name or keywords you entered. You’ll also see the status of each company, such as whether it’s active or dissolved.
LLC and Corporation Forms:
http://cca.hawaii.gov/breg/registration/
LLC and Corporation Fees:
https://cca.hawaii.gov/breg/files/2021/04/Form-Fee-Schedule-04-2021.pdf
Department of Revenue:
http://tax.hawaii.gov/
Department of Licensing:
http://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/
Idaho
Contact Information
Voice: 208-334-2301
Fax: 208-334-2080
Email: sosinfo@sos.idaho.gov
Mailing Address
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0080
Physical Address
450 N. 4th Street
Boise, ID 83720-0080
Idaho Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Idaho:
1. Visit: https://sosbiz.idaho.gov/search/business
2. Enter all or part of your business name in the “Business Search” box.
You’ll see a list of all the registered businesses in Idaho that use the terms you entered in their business name. You’ll also see the status of each business, such as whether it’s in good standing or dissolved.
LLC and Corporation Forms:
https://sosbiz.idaho.gov/forms/business
LLC and Corporation Fees:
https://sosbiz.idaho.gov/forms/business
Department of Revenue:
https://tax.idaho.gov/
Department of Licensing:
https://dopl.idaho.gov/
Illinois
Contact Information
Voice: 312-793-3380
Mailing Address
69 W. Washington, Suite 1240
Chicago, IL 60602
Physical Address
69 W. Washington, Suite 1240
Chicago, IL 60602
Illinois Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Illinois:
1. Visit: http://www.ilsos.gov/corporatellc/
2. Select “Corporate and LLC” and click “Submit.”
3. Choose to search by name, keyword or partial word.
4. Enter all or part of your business name in the “Search” box and click “Continue.”
Corporation Fees and Forms:
https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/business_services/dfc.html
LLC Fees and Forms:
https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/business_services/llc.html
Department of Revenue:
Illinois Department of Revenue
Department of Licensing:
https://www.illinois.gov/business
Indiana
Contact Information
Voice: 317-232-6576
Fax: 317-233-3387
Mailing Address
302 W. Washington Street Room E-018
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Physical Address
302 W. Washington Street Room E-018
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Indiana Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Indiana:
1. Visit: https://bsd.sos.in.gov/publicbusinesssearch
2. Click “I’m not a robot.”
3. Choose “Contains,” “Starts With” or “Exact Match.”
4. Enter all or part of your business name in the “Business Name” box.
5. Click “Search.”
LLCa nd Corporation Forms:
https://www.in.gov/sos/business/division-forms/business-forms/
LLCa nd Corporation Fees:
https://inbiz.in.gov/Inbiz/FeeCalculator/Index
Department of Revenue:
https://www.in.gov/dor/
Department of Licensing:
https://www.in.gov/pla/
Iowa
Contact Information
Voice: 515-281-5204
Fax: 515-242-5953
Email: Sos@sos.state.ia.us
Mailing Address
First Floor, Lucas Building
321 E. 12th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
Physical Address
First Floor, Lucas Building
321 E. 12th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
Iowa Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Iowa:
1. Visit: https://sos.iowa.gov/search/business/search.aspx
2. Enter all or part of your business name in the “Business Name” box.
3. Click “Search.”
You’ll see a list of all the registered businesses in Iowa that use the words you entered in their business name.
LLC Fees and Forms:
https://sos.iowa.gov/business/FormsAndFees.html#DLLC489
Corporation Fees and Forms:
https://sos.iowa.gov/business/FormsAndFees.html#DPC490
Department of Revenue:
https://tax.iowa.gov/
Department of Licensing:
https://plb.iowa.gov/
Kansas
Contact Information
Voice: 785-296-4564
Email: Kssos@ks.gov
Mailing Address
Memorial Hall, 1st Floor
120 SW 10th Avenue
Topeka, KS 66612-1594
Physical Address
Memorial Hall, 1st Floor
120 SW 10th Avenue
Topeka, KS 66612-1594
Kansas Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Kansas:
1. Visit: https://www.kansas.gov/bess/flow/main?execution=e1s3
2. Click “Name Availability.”
3. Enter your exact business name in the search box.
You’ll see whether or not the name is available. If you want to see businesses with similar names, choose “Business Entity Database” instead of “Name Availability”and search by keyword.
LLC Fees and Forms:
https://sos.ks.gov/forms/forms_results.aspx?division=BS&orderby=type
Corporation Fees and Forms:
https://sos.ks.gov/forms/forms_results.aspx?division=BS&orderby=type
Department of Revenue:
https://www.ksrevenue.org/
Department of Licensing:
https://www.kansascommerce.gov/
Kentucky
Contact Information
Voice: 502-564-3490
Fax: 502-564-4075
Mailing Address
Records Branch
PO Box 718
700 Capital Avenue, Suite 156
Frankfort, KY 40602
Physical Address
Records Branch
PO Box 718
700 Capital Avenue, Suite 156
Frankfort, KY 40602
Kentucky Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Kentucky:
1. Visit: https://app.sos.ky.gov/ftsearch/
2. Enter all or part of your business name in the search box.
3. Click “Continue.”
You’ll see a list of all the registered businesses in Kentucky that use the words you entered in their business name.
LLC and Corporation Forms:
https://www.sos.ky.gov/bus/Forms/Pages/default.aspx
LLC and Corporation Fees:
https://sos.ky.gov/bus/business-filings/Pages/Fees.aspx
Department of Revenue:
https://revenue.ky.gov/
Department of Licensing:
https://dpl.ky.gov/
Louisiana
Contact Information
Voice: 225-925-4704
Fax: 225-922-0452
Email: commercial@sos.louisiana.gov
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 94125
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125
Physical Address
8585 Archives Ave.
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Louisiana Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Louisiana:
1. Visit: https://coraweb.sos.la.gov/CommercialSearch/CommercialSearch.aspx
2. Select “Search by Entity Name.”
3. Enter all or part of your business name in the “Entity Name” box.
4. Click “Search.”
You’ll see a list of all the registered businesses in Louisiana with the words you entered in their business name. The system will return a maximum of 250results, so you may need to narrow your search by adding or changing words.
LLC Fees and Forms:
https://www.sos.la.gov/BusinessServices/FileBusinessDocuments/GetFormsAndFeeSchedule/
Corporation Fees and Forms:
https://www.sos.la.gov/BusinessServices/FileBusinessDocuments/GetFormsAndFeeSchedule/
Department of Revenue:
https://revenue.louisiana.gov/
Department of Licensing:
https://www.sos.la.gov/BusinessServices/
Maine
Contact Information
Voice: 207-624-7752
Fax: 207-287-5874
Email: cec.corporations@maine.gov
Mailing Address
Corporate Examining Section, Secretary of State
101 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0101
Physical Address
Corporate Examining Section, Secretary of State
101 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0101
Maine Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Maine:
1. Visit: https://icrs.informe.org/nei-sos-icrs/ICRS?MainPage=x
2. Enter the business name in the box labeled “keyword from name to be searched.”
3. Click “Click Here to Search.”
You’ll see a list of all the registered businesses in Maine with that keyword in their business name. The system will return a maximum of 100 results, so you may need to narrow your search by adding or changing words.
LLC Fees and Forms:
https://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/corp/llc.html
Corporation Fees and Forms:
https://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/corp/corp.html
Department of Revenue:
https://www.maine.gov/revenue/
Department of Licensing:
https://www.maine.gov/portal/business/professions.html
Maryland
Contact Information
Voice: 410-767-1340
Fax: 410-333-7097
Email: cec.corporations@maine.gov
Mailing Address
301 W. Preston Street; 8th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201-2395.
Physical Address
301 W. Preston Street; 8th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201-2395.
Maryland Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Maryland:
1. Visit: https://egov.maryland.gov/businessexpress/entitysearch
2. Enter all or part of your business name in the “Business Name” box.
3. Select“Search by Business Name.”
4. Click“Search.”
The registered businesses in Maryland that use the words you entered in their business name will appear.
LLC and Corporation Forms:
https://dat.maryland.gov/Pages/sdatforms.aspx
LLCa nd Corporation Fees:
https://dat.maryland.gov/businesses/Documents/FEES.pdf
Department of Revenue:
https://dat.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Department of Licensing:
https://jportal.mdcourts.gov/license/pbIndex.jsp?ac=y
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Secretary OfState
Contact Information
Voice: 617-727-9640
Fax: 617-742-4538
Email: corpinfo@sec.state.ma.us
Mailing Address
Secretary of the Commonwealth
One Ashburton Place, 17th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
Physical Address
Secretary of the Commonwealth
One Ashburton Place, 17th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
Massachusetts Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Massachusetts:
1. Visit: http://corp.sec.state.ma.us/corpweb/corpsearch/CorpSearch.aspx
2. Select “Search by entity name.”
3. Enter all or part of your business name in the box.
4. Select “Begins with,” “Exact match,” “Full text” or “Soundex” (a phonetic code that allows you to search for similar sounding words).
5. Click“Search corporations.”
You’ll see a list of all the registered businesses in Massachusetts that use the terms you entered in their business name.
LLC Fees and Forms:
https://www.sec.state.ma.us/cor/corpweb/cordom/dominf.htm
Corporation Fees and Forms:
https://www.sec.state.ma.us/cor/corpweb/corllc/llcinf.htm
Department of Revenue:
https://www.mass.gov/?pageID=dorhomepage
Department of Licensing:
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/division-of-professional-licensure
Michigan
Contact Information
Voice: 517-241-6470
Fax: 517-241-0538
Email: corpsmail@michigan.gov
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 30054
Lansing, MI 48909
Physical Address
P.O. Box 30054
Lansing, MI 48909
Michigan Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Michigan:
1. Visit: https://cofs.lara.state.mi.us/corpweb/CorpSearch/CorpSearch.aspx
2. Choose“Search by Entity Name.”
3. Enter all or part of your business name in the “Entity Name” box.
4. Select “Begins with,” “Exact match,” “Full text” or “Soundex” (a phonetic code that allows you to search for similar sounding words).
You’ll see a list of all the registered businesses in Michigan that use the words you entered in their business name.
LLC Fees and Forms:
https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/cscl/corps/forms/limited-liability-company-forms
Corporation Fees and Forms:
https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/cscl/corps/forms/corporation-forms
Department of Revenue:
https://www.michigan.gov/treasury
Department of Licensing:
https://www.michigan.gov/lara/
Minnesota
Contact Information
Voice: 651-296-2803
Fax: 651-297-7067
Email: business.services@state.mn.us
Mailing Address
332 Minnesota Street, Suite N201
St. Paul, MN 55101
Physical Address
332 Minnesota Street, Suite N201
St. Paul, MN 55101
Minnesota Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Minnesota:
1. Visit: Search Business Filings (state.mn.us)
2. Select “Business Name or File Number.”
3. Enter all or part of your business name in the search box, and click “Search.”
Below the search box, a list will appear with the registered businesses in Minnesota that use the words you entered in their business name.
LLC and Corporation Forms:
https://www.sos.state.mn.us/business-liens/business-forms-fees/
LLC and Corporation Fees:
https://www.sos.state.mn.us/business-liens/start-a-business/business-filing-certification-fee-schedule/
Department of Revenue:
https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/minnesota-department-revenue
Department of Licensing:
https://secure.doli.state.mn.us/license/intro.aspx
Mississippi
Mississippi Secretary Of State
Contact Information
Voice: 601-359-1633
Fax: 601-359-1607
Mailing Address
700 North Street
Jackson, MS 39202
Physical Address
700 North Street
Jackson, MS 39202
Mississippi Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Mississippi:
1. Visit: https://corp.sos.ms.gov/corp/portal/c/page/corpBusinessIdSearch/portal.aspx?#clear=1
2. Select “Starting With,” “All Words,” “Any Words,” “Sounds Like,” or “Exact Match.”
3. Enter all or part of your business name in the “Business Name” box.
4. Click “Search.”
Under the search box will appear a list of names of Mississippi businesses that match the name and search criteria you entered. You’ll also see the status of each company, such as whether it’s in good standing or dissolved.
LLC and Corporation Forms:
https://corp.sos.ms.gov/corp/portal/c/page/corpNewFilings/portal.aspx
LLC and Corporation Fees:
https://www.sos.ms.gov/content/documents/Business/FeeSchedule.pdf
Department of Revenue:
https://www.dor.ms.gov
Department of Regulation:
https://www.sos.ms.gov/index.php/regulation-enforcement
Missouri
Contact Information
Voice: 573-751-4153
Email: corporations@sos.mo.gov
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 778
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Physical Address
600 W Main St.
Missouri State Information Center, Room 322
Jefferson City, MO 65101-0778
Missouri Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Missouri:
1. Visit: https://bsd.sos.mo.gov/BusinessEntity/BESearch.aspx?SearchType=0
2. Enter all or part of your business name in the “Business Name” box.
3. Select “Starting With,” “All Words,” “Any Words,” or “Exact Match” (you can narrow your search down to active businesses by ticking the “Only Active Corporations”box.
4. Click “Search.”
You’ll see a list of all the registered businesses in Missouri that match your search criteria.
LLC and Corporation Forms:
https://www.sos.mo.gov/business/corporations/forms#gen
LLC and Corporation Fees:
https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/Business/ScheduleofCorporationfeesandcharges.pdf
Department of Revenue:
https://dor.mo.gov/
Department of Licensing:
https://pr.mo.gov
Montana
Contact Information
Voice: 406-444-3665
Fax: 406-444-3976
Email: sosbusiness@mt.gov
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 202801
Helena, MT 59620-2801
Physical Address
State Capitol, Room 260
1301 6th Avenue
Helena, MT 59620
Montana Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Montana:
1. Visit: https://biz.sosmt.gov/search/business
2. Click “Search Name Availability.”
3. Choose either “Starts With” or “Contains.”
4. Enter all or part of your business name in the box and click “Search.”
You’ll see a list of all the registered businesses in Montana that use the words you entered in their business name.
LLC and Corporation Forms:
https://biz.sosmt.gov/forms/business
LLC and Corporation Fees:
https://sosmt.gov/wp-content/uploads/business_filing_fees.pdf
Department of Revenue:
https://mtrevenue.gov/
Department of Licensing:
https://mtrevenue.gov/licenses/
Nebraska
Contact Information
Voice: 402-471-4079
Fax: 402-471-3666
Email: sos.corp@nebraska.gov
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 94608
Lincoln, NE 68509-4608
Physical Address
State Capitol Building, Room 1301
1445 K Street
Lincoln, NE 68508
Nebraska Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Nebraska:
1. Visit: https://www.nebraska.gov/sos/corp/corpsearch.cgi?nav=search
2. Select one of the following search options: “Name Starts With,” “Name Keyword Search,”“Name Sounds Like,” “Name Exact Match.” (You can also search by account number,but this is for looking for a specific business, not name availability.)
3. Enter your business name or keyword in the “Name” box.
4. Click“I’m not a robot.”
5. Click “Perform Search.”
You’ll see a list of all the registered businesses in Nebraska that use the terms you entered in their business name.
LLC Fees and Forms:
https://sos.nebraska.gov/business-services/forms-and-fee-information
Corporation Fees and Forms:
https://sos.nebraska.gov/business-services/forms-and-fee-information
Department of Revenue:
http://www.revenue.nebraska.gov/
Department of Licensing:
https://sos.nebraska.gov/licensing/licensing-division
Nevada
Contact Information
Voice: 775-684-5708
Fax: 775-684-5724
Email: sosmail@sos.nv.gov
Silver Flume Support Email: support@nvsilverflume.gov
Mailing Address
202 North Carson Street
Carson City, NV 89701
Physical Address
202 North Carson Street
Carson City, NV 89701
Nevada Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Nevada:
1. Visit: https://esos.nv.gov/EntitySearch/OnlineEntitySearch
2. Choose“Starts With,” “Contains,” “Exact Match,” or “All Words.”
3. Enter all or part of your business name in the “Name” box. If your search returns more than 500 results, you’ll need to narrow your search by adding to or changing your name.
4. Click“Search.”
The system will return a list of all the registered businesses in Nevada that use the terms you entered in their business name.
LLC and Corporation Forms:
https://www.nvsos.gov/sos/businesses/commercial-recordings/forms-fees/all-business-forms
LLC and Corporation Fees:
https://www.nvsos.gov/sos/businesses/commercial-recordings/forms-fees
Department of Revenue:
https://tax.nv.gov/
Department of Licensing:
https://www.nvsos.gov/sos/licensing
New Hampshire
New Hampshire Secretary Of State
Contact Information
Voice: 603-271-3246
Fax: 775-684-5724
Mailing Address
Corporation Division
Department of State
107 N Main St.
Concord, NH 03301-4989
Physical Address
Corporation Division
Department of State
107 N Main St.
Concord, NH 03301-4989
New Hampshire Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in NewHampshire:
1. Visit: https://quickstart.sos.nh.gov/online/BusinessInquire
2. Select“Starts With,” “Exact Match,” “Contains,” or “All Words.”
3. Enter all or part of your business name in the “Business Name” box. It may be useful to also tick the box that says “Show me similar sounding business names.”
4. Complete the reCAPTCHA and click “Search.”
You’ll see a list of all the registered businesses in New Hampshire that use the words you entered as part of their business name. You’ll also see the status of each business, such as whether it’s in good standing or dissolved.
LLC Fees and Forms:
https://sos.nh.gov/corporation-ucc-securities/corporation/forms-and-fees/domestic-and-foreign-limited-liability-company/domestic-forms/
Corporation Fees and Forms:
https://sos.nh.gov/corporation-ucc-securities/corporation/forms-and-fees/domestic-and-foreign-corporation/domestic-forms/
Department of Revenue:
https://www.revenue.nh.gov/businesses/index.htm
Department of Licensing:
https://www.revenue.nh.gov/faq/new-business-tax.htm
New Jersey
Contact Information
Voice: 609-292-9292
Fax: 609-984-6851
Mailing Address
Corporate Filing Unit
PO Box 308
Trenton, NJ 08646
Physical Address
Corporate Filing Unit
PO Box 308
Trenton, NJ 08646
New Jersey Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in New Jersey:
1. Visit: https://www.njportal.com/DOR/businessrecords/EntityDocs/BusinessCopies.aspx
2. Enter all or part of your business name in the “Business Name” box.
3. Click “Continue.”
You’ll see a list of all the registered businesses in New Jersey that use the terms you entered in their business name.
LLC Fees and Forms:
https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/revenue/gettingregistered.shtml
Corporation Fees and Forms:
https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/revenue/gettingregistered.shtml
Department of Revenue:
https://www.nj.gov/treasury/revenue/
Department of Licensing:
https://www.state.nj.us/LCI/licguid.html
New Mexico
Contact Information
Voice: 800-477-3632
Fax: 505-827-4387
Mailing Address
325 Don Gaspar, Suite 300
Santa Fe, NM 87501
Physical Address
325 Don Gaspar, Suite 300
Santa Fe, NM 87501
New Mexico Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in NewMexico:
1. Visit: https://portal.sos.state.nm.us/BFS/online/CorporationBusinessSearch
2. Select “Start With,” “Exact Match,” or “Contains.”
3. Enter all or part of your business name in the “Entity Name/DBA Name” box.
4. Click “I’m not a robot.”
5. Click “Search.”
You’ll see a list of all the registered businesses in New Mexico, divided into two sections: Corporations/LLCs and Partnerships/LLPs. Each search result is a business that uses the term you entered in their business name.
LLC Fees and Forms:
https://www.sos.state.nm.us/business-services/business-maintenance/domestic-limited-liability-company/
Corporation Fees and Forms:
https://www.sos.state.nm.us/business-services/start-a-business/domestic-nm-profit-corporation/
Department of Revenue:
http://www.tax.newmexico.gov/
Department of Licensing:
http://www.rld.state.nm.us/
New York
Contact Information
Voice: 518-473-2492
Fax: 518-474-1418
Email: Corporations@dos.state.ny.us
Mailing Address
One Commerce Plaza
99 Washington Avenue, Suite 600
Albany, NY 12231-0001
Physical Address
One Commerce Plaza
99 Washington Avenue, Suite 600
Albany, NY 12231-0001
New York Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in New York:
1. Visit: https://apps.dos.ny.gov/publicInquiry/
2. Enter all or part of your business name in the “Entity Name” box.
3. Select either “Active Only” businesses or “All” businesses.
4. Choose“Begins With,” “Contains” or “Partial.”
5. Complete the reCAPTCHA by typing the words or numbers you see in the image.
6. Click “Search the Database.”
The system will produce a list of the registered businesses in New York that have the word or words you entered as all or part of their name.
LLC and Corporation Forms:
https://dos.ny.gov/form-corporation-or-business
LLC and Corporation Fees:
https://dos.ny.gov/fee-schedules
Department of Revenue:
https://www.tax.ny.gov/bus/
Department of Licensing:
https://www.dos.ny.gov/licensing/
North Carolina
North Carolina Secretary Of State
Contact Information
Voice: 919-807-2225
Fax: 919-807-2039
Email: corpinfo@sosnc.com
Mailing Address
PO Box 29622
Raleigh, NC 27626-0622
Physical Address
2 South Salisbury Street
Raleigh, NC 27601-2903
North Carolina Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in NorthCarolina:
1. Visit: https://www.sosnc.gov/search/index/corp
2. Under “Search By,” select “Company.
3. Choose “Starting With,” “Any Words,” “All Words,” or “Exact.” There’s also an option to search by Secretary of State ID, but this is for finding specific businesses, not available names.
4. Enter all or part of your business name in the “Search For” box.
5. Click “Search.”
You’ll see a list of all the registered businesses in North Carolina that use the terms you entered as all or part of their business name.
LLC and Corporation Forms:
https://www.sosnc.gov/Guides/launching_a_business/preparing_the_document_and_attachments
LLC and Corporation Fees:
https://www.sosnc.gov/fees/by_title/_Business_Registration_Business_corporations
Department of Revenue:
https://www.ncdor.gov/
Department of Licensing:
https://www.sosnc.gov/Guides/launching_a_business/license_permit
North Dakota
North Dakota Secretary Of State
Contact Information
Voice: 701-328-4284
Fax: 701-328-2992
Email: corpinfo@sosnc.com
Mailing Address
600 E Boulevard Ave Dept 108, 1st Floor
Bismarck ND 58505-0500
Physical Address
600 E Boulevard Ave Dept 108, 1st Floor
Bismarck ND 58505-0500
North Dakota Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in North Dakota:
1. Visit: https://firststop.sos.nd.gov/search/business
2. Enter all or part of your business name in the “Entity Name” box.
3. Choose you search criteria from the drop-down, deciding whether you want results with all of, any of, some of, or beginning with the words in your name.
4. Click “Search.”
You’ll see a list of the registered businesses in North Dakota that use all or part of the words you entered in their business name. You’ll also see the status of each business, such as whether it’s active and in good standing.
LLC Fees and Forms:
https://sos.nd.gov/business/business-services/business-structures/limited-liability-companies/limited-liability-company-llc.html
Corporation Fees and Forms:
https://sos.nd.gov/business/business-services/business-structures/corporations/general-business-corporation.html
Department of Revenue:
https://www.nd.gov/tax/
Department of Licensing:
http://www.nd.gov/businessreg/license/index.html
Ohio
Contact Information
Voice: 614-466-3910
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 250
Columbus, OH 43216
Physical Address
Business Services Division
180 E. Broad St., 16th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
Ohio Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Ohio:
1. Visit: https://businesssearch.ohiosos.gov/
2. Enter all or part of your business name in the “Business Name” box.
3. Choose whether you want the results to include all businesses with your search term in their name or just active, canceled or “dead” businesses.
4. Click “Search.”
You’ll see a list of the registered businesses in Ohio that use the terms you entered in their business name.
LLC and Corporation Forms and Fees:
https://www.sos.state.oh.us/businesses/filing-forms–fee-schedule/
Department of Revenue:
OH Tax Services - eServices (ohio.gov)
Department of Licensing:
https://www.okcommerce.gov/doing-business/startups-entrepreneurs/business-licensing-operating-requirements/
Oklahoma
Contact Information
Voice: 405-521-3912
Fax: 405-521-3771
Mailing Address
Business Filing Department
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Room 101
Oklahoma City, OK 73105-4897
Physical Address
Business Filing Department
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Room 101
Oklahoma City, OK 73105-4897
Oklahoma Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Oklahoma:
1. Visit: https://www.sos.ok.gov/corp/corpInquiryFind.aspx
2. Enter all or part of your business name in the “Entity Name” box.
3. Click“Search.”
Below will appear a list of registered businesses in Oklahoma that use the words you entered in their business name, as well as whether it’s the company’s legal name or trade name.
LLC Fees and Forms:
https://www.sos.ok.gov/business/forms.aspx
Corporation Fees and Forms:
https://www.sos.ok.gov/business/forms.aspx
Department of Revenue:
https://www.ok.gov/tax/
Department of Licensing:
https://www.ok.gov/portal/section.php?sec_id=19
Oregon
Contact Information
Voice: 503-986-2200
Fax: 503-378-4381
Mailing Address
Corporation Division
255 Capitol St. NE, Suite 151
Salem, OR 97310-1327
Physical Address
Corporation Division
255 Capitol St. NE, Suite 151
Salem, OR 97310-1327
Oregon Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Oregon:
1. Visit: https://sos.oregon.gov/business/pages/find.aspx
2. Enter all or part of your business name in the search box.
3. Click“Search.”
You’ll see a list of the registered businesses in Oregon that use the words you entered in their business name. You’ll also see whether the company is active or inactive.
LLC Fees and Forms:
https://sos.oregon.gov/business/Pages/forms.aspx
Corporation Fees and Forms:
https://sos.oregon.gov/business/Pages/forms.aspx
Department of Revenue:
https://www.oregon.gov/DOR/
Department of Licensing:
https://apps.oregon.gov/SOS/LicenseDirectory/
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Secretary Of State
Contact Information
Voice: 717-787-1057
Fax: 717-783-2244
Email: RA-CORPS@state.pa.us
Mailing Address
206 North Office Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Physical Address
206 North Office Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Pennsylvania Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Pennsylvania:
1. Visit: https://www.corporations.pa.gov/Search/CorpSearch
2. Enter part of all of your business name in the “Business Entity Name/ID” box.
3. Choose your type of search from the drop-down (“starting with,” “all words,” “any words,” etc.).
4. Click“Search.”
You’ll see a list of the registered businesses in Pennsylvania that use the words you entered in their business name.
LLC and Corporation Forms:
https://www.dos.pa.gov/BusinessCharities/Business/RegistrationForms/Pages/default.aspx
LLC and Corporation Fees:
https://www.dos.pa.gov/BusinessCharities/Business/Resources/Pages/Fees-and-Payments.aspx
Department of Revenue:
https://www.revenue.pa.gov
Department of Licensing:
https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/LicensingServices/Pages/default.aspx
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Secretary Of State
Contact Information
Voice: 401-222-3040
Fax: 401-222-3879
Email: corporations@sos.ri.gov
Mailing Address
Corporations Division
148 W. River Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02904-2615
Physical Address
Corporations Division
148 W. River Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02904-2615
Rhode Island Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Rhode Island:
1. Visit: business.sos.ri.gov/CorpWeb/CorpSearch/CorpSearch.aspx
2. Select “Search by entity name.”
3. Enter part of all your business name in the “Enter Name” box.
4. Select your search type: “begins with,” “exact match,” “full text,” “Soundex” or“inactive.” (Soundex is a phonetic algorithm.)
5. Click “Search.”
You’ll see a list of the registered businesses in Rhode Island that use all or part of the business name you entered.
LLC Fees and Forms:
https://docs.sos.ri.gov/DocumentLibrarySearch
Corporation Fees and Forms:
https://docs.sos.ri.gov/DocumentLibrarySearch
Department of Revenue:
http://www.tax.ri.gov/
Department of Licensing:
http://www.dbr.ri.gov/
South Carolina
South Carolina Secretary Of State
Contact Information
Voice: 803-734-2158
Fax: 803-734-1614
Mailing Address
Corporations Division
P.O. Box 11350
Columbia, SC 29211
Physical Address
Edgar Brown Building
1205 Pendleton Street Suite 525
Columbia, SC 29201
South Carolina Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in South Carolina:
1. Visit: https://businessfilings.sc.gov/BusinessFiling/Entity/Search
2. Select “Begins with,” “Contains” or “Exact Match.”
3. Enter part of all of your business name in the “Search by Business Name” box.
4. Click “Search.”
You’ll see a list of all the registered businesses in South Carolina that use the words you entered in their business name. You’ll also see the status of each business (such as whether it’s in good standing or dissolved), the type of entity, and their date and state of incorporation.
LLC Fees and Forms:
https://businessfilings.sc.gov/BusinessFiling/Home/DownloadForms?pdfCategoryId=1&category=Starting%20a%20Business%20in%20South%20Carolina
Corporation Fees and Forms:
https://businessfilings.sc.gov/BusinessFiling/Home/DownloadForms?pdfCategoryId=1&category=Starting%20a%20Business%20in%20South%20Carolina
Department of Revenue:
https://dor.sc.gov/
Department of Licensing:
https://llr.sc.gov/
South Dakota
South Dakota Secretary Of State
Contact Information
Voice: 605-773-4845
Fax: 605-773-4550
Mailing Address
500 East Capitol Avenue Ste. 204
Pierre, SD 57501-5070
Physical Address
500 East Capitol Avenue Ste. 204
Pierre, SD 57501-5070
South Dakota Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in South Dakota:
1. Visit: https://sosenterprise.sd.gov/BusinessServices/Business/FilingSearch.aspx
2. Enter all or part of your business name in the “Search Name” box.
3. Choose either “Starts With” or “Contains” and click “Search.”
You’ll see a list of all the registered businesses in South Dakota that use the words you entered in their business name. You’ll also see the status of each business, such as whether it’s in good standing or dissolved.
LLC Fees and Forms:
https://sdsos.gov/business-services/corporations/corporate-forms/default.aspx
Corporation Fees and Forms:
https://sdsos.gov/general-information/filing-fees.aspx#corporations
Department of Revenue:
http://dor.sd.gov/
Department of Public Safety:
https://dps.sd.gov/
Tennessee
Contact Information
Voice: 615-741-2286
Email: business.services@tn.gov
Mailing Address
Corporate Filings
312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue
6th Floor, Snodgrass Tower
Nashville, TN 37243-1102
Physical Address
Corporate Filings
312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue
6th Floor, Snodgrass Tower
Nashville, TN 37243-1102
Tennessee Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Tennessee:
1. Visit: http://tnbear.tn.gov/Ecommerce/FilingSearch.aspx
2. Enter all or part of your business name in the “Search Name” box.
3. Choose either “Starts With” or “Contains.”
4. Click“I’m not a robot.”
5. Click “Search.”
Below, you’ll see a list of all the registered businesses in Tennessee that use the terms you entered in their business name. You’ll also see the status of each business, such as whether it’s in active or inactive.
LLC Fees and Forms:
https://sos.tn.gov/businesses/forms-and-fees
Corporation Fees and Forms:
https://sos.tn.gov/businesses/forms-and-fees
Department of Revenue:
https://www.tn.gov/revenue/
Department of Licensing:
https://www.tn.gov/commerce/licensing-regulations.html
Texas
Contact Information
Voice: 512-463-5555
Email: Corpinfo@sos.state.tx.us
Mailing Address
Corporations Section
Secretary of State
P.O. Box 13697
Austin, Texas 78711
Physical Address
Corporations Section
Secretary of State
1019 Brazos
Austin, Texas 78701
Texas Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Texas:
To conduct a search through the Texas Secretary of State, you’re required to first make an SOSDirect Account or use a temporary login. With either method, you are charged $1 per name search. Although not as thorough, some people opt to do a taxable entity search through the Texas Comptroller, which is free. Both methods are described below.
Secretary of State
1. Visit https://direct.sos.state.tx.us/acct/acct-subscribe.asp to create an account or https://direct.sos.state.tx.us/acct/acct-templogin.asp for a one-time temporary login (both require contact info and credit card information).
2. Enter your business name and click “Continue”
3. Enter your address, phone number, email (and password if creating an account).
4. Enter credit card information — your credit card will automatically be charged $1 to authenticate it, but this $1 will be refunded within 24 hours.
5. Accept the user agreement. For accounts, you will be emailed your user ID, at which point you can go to http://www.sos.state.tx.us/, and click on the “SoS Direct” icon, and enter your user name and password. You’ll then see another page where you can choose your payment method and verify contact information.
6. Select “Name Availability Search.” Each search is $1. This fee is waived if you order any filings. The search will let you know if your name is used by any business on file with the Secretary of State.
Comptroller
1. Visit: https://mycpa.cpa.state.tx.us/coa/
2. Enter all or part of your business name in the “Entity Name” box.
3. Click“I’m not a robot” and “Search.”
You’ll see a list of all the taxable entities in Texas (such as domestic or foreign corporations, LLCs or LPs) that use the words you entered in their business name. If you receive too many results, you’ll have to narrow your search by adding or changing words.
LLC and Corporation Forms:
https://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/forms_boc.shtml
LLC and Corporation Fees:
https://direct.sos.state.tx.us/help/help-corp.asp?pg=fee
Department of Revenue:
https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/
Department of Licensing:
https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/
Utah
Contact Information
Voice: 801-530-4849
Fax: 801-530-6438
Mailing Address
160 East 300 South, 2nd Floor
Box 146705
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6705
Physical Address
160 East 300 South, 2nd Floor
Box 146705
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6705
Online
Utah Division of Corporations
Utah Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Utah:
1. Visit: https://secure.utah.gov/bes/action/index
2. Enter all or part of your business name in the “Business Name” box.
3. Click “Search.”
You’ll see a list of all the registered businesses in Utah that use the words you entered in their business name. You’ll also see the status of each business ,such as whether it’s active or expired.
LLC Fees and Forms:
https://corporations.utah.gov/business/lc.html
Corporation Fees and Forms:
https://corporations.utah.gov/business/dp.html
Department of Revenue:
https://tax.utah.gov/
Department of Licensing:
https://dopl.utah.gov/
Vermont
Contact Information
Voice: 802-828-2386
Fax: 802-828-2853
Mailing Address
81 River Street
Montpelier, VT 05609-1104
Physical Address
81 River Street
Montpelier, VT 05609-1104
Vermont Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Vermont:
1. Visit: https://www.vtsosonline.com/online/BusinessInquire/
2. Select “Starts With,” “Exact Match,” or “Contains.”
3. Enter all or part of your business name in the “Business Name” box. You can also tick the box that says “show me similar sounding business names.”
4. Click “Search.”
You’ll see a list of all the registered businesses in Vermont that have business names that match your search criteria. You’ll also see the status of each business, such as whether it’s active, inactive, expired, dissolved, or terminated.
LLC Fees and Forms:
https://sos.vermont.gov/corporations/fees/#tllc
Corporation Fees and Forms:
https://sos.vermont.gov/corporations/fees/
Department of Revenue:
https://tax.vermont.gov/
Department of Licensing:
https://www.vermont.gov/work
Virginia
Contact Information
Voice: 804-371-9733
Email: sccinfo@scc.virginia.gov
Mailing Address
Office of the Clerk
P.O. Box 1197
Richmond, Virginia 23218
Physical Address
Tyler Building
1300 E. Main St.
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Virginia Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Virginia:
1. Visit: https://cis.scc.virginia.gov/EntitySearch/Index
2. Enter all or part of your business name in the box next to “Enter Business Entity Name or SCC ID.”
3. Select “Keyword,” “Starts With,” or “Contains” and click “Search.”
You’ll see a list of all the registered businesses in Virginia that use the words you entered in their business name. For just a yes or no on whether a name is distinguishable in the state, visit https://sccefile.scc.virginia.gov/NameAvailability,enter your exact name in the box, and click “Check Name.”
LLC Fees and Forms:
http://www.scc.virginia.gov/clk/formfee.aspx
Corporation Fees and Forms:
http://www.scc.virginia.gov/clk/formfee.aspx
Department of Revenue:
https://www.tax.virginia.gov/
Department of Licensing:
http://www.dpor.virginia.gov/
Washington
Contact Information
Voice: 360-725-0377
Fax: 360-664-8781
Mailing Address
POBox 40234
Olympia, WA 98504-0234
Physical Address
801 Capitol Way South
Olympia, WA 98504
Washington Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Washington:
1. Visit: https://www.sos.wa.gov/corps/corps_search.asp
2. Scroll down past the customer login to the box that says “Corporation Search.”
3. Select “Contains,” “Begins With,” or “Exact Match” for your search term.
4. Enter all or part of your business name in the “Business Name” box.
5. Click “Search.”
On anew screen, you’ll see a list of all the registered businesses in Washington that use the terms you entered in their business name. You’ll also see the status of each business, such as whether it’s active, inactive or dissolved.
LLC and Corporations Forms:
https://www.sos.wa.gov/corps/forms.aspx
LLC and Corporation Fees:
https://www.sos.wa.gov/corps/feescheduleexpeditedservice.aspx
Department of Revenue:
https://dor.wa.gov/
Department of Licensing:
https://www.dol.wa.gov/
West Virginia
West Virginia Secretary Of State
Contact Information
Voice: 304-558-8000
Fax: 304-558-8381
Email: business@wvsos.com
Mailing Address
PO Box 40234
Olympia, WA 98504-0234
Physical Address
801 Capitol Way South
Olympia, WA 98504
West Virginia Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in West Virginia:
1. Visit: http://apps.sos.wv.gov/business
2. Enter all or part of your business name in the “Organization” box.
3. Click “Search.”
You’ll see a list of all the registered businesses in West Virginia that use the keywords you entered in their business name. You can organize the results by organization name, DBA, name change, and registrations and reservations.
LLC Fees and Forms:
https://sos.wv.gov/Forms/Pages/Search-Results.aspx?Title=articles%20of%20incorporation&FormNumber=&FormCategory=Business%20and%20Licensing
Corporation Fees and Forms:
https://sos.wv.gov/FormSearch/Business/FeeSchedule/feeschedule.pdf
Department of Revenue:
https://revenue.wv.gov
Department of Licensing:
https://sos.wv.gov/
Wisconsin
Contact Information
Voice: 608-266-8888
Fax: 304-558-8381
Mailing Address
PO Box 7846
Madison, WI, 53707-7846
Physical Address
345 W. Washington Ave., 3rd Floor,
Madison WI, 53703
Wisconsin Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Wisconsin:
1. Visit: http://www.wdfi.org/apps/CorpSearch/Search.aspx?
2. Enter all or part of your business name in the search box.
3. Click “Search Records.”
You’ll see a list of all the registered businesses in Wisconsin that use the words you entered in their business name. You’ll also see the status of each company, such as whether it’s organized, incorporated, withdrawn or dissolved.
LLC Fees and Forms:
https://www.wdfi.org/corporations/forms/corp183forms.htm
Corporation Fees and Forms:
https://www.wdfi.org/corporations/forms/corp180forms.htm
Department of Revenue:
https://www.revenue.wi.gov/
Department of Licensing:
https://licensesearch.wi.gov/
Wyoming
Contact Information
Voice: 307-777-7311
Fax: 307-777-5339
Email: Corporations@state.wy.us
Mailing Address
Herschler Building East
122 West 25th Street
Suite 101
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0020
Physical Address
Herschler Building East
122 West 25th Street
Suite 101
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0020
Wyoming Business Name Search
How to do a business name search in Wyoming:
1. Visit: https://wyobiz.wyo.gov/Business/FilingSearch.aspx
2. Enter all or part of your business name in the “Filing Name” box.
3. Choose either “Starts With” or “Contains, and click “Search.”
You’ll see a list of all the registered businesses in Wyoming that use the keywords you entered in their business name. You’ll also see the status of each business, such as whether it’s active or inactive.
LLC and Corporation Forms:
https://sos.wyo.gov/forms/default.aspx?root=Business
LLC and Corporation Fees:
https://sos.wyo.gov/Business/docs/BusinessFees.pdf
Department of Revenue:
http://revenue.wyo.gov/
USA
Contact Information
Voice: 1-800-786-9199
Email: usptoinfo@uspto.gov
Physical Address
UnitedStates Patent and Trademark Office
Department of Commerce
600 Dulany Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Trade and Service Mark Search
Perform a USPTO trademark or service mark search:
1. Visit: http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/index.jsp
2. Find “Search trademark database” and click “Search TESS.”
3. Click “Basic Word Mark Search (New User).
4. For your search term, choose “plural and singular” or just “singular.”
5. Also choose whether to search for “live and dead,” “live,” or “dead” marks.
6. Enter your potential mark in the box next to “Search Term.”
7. Select “Combined Word Mark” for “Field,” unless you are searching for a specific owner or ID number.
8. Select whether your results should include all, any or exact search terms.
9. Click “Submit.”
For instance, if you enter “Northwest Registered” as your search term, you’ll find our live service mark for Northwest Registered Agent LLC.
The site notes that even if your search suggests your potential mark has no “likelihood of confusion” with others, this is not a guarantee that your application will be approved by the USPTO. Also, not every trademark is registered with the USPTO, so many businesses opt to consult a trademark attorney for additional assistance.
