Business name search
Business name search: is a company name already taken?
Before you form an LLC or corporation, see whether the same or a similar name is already on the state’s register. We show what we find — and always link the official registry, because only the state decides.
When is a name “the same”?
States accept a new company name only if it is distinguishable from names already on their register. The exact rule differs by state, but these differences usually don’t count:
Legal endings don’t count
“Blue Pine LLC”, “Blue Pine, Inc.” and “Blue Pine Corporation” are usually treated as the same name.
Punctuation, spacing and capitals don’t count
“Blue-Pine”, “BLUE PINE” and “Bluepine” are typically not distinguishable from each other.
“The” and “&” vs “and” don’t count
“The Blue Pine Group” and “Blue Pine Group” are generally the same name; so are “Smith & Sons” and “Smith and Sons”.
Inactive names may still be taken
Some states keep a dissolved company’s name off-limits for a while, or until it is released. A reserved name can block yours too.
Before you register a name
Check the state register
Search the name in the state where you will form the company — here first, then on the official registry, which is the source that counts.
Check trademarks
A state accepting your name doesn’t clear it against federal trademarks. Search the USPTO database for the same or confusingly similar marks in your field.
Check the domain and handles
Look up whether the domain you want is registered, and the social handles you’d use.
Reserve or file
Many states let you reserve a name for a limited period for a fee. Or file your formation documents directly — the name is yours in that state once the filing is accepted.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Researching an existing company instead? Check a US company
Questions
Does “no match” mean the business name is available?
No. It means we found nothing close in our copy of that state’s register. Our copy can be incomplete or a few days behind, some copies list active entities only, and reserved names are not in it. Only the state decides whether a name is available — check its official registry or file a name reservation.
Which differences make a name distinguishable?
Each state has its own rule. Typically, legal endings (LLC, Inc., Corp.), punctuation, capitalisation, spacing and articles such as “the” do not make a name different. Adding or changing a real word usually does, but some states also refuse names that are confusingly similar. The state’s filing office makes the call.
Can I use a name that belongs to an inactive or dissolved company?
Sometimes. In some states a dissolved company’s name stays unavailable for a period, or until it is formally released; elsewhere it frees up sooner. Look up the record on the official registry and ask the filing office if in doubt.
Which states can I check here?
Pick the state where you plan to register. Where we hold a copy of that state’s register, we show exact and similar matches; where we don’t, we give no verdict and link you to the official registry search instead.
Is a state registration the same as a trademark?
No. Registering an LLC or corporation only puts the name on that state’s register. It doesn’t give you trademark rights, and it doesn’t stop a trademark owner from objecting. Search the USPTO trademark database separately.
What about DBAs (assumed names)?
Assumed names or “doing business as” names are often filed with a county or city rather than the state, and are not part of this check.