Maryland Business Name Search


Before you form an LLC, register a trade name, or start a corporation, you'll need to complete a business name search with the Maryland Business Entity Search tool to see if your name is unique.

In our Maryland Business Name Search guide, we'll show you exactly how to check LLC name availability in Maryland.

Recommended: Northwest Registered Agent will register your business name when they form your LLC for $29 (plus state fees).

SKIP AHEAD:

Complete a Maryland Business Entity Search

Complete a Domain Name Search

Register Your Business Name

A laptop with a search engine open that says "LLC Name Search"

Maryland LLC Name Search

The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation requires all business names to be distinguishable from other business entities in the state.

It's also important to search for a matching domain name (URL).

How to Search Available LLC Names

You can check your business name availability by searching the Maryland Business Entity Search online database.

Recommended: If you don’t have a business name yet or find that yours is taken, use our LLC Name Generator.

How to Complete a Domain Name Search

When choosing a business name you'll need to find out whether or not a good web domain name is available. Having a URL that clearly matches your business name is important. This small step can make a big difference in how prospective customers find your business.

The best way to determine if your desired URL is available is to search for it using your preferred domain registry, such as GoDaddy.

Find a Domain Now

How to Register Your Business Name

Register Your Name

An LLC name is officially registered when you file your LLC application documents and form an LLC.

Ready to register your LLC name? Use our Maryland LLC guide to get started.

Registering a DBA in Maryland (also known as a trade name) is a separate process that requires filing with the Department of Assessments and Taxation.

Reserve Your Name

You can optionally reserve your LLC name in Maryland for up to 30 days before you officially register it. This prevents other businesses from registering your name until you have the opportunity to register it yourself. 

Name reservations can be filed by mail with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. The filing fee is $25.

You can also re-reserve your desired business name for an additional $25 fee.

Maryland Naming Requirements

Some key guidelines for Maryland LLC names include:

  • Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or one of the following abbreviations: LLC, L.L.C., LC, or L.C.
  • Your name must be distinguishable from any existing business in Maryland. This includes reserved names.

Keep an eye out for restricted words. These words, such as “FBI” or “Treasury,” are often restricted to keep your LLC from sounding like an official institution.

Maryland also has the following restrictions for LLC names:

  • Your name cannot imply that the LLC is organized for a purpose other than the one outlined in its Articles of Organization.

For more information, check out Maryland’s official state statutes.

Distinguishability

It is important that your name be distinguishable from all other business names. In Maryland, a distinguishable name is one that is substantively different from all other existing or reserved business names in the state.

Failure to use a distinguishable name could result in your formation filing being rejected.

Is your name already taken? Our free AI-powered LLC name generator will generate thousands of new ideas.

Maryland LLC Name Search FAQ

How do I check if an LLC name is taken in Maryland?

You can use the Maryland Business Entity Search tool to see if your preferred business name is available.

Learn more about business entity name availability in the How to Search Available LLC Names section.

Should I name my LLC after myself?

While there’s no rule against naming an LLC after yourself, most experts advise against doing this. 

One of the benefits of starting an LLC is the ability to choose a different name for your business, which can make it sound more professional.

To explore other naming options, use your free AI-powered LLC Name Generator.

What words can’t be used in a Maryland LLC name?

Business names generally can’t include words that imply the company is a banking or financial institution or that it’s affiliated with a local, state, or federal government agency.

Additionally, Maryland LLC names cannot imply that the LLC is organized for a purpose other than the one outlined in its Articles of Organization.

Learn more about LLC naming requirements in the Maryland Naming Requirements section.

Should I use an LLC name generator?

If you’re having trouble choosing a name for your LLC, an LLC name generator can help you come up with some ideas.

What is a brand name?

A brand name is a name a company gives to a product or line of products. It can be the same as the company’s name or something different.

Learn more about branding with your business entity name with our How to Name an LLC guide.

Do I have to include LLC in my name?

Yes. Maryland requires that its LLCs use “Limited Liability Company” or one of its abbreviations (e.g., LLC or L.L.C.) in their legal name.

Learn more about LLC naming requirements in the Maryland Naming Requirements section.

Do I need to renew my business name in Maryland?

Maryland does not require LLCs to renew their legal name, but trade names must be renewed every five years with the Department of Assessments and Taxation.

You can renew online, and the filing fee is $25.

Learn more about trade names with our Maryland DBA guide.

Can my business name be different from my LLC name in Maryland?

Some companies choose to operate under a name that’s different from their legal name. This can either be called a “doing business as” (DBA) name or a trade name in Maryland. 

In Maryland, trade names are filed with the Department of Assessments & Taxation.

Learn more about trade names with our Maryland DBA guide.

Does my LLC need a DBA name?

Your LLC doesn’t need a DBA name unless it plans to do business under a name other than its legal name. Learn more about Maryland DBAs by reading our guide to filing for a DBA and selecting Maryland from the dropdown menu.