Before you form a limited liability company (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 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.
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Search NowHow to Check if Your Maryland LLC Name Is Available
Checking if your desired LLC name is available involves a few key steps, such as ensuring your business name follows state requirements and performing a domain name and state search. These are the steps you need to take to determine if your business name is available in Maryland.
1. Follow LLC Naming Rules
Before you perform an LLC name search, you need to make sure your business name follows the state’s business name 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 can’t 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’s important that your name be distinguishable from all other business names. In Maryland, a distinguishable name is one that’s substantively different from all other existing or reserved business names in the state.
Failure to use a distinguishable name could result in the rejection of your formation filing.
2. Conduct a State LLC Name Search
To ensure your business name is available, you’ll need to conduct a business name search for the state of Maryland. This ensures your chosen name isn’t already in use by another business entity in the state. You can check your business name availability by searching the Maryland Business Entity Search online database.
3. Check Available Domain Names
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.
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4. Reserve Your LLC Name
You may reserve your LLC name in Maryland for up to 30 days before you officially register it with the state. This prevents other businesses from registering your name until you have the opportunity to register it yourself.
You can file a name reservation by mail with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. The filing fee is $25.
You also can re-reserve your desired business name for an additional $25 fee.
5. Conduct a Trademark or Service Mark Search
A trademark search is essential for establishing a unique brand identity and avoiding legal complications. Use the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)‘s online database to check if your desired business name or logo is already protected. Remember that state-level LLC name clearance doesn’t guarantee federal trademark availability. Need professional guidance? Our review of the top trademark services for startups can help.
6. Form Your Maryland LLC
Once you have completed your LLC name search, you’ll need to register your business with the state. Maryland requires you to form an LLC by submitting Articles of Organization to the Department of Assessments and Taxation. This filing officially establishes your business entity in the Old Line State.
Your Articles of Organization must include the LLC’s name, purpose, principal office address, and registered agent details. Maryland also requires you to specify the LLC’s purpose.
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Start NowMaryland 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.
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.
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,” “L.L.C.,” “LC,” or “L.C.”) in their legal name.
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.