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 Massachusetts Business Entity Search tool to see if your name is unique.
In our Massachusetts Business Name Search guide, we’ll show you exactly how to check LLC name availability in Massachusetts.
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Search NowHow to Check if Your Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts.
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 Massachusetts LLC names include:
- Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or “limited company” or one of their abbreviations (e.g., “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” “LC,” or “L.C.”).
- Your name can’t be the same as — or deceptively similar to — any existing business in Massachusetts. 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.
For more information, check out Massachusetts’ official state statutes.
Distinguishability
It’s important that your name be distinguishable from all other business names. In Massachusetts, 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 Business Entity Search
In order to ensure your business name is distinguishable, you’ll need to do a statewide search of existing businesses and name reservations. You can check your business name availability by searching Massachusetts’ two online databases: the Business Entity database and the Reserved Business Names 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.
What if my LLC name is already taken? Our free AI-powered LLC name generator will give you thousands of new ideas.
4. Reserve Your LLC Name
You may reserve your LLC name in Massachusetts for up to 60 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 via hard copy with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth. The filing fee is $30.
You also can renew your name reservation for an additional 60 days. The filing fee is $30.
5. Conduct a Trademark or Service Mark Search
Don’t overlook the crucial step of a trademark search to ensure your business name is available on a federal level. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website provides a powerful tool to check if your desired business name or logo is already protected. Keep in mind that state-level LLC name approval isn’t a substitute for federal trademark clearance. For additional support, consult our list of recommended trademark services for startups.
6. Form Your Massachusetts LLC
Once you complete your LLC name search, you’ll need to register your business with the state. To form an LLC in Massachusetts, you must file a Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of the Commonwealth. This crucial step brings your business into legal existence.
Your Certificate of Organization should include the LLC’s name, purpose, principal office address, registered agent information, and the names and addresses of the managers or authorized representatives. Massachusetts also requires you to specify the latest date of dissolution of your LLC, if it’s not a perpetual business entity.
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Start NowMassachusetts LLC Name Search FAQ
How do I check if an LLC name is taken in Massachusetts?
You can use Massachusetts’ Business Entity Search tool and Reserved Business Names Search tool to see if your 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 our free AI-powered LLC name generator.
What words can’t be used in a Massachusetts 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.
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 Your LLC guide.
Do I have to include LLC in my name?
Yes. Massachusetts requires that its LLCs use “Limited Liability Company” or “Limited Company” or an abbreviation of them (e.g., “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” “LC,” or “L.C.”) in their legal name.
Do I need to renew my business name in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts doesn’t require LLCs to renew their legal name, but “doing business as” (DBA) names — called a “business certificate” in Massachusetts — must be renewed every four years.
The renewal process varies by city. Check with your city clerk’s office for forms and fees.
Learn more about business certificates with our Massachusetts DBA guide.
Can my business name be different from my LLC name in Massachusetts?
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 business certificate in Massachusetts.
In Massachusetts, business certificates are filed with the city or cities where the LLC does business.
Learn more about business certificates with our Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts DBA names by reading our guide to filing for a DBA and selecting Massachusetts from the drop-down menu.