Before you form an LLC, register a trade name, or start a corporation, you'll need to complete a business name search with the New Hampshire Business Search tool to see if your name is unique.
In our New Hampshire Business Name Search guide, we'll show you exactly how to check LLC name availability in New Hampshire.
Recommended: Northwest Registered Agent will register your business name when they form your LLC for $29 (plus state fees).
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New Hampshire LLC Name Search
The New Hampshire Department of State 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 New Hampshire QuickStart Business 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.
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 New Hampshire LLC guide to get started.
Registering a DBA in New Hampshire (also known as a trade name) is a separate process that requires filing with the Department of State.
Reserve Your Name
You can optionally reserve your LLC name in New Hampshire for up to 120 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 online or via hard copy with the New Hampshire Department of State. The filing fee is $15.
New Hampshire Naming Requirements
Some key guidelines for New Hampshire LLC names include:
- Your name must include the phrase “Limited Liability Company” or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
- Your name may contain the name of a member or manager of the LLC.
- Your name must be distinguishable from any existing business in the state. This includes New Hampshire 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.
New Hampshire also has the following restrictions for LLC names:
- Your name cannot imply that the LLC was organized for any non-permitted purpose or one not outlined in its certificate of formation.
- Your name cannot include the name of a political party without authorization.
- Your name cannot include the words "farmers' market" unless the LLC meets the definition of a farmers' market.
For more information, check out New Hampshire’s official state statutes.
Distinguishability
It is important that your name be distinguishable from all other business names. In New Hampshire, a distinguishable name is one that is substantively different from all other existing or reserved business names in the state.
The following differences do NOT make a name distinguishable in New Hampshire:
- Articles
- Plural forms
- Phonetic spellings
- Abbreviations
- Prefixes and suffixes (excluding antonyms)
- Business entity type designators
- Numeric designation
- Punctuation and special characters
- Spacing
- Numerals vs. spelled out numbers
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.
New Hampshire LLC Name Search FAQ
How do I check if an LLC name is taken in New Hampshire?
You can use the New Hampshire QuickStart Business Search tool to see if your 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 New Hampshire 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, New Hampshire restricts LLCs from using words in their names that imply the LLC was organized for a non-permitted purpose as well as the names of political parties.
Learn more about LLC naming requirements in the New Hampshire 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. New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire Naming Requirements section.
Do I need to renew my business name in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire does not require LLCs to renew their legal name, but trade names must be renewed every five years.
You can renew the name online or wait for the Department of State you send you a hard copy renewal form. The filing fee is $50.
Learn more about trade names with our New Hampshire DBA guide.
Can my business name be different from my LLC name in New Hampshire?
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 New Hampshire.
In New Hampshire, LLC trade names are filed with the Department of State.
Learn more about trade names with our New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire DBAs by reading our guide to filing for a DBA and selecting New Hampshire from the dropdown menu.
