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 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.
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Search NowHow to Check if Your New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire.
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 New Hampshire LLC names include:
- Your name must include the phrase “Limited Liability Company” or one of its abbreviations (e.g., “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 can’t imply the LLC was organized for any non-permitted purpose or one not outlined in its Certificate of Formation.
- Your name can’t include the name of a political party without authorization.
- Your name can’t 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’s important that your name be distinguishable from all other business names. In New Hampshire, a distinguishable name is one that’s 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 the rejection of your formation filing.
2. Conduct a State Name Search
The first search you need to complete is at the state level to identify if any existing businesses are already using your chosen LLC name. You can check your business name availability by searching the New Hampshire Business 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 also 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 New Hampshire for up to 120 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 online or via hard copy with the New Hampshire Department of State. The filing fee is $15.
5. Conduct a Trademark or Service Mark Search
Safeguard your business from potential legal issues by performing a thorough trademark search. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website provides a robust tool to check if your desired name or logo is already trademarked. Don’t assume state-level LLC name approval is sufficient. For additional support, consult our list of the best trademark services for startups.
6. Form Your New Hampshire LLC
Once you verify your business name is available, you need to register your new business with the state. To form an LLC, you must submit a Certificate of Formation to the New Hampshire Department of State. This filing officially creates your business entity.
Your Certificate of Formation should include the LLC’s name, principal business information, registered agent details, and management structure. New Hampshire also requires you to provide the name and address of each person executing the document, adding a personal touch to your business formation.
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Start NowNew Hampshire LLC Name Search FAQ
How do I check if an LLC name is taken in New Hampshire?
You can use the New Hampshire Business 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 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. New Hampshire LLC names also can’t include the names of political parties or the words “farmers’ market” unless the LLC meets the definition of a farmers’ market.
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. 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.
Do I need to renew my business name in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire doesn’t require LLCs to renew their legal name, but trade names must be renewed every five years.
You can renew a trade name online or wait for the New Hampshire Department of State to 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 Secretary 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 DBA names by reading our guide to filing for a DBA and selecting New Hampshire from the drop-down menu.