Before you form an LLC, register an assumed name, or start a corporation, you'll need to complete a business name search with the New York Corporation and Business Entity Database tool to see if your name is unique.
In our New York LLC Name Search guide, we'll show you exactly how to check LLC name availability in New York.
Recommended: Northwest Registered Agent will register your business name when they form your LLC for $29 (plus state fees).
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Complete a New York Corporation and Business Entity Database Search
New York LLC Name Search
The New York 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 York Corporation and Business Entity 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 York LLC guide to get started.
Registering a DBA in New York (also known as an assumed 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 York for up to 60 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 submitting Form DOS 1233 - Application for Reservation of Name with the New York Department of State by mail, by fax, or in person. The filing fee is $20.
You can also extend your name reservation twice for 60 days per extension by submitting Form DOS 2101 - Request for Extension of Reservation of Name by mail, by fax, or in person. The filing fee is $20.
New York Naming Requirements
Some key guidelines for New York LLC names include:
- Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
- Your name must be distinguishable from any existing business in the state. This includes New York 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 York has a long list of prohibited and restricted words that you can view on the Department of State website.
For more information, check out New York’s official state statutes.
Distinguishability
It is important that your name be distinguishable from all other business names. In New York, 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.
New York LLC Name Search FAQ
How do I check if an LLC name is taken in New York?
You can use the New York Corporation and Business Entity Database 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 York 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 York has a long list of prohibited and restricted words that you can view on the Department of State website.
Learn more about LLC naming requirements in the New York 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 York 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 York Naming Requirements section.
Do I need to renew my business name in New York?
New York doesn't require LLCs to renew their name.
Can my business name be different from my LLC name in New York?
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 an assumed name in New York.
In New York, LLC assumed names are filed with the Department of State.
Learn more about assumed names with our New York 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 York DBAs by reading our guide to filing for a DBA and selecting New York from the dropdown menu.
