Before you form a corporation, you’ll need to complete a business name search with the Nebraska Corporate & Business Search tool to check if your corporation name is available.
We'll show you how to check corporation name availability in Nebraska in this guide.
Recommended: You’ll want to secure your website domain name as soon as possible. Check GoDaddy to make sure it’s available.
Nebraska Corporation Name Search
The Nebraska Secretary of State requires all business names to be distinguishable from other business entities in the state. So, you’ll want to search and make sure no other businesses in the state are already using your name.
It is also useful to see if your corporation name is available as a web domain (URL).
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How to Search Available Nebraska Corporation Names
Once you know your corporation name meets Nebraska name guidelines, you can search for a corporation name in Nebraska via:
- Online database
Even if the online database shows that your name is available, we recommend emailing the Secretary of State for preliminary name approval.
Online Database
You can check your business name availability by searching the Nebraska Corporate & Business Search tool.
You can email the Nebraska Secretary of State at sos.corp@nebraska.gov for a preliminary name availability screening.
You can mail the Nebraska Secretary of State at the following address for a preliminary name screening:
Secretary of State's Office
Business Services Division
P.O. Box 94608
Lincoln, NE 68509
Want to learn more about corporations? Check out our What Is a Corporation guide to get started.
How to Check Available Domain Names
When deciding on a name for your corporation, you should make sure that a similar or exact domain name is available. A matching URL will help potential customers find your corporation faster.
How to Register a Corporation Name in Nebraska
Register Your Name
A corporation name is officially registered when you file your Nebraska Articles of Incorporation. You can hire a professional service to form a corporation for you or start a corporation yourself.
Ready to register your corporation name? Use our Form a Corporation guide to get started.
If you want to register a DBA in Nebraska, known as a trade name, that’s a separate process that requires filing a separate form with the Secretary of State.
Reserve Your Name
While not required, you have the option to reserve your corporation name in Nebraska for up to 120 days before you register it. This prevents other businesses from registering your name until you are ready to register it yourself.
Name reservations can be filed by mail with the Nebraska Secretary of State. The filing fee is $30.
Need Help Forming Your Corporation? ZenBusiness will get you started.
Nebraska Corporation Name Requirements
Key Guidelines
Nebraska has official requirements for its corporation names.
The name must contain the word “corporation,” “company,” “incorporated,” “limited;” an abbreviation of one of these terms; or words or abbreviations of like import in another language.
There are also restricted words, such as “FBI” or “Treasury,” that you cannot use in order to keep your LLC from sounding like an official institution.
Nebraska corporation names also cannot imply that the corporation is organized for any unlawful purpose or one not outlined in its Articles of Incorporation.
For more information, check out the Nebraska state statute on corporation names.
Distinguishability
Your name must be distinguishable from all other Nebraska business names. In Nebraska, this means your name cannot be the same as or deceptively similar to any other business names, including both existing and reserved names.
If your corporation name isn’t distinguishable, your Articles of Incorporation filing will likely be rejected.
What if my corporation name is already taken? Our AI-powered corporation name generator will give you thousands of new ideas.
For a list of brainstorming tips, check out our guide to naming your business.
Nebraska Corporation Name Search FAQ
How do I check if a corporation name is taken in Nebraska?
You can use the Nebraska Corporate & Business Search tool to see if your business name is available.
You can also email the Nebraska Secretary of State at sos.corp@nebraska.gov or mail them at the following address:
Secretary of State's Office
Business Services Division
P.O. Box 94608
Lincoln, NE 68509
Learn more about business entity name availability in the Nebraska Corporation Name Search section.
Should I name my corporation after myself?
While there’s no rule against naming a corporation after yourself, most experts advise against doing this.
One of the benefits of starting a corporation 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 business name generator.
What words can’t be used in a Nebraska corporation 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, Nebraska corporation names cannot imply that the corporation is organized for any unlawful purpose or one not outlined in its Articles of Incorporation.
Learn more about corporation naming requirements in the Nebraska Corporation Name Requirements section.
Should I use a business name generator?
If you’re having trouble choosing a name for your corporation, a corporation name generator can help you come up with some ideas.
Do I have to include ‘corporation’ in my name?
Nebraska corporation names must contain the word “corporation,” “company,” “incorporated,” “limited;” an abbreviation of one of these terms; or words or abbreviations of like import in another language.
Learn more about corporation naming requirements in the Nebraska Corporation Name Requirements section.
Do I need to renew my business name in Nebraska?
Nebraska doesn't require corporations to renew their legal name, but trade names must be renewed every 10 years with the Secretary of State.
Can my business name be different from my corporation name in Nebraska?
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 Nebraska.
In Nebraska, trade names for corporations are filed with the Secretary of State.
Learn more about trade names with our Nebraska DBA guide.
Does my corporation need a DBA name?
Your corporation doesn’t need a DBA name unless it plans to do business under a name other than its legal name. Learn more with our Nebraska DBA guide.