Before you form an LLC, register a trade name, or start a corporation, you'll need to complete a business name search with the Nebraska Corporate & Business Search tool to see if your name is unique.
In our Nebraska Business Name Search guide, we'll show you exactly how to check LLC name availability in Nebraska.
Recommended: Northwest Registered Agent will register your business name when they form your LLC for $29 (plus state fees).
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Nebraska LLC Name Search
The Nebraska Secretary 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 search for an LLC name in Nebraska via:
- Online database
We recommend emailing or mailing the Secretary of State for preliminary name approval, even if the online database shows that your name is available on the Nebraska Corporate & Business Search.
Online Database
You can check your business name availability by searching the Nebraska Corporate & Business Search online database.
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 availability screening:
Secretary of State's Office
Business Services Division
P.O. Box 94608
Lincoln, NE 68509
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 Nebraska LLC guide to get started.
Registering a DBA in Nebraska (also known as a trade name) is a separate process that requires filing with the Secretary of State.
Reserve Your Name
You can optionally reserve your LLC name in Nebraska 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 by mail with the Nebraska Secretary of State. The filing fee is $30.
Nebraska Naming Requirements
Some key guidelines for Nebraska LLC names include:
- Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or “limited company” or one of their abbreviations (LLC, L.L.C., LC, or L.C.).
- Your name must not be the same as or deceptively similar to any existing business in the state. This includes Nebraska 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 Nebraska’s official state statutes.
Distinguishability
It is important that your name be distinguishable from all other business names. In Nebraska, a distinguishable name is one that is substantively different from all other existing or reserved business names in the state.
Is your name already taken? Our free AI-powered LLC name generator will generate thousands of new ideas.
Nebraska LLC Name Search FAQ
How do I check if an LLC name is taken in Nebraska?
You can use the Nebraska Corporate & Business Search tool to see if your preferred 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 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 Nebraska 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.
Learn more about LLC naming requirements in the Nebraska 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. Nebraska 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 Nebraska Naming Requirements section.
Do I need to renew my business name in Nebraska?
Nebraska doesn't require LLCs to renew their legal name, but trade names must be renewed every 10 years with the Secretary of State.
You can renew by calling the Secretary of State’s office at (402) 471-4079. The filing fee is $100.
Learn more about trade names with our Nebraska DBA guide.
Can my business name be different from my LLC 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, LLC trade names are filed with the Secretary of State.
Learn more about trade names with our Nebraska 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 Nebraska DBAs by reading our guide to filing for a DBA and selecting Nebraska from the dropdown menu.
