Before you form a corporation, you’ll need to complete a business name search with the New Jersey Business Name Availability tool to check if your corporation name is available.
We'll show you how to check corporation name availability in New Jersey 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.
New Jersey Corporation Name Search
The New Jersey Department of Treasury 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 New Jersey Corporation Names
Once you know your corporation name meets New Jersey business name guidelines, make sure it’s available by using the New Jersey Business Name Availability tool.
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 New Jersey
Register Your Name
A corporation name is officially registered when you file your New Jersey Certificate of Formation. 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 New Jersey, known as an alternate name, that’s a separate process that requires filing a separate form with the Department of Treasury.
Reserve Your Name
While not required, you have the option to reserve your corporation name in New Jersey 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 online or by mail with the New Jersey Department of Treasury. The filing fee is $50.
Need Help Forming Your Corporation? ZenBusiness will get you started.
New Jersey Corporation Name Requirements
Key Guidelines
New Jersey has official requirements for its corporation names.
The name must contain one of the following words or abbreviations: corporation, company, incorporated, corp., co. inc., or ltd. (or words or abbreviations of like meaning in a different 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.
New Jersey also has the following restrictions for corporation names:
- You need the approval to include any of the following restricted words in your corporation’s name: bank, banker, banking, blind, cemetery, citius, con-con, dba, e-com, express mail, handicapped, little league, mail, olympiad, olympia, olympian, altius fortius, olympic, olympus, realtor, trust, United States Olympic Committee, urban renewal insurance, zip code, and USPS.
- The name cannot imply that the corporation is organized for any purpose other than one outlined in its Certificate of Formation.
For more information, check out the New Jersey state statute on corporation names.
Distinguishability
Your name must be distinguishable from all other New Jersey business names. In New Jersey, a distinguishable name is one that is substantively different from all other existing or reserved business names in the state.
If your corporation name isn’t distinguishable, your Certificate of Formation 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.
New Jersey Corporation Name Search FAQ
How do I check if a corporation name is taken in New Jersey?
You can use the New Jersey Business Name Availability tool to see if your business name is available.
Learn more about business entity name availability in the New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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, New Jersey corporation names cannot imply that the corporation is organized for any purpose other than one outlined in its Certificate of Formation.
There are additional restricted words that require state approval, which are listed in the New Jersey 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?
New Jersey corporation names must contain one of the following words or abbreviations: corporation, company, incorporated, corp., co. inc., or ltd. (or words or abbreviations of like meaning in a different language).
Learn more about corporation naming requirements in the New Jersey Corporation Name Requirements section.
Do I need to renew my business name in New Jersey?
New Jersey doesn't require corporations to renew their legal name, but alternate names must be renewed every five years with the Department of Treasury.
Can my business name be different from my corporation name in New Jersey?
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 alternate name in New Jersey.
In New Jersey, alternate names for corporations are filed with the Department of Treasury.
Learn more about alternate names with our New Jersey 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 New Jersey DBA guide.