Before you form an LLC, register a trade name, or start a corporation, you'll need to complete a business name search with the North Dakota Business Search tool to see if your name is unique.
In our North Dakota Business Name Search guide, we'll show you exactly how to check LLC name availability in North Dakota.
Recommended: Northwest Registered Agent will register your business name when they form your LLC for $29 (plus state fees).
SKIP AHEAD:
North Dakota LLC Name Search
The North Dakota 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 check your business name availability by searching the North Dakota Business Search online 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 North Dakota LLC guide to get started.
Registering a DBA in North Dakota (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 North Dakota for up to 12 months 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 online with the North Dakota Secretary of State. The filing fee is $10.
You can also renew your name reservation for an additional 12 months if needed.
North Dakota Naming Requirements
Some key guidelines for North Dakota LLC names include:
- Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.). It cannot contain the words "limited" or "company" without association with the words "limited liability company."
- Your name may not be the same as or deceptively similar to any existing business in the state. This includes North Dakota 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.
North Dakota also has the following restrictions for LLC names:
- Your name cannot contain the words "corporation," "incorporated," "limited partnership," or "limited liability partnership” or abbreviations of these.
- Your name cannot imply that the LLC was organized for an unlawful purpose or one not outlined in its Articles of Organization.
For more information, check out the North Dakota LLC naming statute (Page 9, 10-32.1-11).
Distinguishability
It is important that your name be distinguishable from all other business names. In North Dakota, 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.
North Dakota LLC Name Search FAQ
How do I check if an LLC name is taken in North Dakota?
You can use the North Dakota Business Search tool to see if your preferred 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 North Dakota 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, North Dakota LLC names cannot include the words "corporation," "incorporated," "limited partnership," or "limited liability partnership” or abbreviations of these.
Learn more about LLC naming requirements in the North Dakota 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. North Dakota 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 North Dakota Naming Requirements section.
Do I need to renew my business name in North Dakota?
No. North Dakota does not require LLCs to renew their legal name, but trade names must be renewed every five years with the Secretary of State.
The Secretary of State will mail out renewal forms within 90 days of trade name expiration. The filing fee is $25.
Learn more about trade names with our North Dakota DBA guide.
Can my business name be different from my LLC name in North Dakota?
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 trade name in North Dakota.
In North Dakota, trade names are filed with the Secretary of State.
Learn more about trade names with our North Dakota 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 North Dakota DBAs by reading our guide to filing for a DBA and selecting North Dakota from the dropdown menu.
