Before you form a corporation, you’ll need to complete a business name search with the Maryland Business Entity Search tool to check if your corporation name is available.
We'll show you how to check corporation name availability in Maryland 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.
Maryland Corporation Name Search
The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation 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).
SKIP AHEAD:
How to Search Available Maryland Corporation Names
Once you know your corporation name meets Maryland business name guidelines, make sure it’s available by using the Maryland Business Entity Search 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 Maryland
Register Your Name
A corporation name is officially registered when you file your Maryland 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 Maryland, known as a trade name, that’s a separate process that requires filing a separate form with the Department of Assessments and Taxation.
Reserve Your Name
While not required, you have the option to reserve your corporation name in Maryland for up to 30 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 Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. The filing fee is $25.
Need Help Forming Your Corporation? ZenBusiness will get you started.
Maryland Corporation Name Requirements
Key Guidelines
Maryland has official requirements for its corporation names.
The name must contain the word “corporation,” “company,” “incorporated,” “limited” or an abbreviation of one of these terms (note: “company” can only be used if it is not preceded by the word "and" or a symbol for the word "and").
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.
Additionally, Maryland corporation names cannot imply that the corporation is organized for a purpose other than the one outlined in its Articles of Incorporation.
For more information, check out the Maryland state statutes on corporation names.
Distinguishability
Your name must be distinguishable from all other Maryland business names. In Maryland, 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 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.
Maryland Corporation Name Search FAQ
How do I check if a corporation name is taken in Maryland?
You can use the Maryland Business Entity Search tool to see if your business name is available.
Learn more about business entity name availability in the Maryland 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 Maryland 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, Maryland corporation names cannot imply that the corporation is organized for a purpose other than the one outlined in its Articles of Incorporation.
Learn more about corporation naming requirements in the Maryland 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?
Maryland corporation names must contain the word “corporation,” “company,” “incorporated,” “limited” or an abbreviation of one of these terms (note: “company” can only be used if it is not preceded by the word "and" or a symbol for the word "and").
Learn more about corporation naming requirements in the Maryland Corporation Name Requirements section.
Do I need to renew my business name in Maryland?
Maryland doesn't require corporations to renew their legal name, but trade names must be renewed every five years with the Department of Assessments and Taxation.
Can my business name be different from my corporation name in Maryland?
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 Maryland.
In Maryland, trade names for corporations are filed with the Department of Assessments and Taxation.
Learn more about trade names with our Maryland 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 Maryland DBA guide.