Business name search

Is your business name available? Check the official record, not a guess.

Before you file an LLC or corporation, your name has to clear the state's own registry. Third-party "name checkers" mostly re-sell what every state already publishes for free. These guides show you the official search in each state, what the state's naming rules actually require, and how to reserve a name while you get organized.

What every state has in common

• A distinguishability standard. Your name must be distinguishable in the state's records from existing entities, reserved names, and registered foreign entities. Each state defines "distinguishable" in its own statute or administrative rules — small differences matter.
• A free or near-free official search. Every Secretary of State (or equivalent) exposes its entity registry. That search is the record that counts; a domain-registrar availability check is not.
• Name reservation. Most states let you hold a name for a set period (commonly 120 days) for a small fee before you file formation documents.
• A limit to what clearance means. A state accepting your name does not protect you from trademark claims. Availability and trademark rights are separate questions.

State guides

Texas California — comingFlorida — comingNew York — comingColorado — comingOhio — comingPennsylvania — comingGeorgia — comingIllinois — comingNorth Carolina — coming

We publish a state only once its guide is verified against the state's own sources. More states are in progress.