Arizona Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your Arizona LLC Name Is Available
A unique business name is key for branding, but it can be difficult to navigate the various rules for business names in Arizona.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
Arizona LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in Arizona, your filing could be rejected if the name you choose is already in use or does not adhere to state naming regulations.
How to Search the Arizona Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in Arizona.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the Arizona Business Name Search or the Arizona Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the Arizona Business Entity Search page
Arizona Secretary of State: Business Entity Search
To confirm if your name is available, use both methods provided by the Arizona Business Entity Search. This will help ensure that your name is unique.
Checking for Name Availability
To verify name availability with the Arizona Corporation Commission:
Type your desired LLC name into the "Entity Name" field.
Click the "Name Availability Check" button.
You'll receive one of the following messages in a popup:
The name is available.
- This indicates that your business name is likely unique and suitable for use.
No search results were found.
- This suggests that your business name is likely unique and acceptable.
The entity name is not available.
- This means your business name is not distinct enough. You will need to choose a different name.
Need to save time?
Consider hiring a professional to set up your LLC: Northwest Registered Agent offers LLC formation services starting at $39 plus the state fee.
(Find out why Northwest is the top choice for LLC formation)
How to Use the Arizona Business Entity Search
You can use the full Business Entity Search to ensure that your Arizona LLC name is unique or to identify names similar enough to trigger the "entity name is not available" result.
Go back to the Business Entity Search page.
Search Tips:
- Exclude terms like "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company", and punctuation marks (commas, periods, apostrophes) from your search.
- You can use either uppercase or lowercase letters in your search.
★ Tip:
To ensure thoroughness, start with a search for the main part of your desired name. For instance, if you want "Sunset Ventures LLC", first search for "Sunset Ventures" and then "Sunset" to cover all possible variations.
Understanding Search Results
If your search results show names that do not match yours exactly, your LLC name is likely available. For example, if "Sunset Ventures LLC" yields results like "Sunset Management" and "Sunset LLC", your name should be available.
Double-Check Results
If your search yields no results, your desired name may be unique. For added security, repeat your search using just a part of your name, such as "Sunset", to ensure no similar names exist.
What If My Desired Name Is Not Available?
If the name you want is already in use, you will need to choose an alternative name or modify your desired name.
Arizona Secretary of State Contact Information
For assistance with name availability or any related questions, you can contact the Arizona Secretary of State. Although they can help guide you through the search process, they cannot guarantee the availability of your name at the time of filing.
The Secretary of State can be reached at 907-465-2550. Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm.
Arizona LLC Name Requirements
According to the Arizona LLC Act, your LLC name must adhere to specific guidelines:
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Green Leaf Innovations LLC
- Green Leaf Innovations, LLC
Permissible Designators
Your LLC name must end with one of the following designators:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Ltd. Liability Co.
- Limited Liability Co.
- Ltd. Liability Company
- Limited Liability Company
✎ Note:
The term "LLC" is the most commonly used.
Restricted Designators
Your LLC name cannot include terms that imply it is another type of business entity, such as:
- Inc.
- Corp.
- Incorporated
- Corporation
- Cooperative
Restricted Words in Arizona LLC Names
Your Arizona LLC name must not include words or abbreviations that are legally restricted.
For instance, you cannot name your LLC in a way that suggests it is a bank, a government entity or misleads the public in any way.
Additionally, words reserved for licensed professionals cannot be used in your LLC name. This includes terms related to professions such as accounting, architecture, law, dentistry, and engineering.
To find more about prohibited words for Arizona LLC names, refer to Section 29-3112 (item E) of the Arizona LLC Act.
Exclusive Offer!
Hire a Northwest Registered Agent to form your LLC for just $39 plus the state fee and receive a free year of Registered Agent service.
(Why is Northwest the best? Read our Northwest Registered Agent review)
Ensuring Your Arizona Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the Arizona Secretary of State Business Entity Search.
If your name is not unique, you will need to come up with a different or modified name.
Rules for Distinguishability
Designators
Merely changing the designator (the suffix of the name) does not make a name unique. For example, if "Mountain View Ventures LLC" is your desired name, it will not be acceptable if you find any of the following names in the Arizona Business Name Search:
- Mountain View Ventures, Inc.
- Mountain View Ventures, Corp.
- Mountain View Ventures Limited Liability Company
Capitalization
Variations in capitalization do not create distinguishability. This rule applies to all parts of the name, including the designator. For example, “Sunrise Innovations LLC” will not be accepted if you find any of these names:
- SUNRISE INNOVATIONS INC.
- sunrise innovations llc
- Sunrise Innovations, Inc.
- Sunrise INNOVATIONS Limited Liability COMPANY
Filler Words
Adding filler words such as "the", "a", "an", "and"m or "&" does not make a name distinguishable. For instance, "Greenfield Gardens LLC" will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- The Greenfield Gardens LLC
- A Greenfield Gardens Inc.
- Greenfield & Gardens L.L.C.
Plural or Singular Forms and Possessive Words
Arizona's rules on plural forms and possessive words are specific. Adding an apostrophe for possession does not create a distinguishable name, as Arizona disregards punctuation marks like apostrophes.
However, changing a singular word to its plural form can create distinguishability. For example, "Harper’s Books LLC" would not be available if names like "Harper Books LLC" or “Harper's Book Inc". are found. Yet, if only "Harper Book LLC" is listed, "Harper's Books LLC" may be available.
Keep in mind that this type of distinguishability is subject to the judgment of the LLC examiner reviewing your documents.
Numerals and Spelled-Out Numbers
Using numerals (e.g., 7 or 202) instead of spelling out the number (e.g., "seven" or "two hundred and two") does not create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is "36 Stars LLC", it will be considered unavailable if any of the following are found:
- Thirty-Six Stars LLC
- Thirty 6 Stars Inc.
Roman Numerals – Special Consideration
Replacing numerals with Roman numerals does create distinguishability in Arizona.
For example, "88 Horizons LLC" could be represented as "LXXXVIII Horizons LLC" instead, as "LXXXVIII" is distinguishable from both "88" and "Eighty-Eight" under Arizona regulations.
Symbols and Spaces
Adjusting spaces between words or adding symbols does not make a name distinguishable. For instance, "Desert Bloom LLC" would not be available if names such as
- Desert* Bloom* LLC
- Desert "Bloom" Corp.
- DesertBloom Inc.
- Desert…Bloom L.L.C.
- Desert Bloom! Inc.
Replacing Words with Symbols
Substituting an entire word with a symbol (except replacing “and” with “&”) might create distinguishability. For example:
- "Tech Solutions LLC" and "Tech @ Solutions LLC" are distinguishable.
- "Tech Solutions LLC" and "Tech & Solutions Inc." are not distinguishable.
Note that this type of distinguishability is still subject to the discretion of the individual LLC examiner.
Need to save time?
Consider hiring a professional to set up your LLC: Northwest Registered Agent offers LLC formation services starting at $39 plus the state fee.
(Find out why Northwest is the top choice for LLC formation)
What If My Business Name Is Rejected?
If you submit your Arizona Articles of Organization and your chosen business name is not available, do not worry.
The state will inform you of the rejection and provide reasons. You will then need to resubmit with a new or adjusted name.
Do I need a name reservation in Arizona?
No, a name reservation is not required to form an LLC in Arizona. You can directly file your LLC's Articles of Organization with your chosen name.
Does Arizona require an LLC in the name?
Yes, Arizona requires that your LLC name includes one of the following designators at the end:
- LLC
- Limited Liability Company
- Ltd. Liability Co.
Does my Arizona LLC need a DBA?
No, a DBA (Doing Business As) is not required for your Arizona LLC. However, if you wish to operate under a name different from your LLC's legal name, you must file a Trade Name Application and pay a fee of $10 to the Secretary of State. Each DBA or Trade Name requires a separate registration. There is no limit to the number of Trade Names an LLC can have.
When would my LLC use a DBA?
For example, if your LLC is named Arizona Gila Tour Company LLC but you prefer to operate under a more appealing name like Gila Tours, you need to file a Trade Name Application for Gila Tours. Without this filing, you are restricted to using the legal name Arizona Gila Tour Company LLC. Similarly, if you want to use Arizona Gila Tour Company without the "LLC" suffix, a Trade Name Application is required for that name.
How do I get a business domain name?
After deciding on a business name, check the availability of your desired domain name. Services like GoDaddy can help you search for and secure an available domain name.
What does "distinguishability" mean?
Distinguishability means that each business name must be unique and not identical to any other existing name on record with the Secretary of State. For example, you cannot use that name if you wish to name your LLC Glacier Peaks LLC, but a business is already registered as Glacier Peaks, Inc. Your LLC name must be distinguishable from existing names.
How do I come up with a business name?
Choosing a business name involves several steps. Start by listing the features and attributes of your company. Generate a variety of names without judging them initially. Review and refine the list, seek feedback, and let the ideas sit for a while. The best name often becomes clear with time. Another technique is to make a decision quickly after a brief period of reflection, trusting your instincts to choose the best name.
Can I use the name of another Arizona entity?
No, you cannot use the same name as any other business entity in Arizona. This restriction applies to all types of entities, including corporations, LLCs, and others. Even if an entity is listed as inactive or delinquent, its name cannot be used. Once an entity is dissolved, the name becomes available for new registrations.
How do I change my LLC name?
To change your LLC's name, you need to file an Amendment form with the Secretary of State. Detailed instructions for this process in Arizona can be found in our step-by-step guide.
How to start an LLC in Arizona?
To start an LLC in Arizona, follow these steps:
- Select an LLC name and verify its availability.
- Choose an Arizona Registered Agent.
- File the Arizona LLC Articles of Organization.
- Draft and sign an LLC Operating Agreement.
- Obtain a Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS.
- Open a business bank account for the LLC.
- Determine if you need a business or sales tax license in Arizona.