Idaho Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your Idaho 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 Idaho.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
Idaho LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in Idaho, 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 Idaho Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in Idaho.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the Idaho Business Name Search or the Idaho Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the Idaho Business Entity Search page
Idaho Secretary of State: Business Search
Type your preferred LLC name into the search bar.
Select the "Advanced Search Options" tab. Set the option to "Contains".
Finally, click on Search.
Why choose "Contains"? If you use the "Starts With" option, you might overlook names that include additional words. For instance, searching for "Gutter Guy" with "Starts With" might not show "The Gutter Guy Inc." If "The Gutter Guy Inc." is already registered, you won’t be able to use "Gutter Guy LLC" for your business.
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.
How to Understand Idaho LLC 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.
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.
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Idaho Secretary of State Contact Information
You can contact the Idaho Secretary of State to check if your LLC name is available.
While this service might not be available in every state, Idaho representatives can guide you through the process of using the Idaho Business Name Search to see if your name is free. They can not guarantee that your name will be approved, but they can provide useful information.
Call the LLC Business Services Division at 860-509-6002, Monday through Friday, between 8 am to 5 pm Mountain Time.
Idaho LLC Name Requirements
As per Section 30-21-301 of the Idaho LLC Act and Section 30-21-302, there are several rules and requirements you should be aware of when naming an Idaho business entity.
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Sunset Ventures LLC
- Sunset Ventures, 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.
- Corporation
- Cooperative
Restricted Words in Idaho LLC Names
Your Idaho LLC name cannot 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 agency, or any other entity that might mislead the public.
Additionally, you cannot use terms reserved for licensed professionals. These terms can differ by state but often include accountants, architects, attorneys, dentists, and engineers.
English Language or Alphabet Requirement
In Idaho, business names must be composed using only English letters, Arabic numerals (such as 1, 20, or 100), and standard symbols found on English keyboards.
If you want your LLC name to include terms from another language, it needs to be either:
- Translated into English
- Or rendered in English alphabet characters
For instance, if you wish to use "प्राण योग Studio LLC" for your Idaho LLC, it must be registered as "Prana Yoga Studio LLC".
While you can use non-English words, they must be represented using the English alphabet.
Ensuring Your Idaho Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the Idaho 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 "Gem State Ventures LLC" is your desired name, it will not be acceptable if you find any of the following names in the Idaho Business Name Search:
- Gem State Ventures, Inc.
- Gem State Ventures, Corp.
Filler Words
In Idaho, adding non-essential or filler words (such as the, and, or of) does not make a name distinguishable. The following are considered "filler words" and won’t create uniqueness:
- Articles: a, an, the
- Prepositions: of, by, at, in, on, off
- Conjunctions: and, or, for
- Pronouns: my, our, I, we, he, she, it, you, your
For instance, if your desired LLC name is "Riverbend Orchards LLC", it is not available if any of these variations are already in use:
- The Riverbend Orchards LLC
- By Riverbend Orchards Inc.
- Riverbend and Orchards L.L.C.
- Our Riverbend Orchards Corp
- On Riverbend Orchards Ltd. Co.
Plural or Singular Words and Possessive Words
Changing a word to its plural or possessive form does not make a name unique.
If your desired LLC name is "Greenwood Gardens LLC", it will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- Greenwood Gardens LLC
- Greenwood Garden's Inc.
- Greenwoods Garden L.L.C.
Numerals or Spelled-Out Numbers
Using numerals (like 5 or 99) instead of spelling out the numbers (such as "five" or "ninety-nine") doesn't make a name unique. The same applies to Roman numerals (like V for 5 or XCIX for 99).
For instance, if you choose 15 Beaches LLC, the name isn’t distinct if any of these are already registered:
- Fifteen Beaches LLC
- Fifteen 15 Beaches Inc.
- XV Beaches Corp.
Capitalization
Changing capitalization does not make a name unique.
If your preferred LLC name is Hawaiian Breeze LLC, it won’t be distinguishable if any of these names are already in use:
- hawaiian breeze Inc.
- HAWAIIAN BREEZE Ltd.
- HaWaiian BrEEze LLC
Punctuation, Special Characters, and Spaces
Adding or modifying punctuation, special characters, or spaces doesn't create a unique name.
For example, if you choose Sunny Shores LLC, you cannot register it if any of these variations are already taken:
- Sunny-Shores LLC
- Sunny Shores! Ltd.
- Sunny Shores, L.L.C.
- Sunny Shores LLC
Abbreviation vs. Complete Name or Word
Using an abbreviation instead of the full word (or vice versa) does not make a name distinct.
If you want Mountain View Cafe LLC, it won't be available if names like these are already registered:
- Mt. View Cafe LLC
- Mountain View Cafeteria Inc.
- Mountain View Cafe Co.
Business Search Tips for Abbreviations
When using an abbreviation or a term commonly shortened, check both the abbreviated form and the full name in the Business Entity Search.
For example, if you want to use "International" in your name, also search for “Intl” to ensure there are no similar existing names. Similarly, check both "Development" and "Dev" if you plan to use either term.
How to Create Distinguishability in Hawaii
To ensure your business name stands out, you might consider these approaches:
Rearrange Words
Changing the order of words can help make the name unique. For example, if Island Adventures LLC is taken, you might use:
- Adventures Island LLC
- Island Journey LLC
Add Descriptive Terms
Adding a descriptive word can differentiate your name. If Tropical Escape LLC is taken, consider:
- Tropical Island Escape LLC
- Tropical Getaway LLC
Incorporate Internet Elements
Adding internet-related prefixes or suffixes can make your name distinct. For example, Paradise Retreat LLC could be different from:
- www.ParadiseRetreat.com LLC
- ParadiseRetreat.org LLC
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What If My Business Name Is Rejected?
If you submit your Idaho 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 Idaho?
No, a name reservation isn't required to form an LLC in Idaho. It’s considered an unnecessary step and a waste of money. You can directly file your LLC's Certificate of Organization with your desired name. Note that name reservations in Idaho are valid for only 4 months (120 days), so it’s more efficient to save the $20 and proceed with the Certificate of Organization.
Does Idaho require an LLC in the name?
Yes, Idaho requires that your LLC name includes one of the following designators at the end:
- LLC
- Limited Liability Company
- Ltd. Liability Co.
Does my Idaho LLC need a DBA?
No, you’re not required to file a DBA (Doing Business As) for your LLC in Idaho. However, if you want your LLC to operate under a name different from its legal name (the name on your Certificate of Organization), you must file a Certificate of Assumed Business Name. This can be done online and requires an additional fee of $25 to the Secretary of State. For more details, refer to the Secretary of State Assumed Business Name FAQ. There is no limit to the number of Assumed Business Names an LLC can have, but each must be distinguishable from existing business names in the state.
When would my LLC use a DBA?
For example, if you form an LLC called Huckleberry Hiking Tours LLC but want to use a more engaging name like Huckleberry Hikes, you would need to file a Certificate of Assumed Business Name to use the name Huckleberry Hikes. Similarly, if you want to operate under the name Huckleberry Hiking Tours but without the "LLC" suffix, you also need to file a Certificate of Assumed Business Name for that name.
How do I get a business domain name?
After choosing a business name, it's advisable to check if the domain name is available before finalizing your LLC formation. You can search for available domain names using services like GoDaddy.
What does “distinguishability” mean?
Distinguishability means that each business name must be unique and not identical to any existing names on the records of the Secretary of State. This ensures that no two businesses can operate under the same name. For example, if you want to form an LLC named Syringa Landscapers LLC but there is already a Syringa Landscapers, Inc., in another town, your name is not distinguishable and you would need to choose a different name.
How do I come up with a business name?
Choosing a business name is a critical step for branding and recognition. Your Idaho LLC’s name can be your brand name, but it doesn’t have to be (see the FAQ about DBAs above). Here are some tips for generating business names:
- Start by listing features and values you want associated with your company.
- Generate a list of potential business names without evaluating them initially.
- Review the list and consider variations.
- Take a break and return to the list later with a fresh perspective. Add any new ideas that come to mind.
- Read through the list out loud and seek feedback from friends, business partners, and family.
- Repeat the process: review, refine, and get feedback until you find the best name. If needed, use a decision-making trick like closing your eyes and counting to 10 to help finalize your choice.
Can I use the name of another Idaho entity?
No, you cannot use the same name as another Idaho business, regardless of the entity type. This includes corporations, LLCs, and other entity types. Even if another business is in “delinquent” status, you cannot use their name. However, if a business is dissolved, its name becomes available for use.
How do I change my LLC name?
You can change your LLC's name later by filing an Amendment form with the Secretary of State. Detailed instructions on changing an LLC name in Idaho are available.
How to start an LLC in Idaho?
Here are the steps to starting an LLC in Idaho:
- Choose an LLC name and ensure it's available.
- Select an Idaho Registered Agent.
- File the Idaho LLC Certificate of Organization.
- Complete and sign an LLC Operating Agreement.
- Obtain a Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS.
- Open an LLC bank account.
- Check if you need a business or sales tax license in Idaho.