Nebraska Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your Nebraska 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 Nebraska.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
Nebraska LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in Nebraska, 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 Nebraska Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in Nebraska.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the Nebraska Business Name Search or the Nebraska Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the Nebraska Corporate & Business Search page
Nebraska Secretary of State: Corporate & Business Search
First, choose "Name Keyword Search" and select "Match All Words".
Next, type your desired LLC name into the Name field. After completing the verification, click Search.
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 Nebraska 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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Nebraska Secretary of State Contact Information
You can contact the Nebraska Secretary of State to check if your LLC name is available.
While this service might not be available in every state, Nebraska representatives can guide you through the process of using the Nebraska 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 Corporations Division at 402-471-4079, Monday through Friday, between 8 am to 5 pm Central Time.
Nebraska LLC Name Requirements
As per Section 21-108 of the Nebraska LLC Act, there are several rules and requirements you should be aware of when naming a Nebraska business entity.
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Cornfield Creations LLC
- Cornfield Creations, LLC
Permissible Designators
Your LLC name must end with one of the following designators:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- LC
- L.C.
- Limited Company
- Limited Co.
- Limited Liability Co.
- Limited Liability Company
- Ltd. Liability Co.
- Ltd. Liability Companyompany
✎ 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
- Incorporated
Restricted Words in Nebraska LLC Names
Your Nebraska 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.
Ensuring Your Nebraska Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the Nebraska Secretary of State Corporate & Business 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 "Prairie Sunset Designs LLC" is your desired name, it will not be acceptable if you find any of the following names in the Nebraska Business Name Search:
- Prairie Sunset Designs, Inc.
- Prairie Sunset Designs, Corp.
- Prairie Sunset Designs, L.L.C.
Filler Words
Adding filler words such as "the", "a", "an", "and"m or "&" does not make a name distinguishable. For instance, "Riverbend Gardens LLC" will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- The Riverbend Gardens LLC
- A Riverbend Garden Inc.
- Riverbend and Gardens L.L.C.
- Of Riverbend Gardens Corp
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 "Oakwoods Trail LLC", it will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- Oakwoods Trail LLC
- Oakwood Trail Inc.
- Oakwoods Trails, L.L.C.
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What If My Business Name Is Rejected?
If you submit your Nebraska 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 Nebraska?
No, a name reservation isn't required to form an LLC in Nebraska. You can directly file your LLC's Certificate of Organization with your desired LLC name. A name reservation is considered an unnecessary step and not recommended.
Does Nebraska require an LLC in the name?
Yes. Your Nebraska LLC name must include one of the allowable designators at the end. Commonly used designators are:
- LLC
- Limited Liability Company
- Ltd. Liability Co.
Does my Nebraska LLC need a DBA?
No, you're not required to file a DBA ("Doing Business As") for your business entity in Nebraska. A DBA, known as a Trade Name in Nebraska, allows your LLC to operate under a name different from its true and legal name (the name on your Certificate of Organization).
If you wish to conduct business under a name other than your LLC’s legal name, you must file an Application for Registration of Trade Name and pay an additional fee of $100 to the Secretary of State. Additionally, you'll need to publish a notice about the new Trade Name. There is no limit to the number of Trade Names an LLC can have.
When would my LLC use a DBA?
For example, if you form an LLC named Platte River Cruise Lines LLC but want to use a more engaging name like Platte Cruises, you would need to file a Trade Name Registration for Platte Cruises. If you do not file an Application for Registration of Trade Name for a different name, you can only use your legal entity name of Platte River Cruise Lines LLC.
How do I get a business domain name?
Once you’ve chosen a business name, it's wise to check if your desired domain name is available before forming your LLC. You can search for available domain names through services like GoDaddy.
What does "distinguishability" mean?
"Distinguishability" means that each business entity name must be unique on the Secretary of State’s records. No two businesses can have the same name. For instance, if you want to name your LLC Meadowlark Landscapers LLC but there is already a business named Meadowlark Landscapers, Inc., your desired name is not distinguishable and cannot be used.
How do I come up with a business name?
Choosing a business name is crucial for branding. Here's a process to help you generate a name for your Nebraska LLC:
- Start by listing the features and attributes you want your company to reflect.
- Brainstorm as many names as possible without judging them initially.
- Review the list and note any variations or additional ideas.
- Set the list aside and revisit it later for further refinement.
- Read the list out loud and gather feedback from others if desired.
- Repeat the process: refine your ideas, write down new variations, and review them again.
- The best name will often stand out naturally. If it doesn’t, try this technique: Close your eyes, count to 10, and choose a name when you open your eyes. Trust your instincts and go with what feels right.
Can I use the name of another Nebraska entity?
No, you cannot use a name that is already in use by another Nebraska business, regardless of the entity type. This includes businesses in "delinquent" status. However, if a business is dissolved, its name may become available for your 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 how to change an LLC name in Nebraska are available through the Secretary of State’s website.
How to start an LLC in Nebraska?
To start an LLC in Nebraska, follow these steps:
- Choose an LLC name and ensure it's available.
- Select a Nebraska Registered Agent.
- File the Nebraska 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.
- Determine if you need a business or sales tax license in Nebraska.