Nevada Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your Nevada 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 Nevada.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
Nevada LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in Nevada, 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 Nevada Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in Nevada.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the Nevada Business Name Search or the Nevada Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the Nevada Business Entity Search page
Nevada Secretary of State: Business Search
- Choose the search type "Contains".
- Enter your desired LLC name in the Name field.
- You can ignore the other options on the page. Just click Search at the bottom.
Why choose "Contains"? If you opt for "Starts With" or "Exact Match", you might overlook names that include additional filler words. For instance, if you search for "Rustic Ranch" using "Starts With", you might miss a business named The Rustic Ranch Inc. This means you won't be able to use "Rustic Ranch LLC" if "The Rustic Ranch Inc." is already taken.
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 Nevada 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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Nevada Secretary of State Contact Information
You can contact the Nevada Secretary of State to check if your LLC name is available.
While this service might not be available in every state, Nevada representatives can guide you through the process of using the Nevada 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 Commercial Recordings Division at 702-486-2880, Monday through Friday, between 8 am to 5 pm Pacific time.
Nevada LLC Name Requirements
As per Section 86.171 of the Nevada LLC Act, there are several rules and requirements you should be aware of when naming a Nevada business entity.
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Silver Springs Ventures LLC
- Silver Springs Ventures, LLC
Permissible Designators
Your LLC name must end with one of the following designators:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- LC
- L.C.
- Limited Liability Co.
- Limited Co.
- Ltd. Liability Co.
- Limited Liability Company
- Limited Company
- Ltd. 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
- Incorporated
Restricted Words in Nevada LLC Names
Your Nevada 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.
In Nevada, you cannot use certain words (among others) without obtaining prior approval:
- bank
- banker
- thrift
- trust
- financial
- adjuster
- insurance
- bail or bail bonds
- HOA or home owners association
- property owners
- college
- university
You also cannot use terms reserved for licensed professionals without appropriate authorization. Common examples include accountants, architects, attorneys, dentists, and engineers, though specific restrictions may vary by state.
Ensuring Your Nevada Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the Nevada Secretary of State 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 "Silver Sands Brewery LLC" is your desired name, it will not be acceptable if you find any of the following names in the Nevada Business Name Search:
- Silver Sands Brewery, Inc.
- Silver Sands Brewery, Corp.
- Silver Sands Brewery, L.L.C.
Adding certain "corporate words" to your LLC name also does not make it distinguishable. For a complete list of these "corporate words", refer to Nevada Admin. Code Section 78.020.
Using the example of "Vegas Brewing LLC", your desired name won't be available if any of the following already exist in Nevada:
- Vegas Brewing Company Inc.
- Vegas Brewing Ltd LLC
- Vegas Brewing Co LLC
Exception: In Nevada, certain "corporate words" can make a name distinguishable from others. This means that including or excluding these specific words can set your business name apart from existing ones. For a complete list of these distinguishing words, refer to Nevada Admin. Code Section 78.020.
For example, to distinguish your company from the existing "Vegas Brewing" names in Nevada, you might consider using one of the following alternatives:
- Vegas Brewing Ventures LLC
- Vegas Brewing Holdings LLC
- Vegas Brewing Enterprises LLC
Filler Words
Adding filler words such as "the", "a", "an", "and"m or "&" does not make a name distinguishable. For instance, "Sierra Heights LLC" will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- The Sierra Heights LLC
- A Sierra Heights Inc.
- Sierra & Heights LLC
- Sierra + Heights Corp
Punctuation, Symbols, Spaces
Adding or removing punctuation, symbols, and spaces does not make a name unique.
For example, if your desired LLC name is "Mountain Peak Ventures LLC", you cannot use it if any of these names are already registered in Nevada:
- Mountain-Peak-Ventures Inc.
- Mountain Peak Ventures, Ltd.
- Mountain Peak Ventures L.L.C.
Capitalization
Variations in capitalization do not make a name distinguishable.
For instance, if your desired LLC name is "Silver Sands Ventures LLC", you won’t be able to use it if these names already exist in Nevada:
- SILVER SANDS VENTURES INC.
- Silver Sands Ventures L.P.
- silver sands ventures LLC
In other words, you can choose any capitalization style you prefer for your name. However, this won't make your name different from an existing company with a similar name.
How to make your name distinguishable
In Nevada, there are various strategies to ensure your business name stands out from others.
If your desired name is close to an existing one, consider these approaches
Try a different or imaginative spelling.
- For example, "Smart Picks" is different from "Sm4rt Pix".
Use a variation of the word by adding a prefix, or suffix, or altering the form.
- For example, "Silver Creations" is distinct from "Silver Creates" or "Silver Creativity".
Add a preposition (such as: of, in, by, with, for).
- For example, "Bluebirds of Reno" stands out from "Bluebirds by Reno" or "Bluebirds Reno".
Use an abbreviation rather than the full word, or the full word instead of the abbreviation.
- For example, "NY Pizza Bros" is different from "New York Pizza Brothers".
Use a numeral (such as 5 or 101) instead of spelling out the number (like "five" or "one hundred and one"). Roman numerals (such as "II" for 2 or "MMXVI" for 2016) can also be used.
- For instance, "88 Dancers" is distinct from "Eighty-Eight Dancers".
Translate the business name into another language.
- For example, "Little Prince Printing" can be differentiated from "Petit Prince Printing".
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What If My Business Name Is Rejected?
If you submit your Nevada 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 Nevada?
No, a name reservation isn't required to form an LLC in Nevada. You can file your LLC’s Articles of Organization with your desired LLC name directly. A name reservation is considered an unnecessary step and not recommended.
Does Nevada require an LLC in the name?
Yes. Your Nevada 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 Nevada LLC need a DBA?
No, you're not required to file a DBA ("Doing Business As") for your business entity in Nevada. A DBA, also known as a Fictitious Firm Name in Nevada, allows your LLC to operate under a name different from its legal name (the name on your Articles of Organization).
If you wish to do business under a different name, you need to file a registration of the Fictitious Firm Name with the County Clerk where your LLC is located. Fees vary by county. There is no limit to the number of DBAs an LLC can have.
When would my LLC use a DBA?
For example, if you form an LLC named Skytree Cruise Lines LLC but want to use a more engaging name like Sky Cruises, you would need to file a DBA with the County Clerk to use the name Sky Cruises. If you don't file a DBA, you can only use your legal entity name Skytree Cruise Lines LLC.
Similarly, if you want to use the name Skytree Cruise Lines without the "LLC" suffix, you must file a DBA for Skytree Cruise Lines.
How do I get a business domain name?
Once you've chosen a business name, it's a good idea to check if your 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 example, if you want to name your LLC Bighorn Sheep LLC but there is already a business named Bighorn Sheep, 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 essential for branding. Here's a method to generate a name for your Nevada LLC:
- Start by listing the features and attributes you want your company to convey.
- Brainstorm as many names as possible without filtering them at first.
- Review the list and jot down any variations or new ideas.
- Set the list aside and revisit it after some time for further refinement.
- Read the list out loud and seek feedback from friends, business partners, or family if desired.
- Repeat the process: refine your ideas, write down new variations, and review them again.
- The best name often becomes evident. If not, try this: Close your eyes, count to 10, and choose a name when you open your eyes. This trick can help you tap into your subconscious preferences.
Can I use the name of another Nevada entity?
No, you cannot use a name that is already in use by another Nevada business. This applies regardless of the entity type. You cannot use another business's name even if the entity is in "delinquent" or "expired" status. However, if a business is dissolved, its name may become 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 how to change an LLC name in Nevada are available through the Secretary of State’s website.
How to start an LLC in Nevada?
To start an LLC in Nevada, follow these steps:
- Choose an LLC name and ensure it's available.
- Select a Nevada Registered Agent.
- File the Nevada LLC Articles 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 Nevada.