New Hampshire Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
New Hampshire LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in New Hampshire.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the New Hampshire Business Name Search or the New Hampshire Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the New Hampshire Business Entity Search page
New Hampshire Secretary of State: Business Entity Search
- Choose "All Words" for the search type.
- You can skip the option for "Show me similar-sounding business names".
- Enter your desired LLC name in the Business Name field.
- Complete the security verification, and then click Search.
Why choose "All Words"? If you select "Starts With" or "Exact Match", you might overlook names that are similar but include additional words. For instance, searching "Granite Guy" with the "Starts With" option would miss businesses like "The Granite Guy Inc." If such a name already exists, you won’t be able to use "Granite 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 New Hampshire 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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New Hampshire Secretary of State Contact Information
You can contact the New Hampshire Secretary of State to check if your LLC name is available.
While this service might not be available in every state, New Hampshire representatives can guide you through the process of using the New Hampshire 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 603-271-3246. Their hours are 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
New Hampshire LLC Name Requirements
As per Section 304-C:32 of the New Hampshire LLC Act, there are several rules and requirements you should be aware of when naming a New Hampshire business entity.
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Lakeside Ventures LLC
- Lakeside Ventures, LLC
Permissible Designators
Your LLC name must end with one of the following designators:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- 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.
- Fnd.
- Stak.
- Corp.
- Cooperative
- Foundation
- Incorporated
- Corporation
- Stichting
Restricted Words in New Hampshire LLC Names
Your New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the New Hampshire 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 "Maple Leaf Designs LLC" is your desired name, it will not be acceptable if you find any of the following names in the New Hampshire Business Name Search:
- Maple Leaf Designs, Inc.
- Maple Leaf Designs, Corp.
- Maple Leaf Designs, Limited Liability Company
Filler Words
Adding filler words such as "the", "a", "an", "and"m or "&" does not make a name distinguishable. For instance, "Cedar Ridge Estates LLC" will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- The Cedar Ridge Estates LLC
- A Cedar Ridge Estate Inc.
- Cedar Ridge and Estates L.L.C.
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 "Hampton Garden LLC", it will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- Hampton Garden LLC
- Hampton Gardens Inc.
- Hampton’s Garden Corp
Numerals or Spelled Out Numbers
Using numerals (like 7 or 150) instead of spelling out the number (like "seven" or "one hundred and fifty") does not make a name unique. Similarly, replacing a number with its Roman numeral equivalent (such as 3 with III) does not create distinguishability.
For instance, if your desired LLC name is 12 Stairs LLC, it won't be available if any of these names are already registered in New Hampshire:
- Twelve Stairs Inc.
- XII Stairs Corp.
Phonetic Spelling of the Same Name or Word
Changing the spelling of a name to a phonetic version does not make it unique.
For example, if your desired LLC name is "Seacoast Studeos LLC", it won't be available if any of the following names exist:
- Seacoast Studeos LLC
- Seacost Studios Inc.
- Seacost Stewdios Corp.
Abbreviation vs. Complete Name or Word
Using an abbreviation instead of a full word (or vice versa) does not create distinguishability.
For example, if your desired LLC name is "Granite Ventures LLC", it's not available if any of these names are already in use:
- NH Granite Ventures LLC
- Granite State Vntres Inc.
- Granite State Ventures Co.
Business Search Tips for Abbreviations
When considering abbreviations, make sure to check both the abbreviation and the full term in the Business Entity Search.
For instance, if you’re considering the word "February" for your business name, be sure to also search using the abbreviation "Feb". Similarly, if you want to use "NH" for New Hampshire, check for "New Hampshire" as well.
Punctuation, Symbols, Spaces
Adding or removing punctuation, symbols, and spaces does not create uniqueness.
For example, if your desired LLC name is "White Mountain Outfitters LLC", it's not available if any of these names are already registered:
- White-Mountain-Outfitters Inc.
- White Mountain/Outfitters, LLC
- White Mountain Outfitters, L.L.C.
Exception: Symbols that Change Meaning
The New Hampshire Secretary of State notes that adding symbols might make a name distinguishable if the symbols alter the meaning of the words. However, whether a symbol changes its meaning is determined by the individual examiner reviewing your application.
For example, "Big Car Sales Inc." could be considered different from "Big $$ Car Sales LLC" because the dollar signs might make the name seem like "Big Money Car Sales" instead.
Suffixes, Derivations, or Deviations
Changing a word by adding a suffix or using a different form doesn't create uniqueness. This can be subjective and depends on the judgment of the LLC examiner.
For example, if your desired LLC name is "Green Mountain Crafts LLC", it may not be available if these names are already in use:
- Green Mountain Craft LLC
- Green Mountain Crafter Inc.
- Green Mountain Crafting Co.
Exception: Antonyms / Opposites
Adding a prefix or suffix that turns a word into its opposite, or antonym can make the name distinguishable.
For instance, if you want to use the name Disagreeable Donkey LLC, it might still be available even if there is an existing business named Agreeable Donkey Inc. This is because "disagreeable" and "agreeable" are opposites, creating distinguishability.
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What If My Business Name Is Rejected?
If you submit your New Hampshire Certificate of Formation 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 New Hampshire?
No, a name reservation isn't required to form an LLC in New Hampshire. You can proceed by filing your LLC's Certificate of Formation with your desired LLC name. A name reservation is considered an unnecessary step and not recommended.
Does New Hampshire require an LLC in the name?
Yes. Your New Hampshire LLC name must include one of the allowable designators at the end. The most commonly used designator is "LLC".
Does my New Hampshire LLC need a DBA?
No, you’re not required to file a DBA ("Doing Business As") for your business entity in New Hampshire. A DBA, known as a Trade Name in New Hampshire, allows your LLC to operate under a name different from its true and legal name (the name on your Certificate of Formation).
If you want your LLC to do business under a different name, you must file a Trade Name Registration online or by mail, along with an additional fee of $50 to the Secretary of State. For more details, refer to the Secretary of State’s Trade Name Guide.
There is no limit to the number of Trade Names an LLC can have, but each Trade Name must be distinguishable from existing business names in the state.
When would my LLC use a DBA?
For instance, if you form an LLC named Live Free Forest Tours LLC but want to use a more engaging name like Live Free Tours, you would need to file a Trade Name Registration to use Live Free Tours.
If you don't file a Trade Name Registration for a different name, you can only use your legal entity name of Live Free Forest Tours LLC.
Similarly, if you want to do business under the name Live Free Forest Tours without the "LLC" suffix, you must file a Trade Name for Live Free Forest Tours.
How do I get a business domain name?
After selecting a business name, it's a good idea to check if the 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 LFOD Landscapers LLC but there is already a business named LFOD 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 method to generate a name for your New Hampshire LLC:
- Start by listing the features and attributes you want your company to convey.
- Brainstorm as many names as possible without filtering them initially.
- Review the list and write down any variations or new ideas that come to mind.
- Set the list aside and revisit it after some time to refine your choices.
- Read the list out loud and gather 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 clear through this process. If needed, try this trick: Close your eyes, count to 10, and choose a name when you open your eyes. This can help you tap into your subconscious preferences.
Can I use the name of another New Hampshire entity?
No, you cannot use a name that is already in use by another New Hampshire business. This restriction applies regardless of the entity type. You cannot use another business’s name even if the entity is in "inactive" 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 changing an LLC name in New Hampshire are available through the Secretary of State's website.
How to start an LLC in New Hampshire?
To start an LLC in New Hampshire, follow these steps:
- Choose an LLC name and ensure it's available.
- Select a New Hampshire Registered Agent.
- File the New Hampshire LLC Certificate of Formation.
- 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 New Hampshire.