New Mexico Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your New Mexico 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 Mexico.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
New Mexico LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in New Mexico, 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 Mexico Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in New Mexico.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the New Mexico Business Name Search or the New Mexico Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the New Mexico Business Entity Search page
New Mexico Secretary of State: Business Search
Choose "Contains" as the search type.
Enter your desired LLC name in the "Entity Name" field, complete the captcha, and click Search.
Why choose "Contains"? If you use "Starts With", you might overlook names that include additional words. For instance, searching for "Gopher Guy" with "Starts With" would not catch a business named The Gopher Guy Inc. Therefore, you couldn’t use "Gopher Guy LLC" if The Gopher Guy Inc. is already registered.
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 Mexico 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 Mexico Secretary of State Contact Information
You can contact the New Mexico Secretary of State to check if your LLC name is available.
While this service might not be available in every state, New Mexico representatives can guide you through the process of using the New Mexico 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 Department at 505-827-3600, Monday through Friday, between 8 am to 5 pm Mountain Time..
New Mexico LLC Name Requirements
As per Section 53-19-3 of the New Mexico LLC Act, there are several rules and requirements you should be aware of when naming a New Mexico business entity.
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Santa Fe Crafts LLC
- Santa Fe Crafts, 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 Liability Company
- Limited Company
- Limited Co.
- Ltd. Liability Co.
- 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 New Mexico LLC Names
Your New Mexico 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 Mexico Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the New Mexico 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 "Sandia Vista Holdings LLC" is your desired name, it will not be acceptable if you find any of the following names in the New Mexico Business Name Search:
- Sandia Vista Holdings, Inc.
- Sandia Vista Holdings, Corp.
- Sandia Vista Holdings, L.L.C.
Filler Words
Adding filler words such as "the", "a", "an", "and"m or "&" does not make a name distinguishable. For instance, "Rio Grande Crafts LLC" will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- The Rio Grande Crafts LLC
- A Rio Grande Craft Inc.
- Rio Grande and Crafts L.L.C.
- Rio Grande & Craft 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 "Sandias Bakery LLC", it will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- Sandias Bakery LLC
- Sandia's Bakehouse Inc.
- Sandias Bakehouse, L.L.C.
Numerals or Spelled Out Numbers
Using numerals (such as 7 or 123) instead of spelling out the number (like "seven" or "one hundred twenty-three") does not make a name distinct.
If your desired LLC name is "12 Desert Roses LLC", you can’t use it if any of these names are already registered:
- Twelve Desert Roses LLC
- Twelve 12 Desert Roses Inc.
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What If My Business Name Is Rejected?
If you submit your New Mexico 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 New Mexico?
No, a name reservation isn’t required to form an LLC in New Mexico. You can proceed by filing your LLC’s Articles of Organization with your desired LLC name. A name reservation is considered an unnecessary step and not recommended.
Does New Mexico require an LLC in the name?
Yes. Your New Mexico LLC name must include one of the allowable designators at the end. The most commonly used designators are:
- LLC
- Limited Liability Company
- Ltd. Liability Co.
Does my New Mexico LLC need a DBA?
No, you're not required to file a DBA (“Doing Business As”) for your business entity in New Mexico. A DBA allows your LLC to operate under a name different from its true and legal name (the name on your Articles of Organization). However, New Mexico does not register DBAs at the state or county level. There are no forms to fill out or fees to pay for a DBA.
How do I get a business domain name?
After selecting a business name, it's wise 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 in the records of the Secretary of State. No two businesses can operate under the same name. For example, if you want to name your LLC Pinon Pine Landscapers LLC but there is already a business named Pinon Pine Landscapers, Inc., your desired LLC 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 Mexico 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 Mexico entity?
No, you cannot use a name that is already in use by another New Mexico business. This restriction applies regardless of the entity type. You cannot use another business's name even if the entity is in “suspended” status. However, if a business is "dissolved", "withdrawn", or "revoked", 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 Mexico are available through the Secretary of State.
How to start an LLC in New Mexico?
To start an LLC in New Mexico, follow these steps:
- Choose an LLC name and ensure it's available.
- Select a New Mexico Registered Agent.
- File the New Mexico 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.
- Check if you need a business or sales tax license in New Mexico.