North Carolina Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your North Carolina 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 North Carolina.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
North Carolina LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in North Carolina, 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 North Carolina Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in North Carolina.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the North Carolina Business Name Search or the North Carolina Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the North Carolina Business Entity Search page
North Carolina Secretary of State: Business Search
Just type your desired LLC name into the "Searching for" field. Keep the first drop-down menu set to "Company" and the second one to "Starting With". Then 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 North Carolina 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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North Carolina Secretary of State Contact Information
You can contact the North Carolina Secretary of State to check if your LLC name is available.
While this service might not be available in every state, North Carolina representatives can guide you through the process of using the North Carolina 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 919-814-5400, Monday through Friday, between 8 am to 5 pm Eastern time.
North Carolina LLC Name Requirements
As per North Carolina Corporate Filings Act, there are several rules and requirements you should be aware of when naming a North Carolina business entity.
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Sunny Meadows LLC
- Sunny Meadows, LLC
Permissible Designators
Your LLC name must end with one of the following designators:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Limited Liability Co.
- Limited Liability Company
- 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.
- Co-op
- Cooperative
- Incorporated
- Corporation
- Wholesale (unless the LLC doesn’t make retail sales)
Restricted Words in North Carolina LLC Names
Your North Carolina 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 North Carolina Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the North Carolina 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 "Blue Ridge Crafts LLC" is your desired name, it will not be acceptable if you find any of the following names in the North Carolina Business Name Search:
- Blue Ridge Crafts, Inc.
- Blue Ridge Crafts, Corp.
- Blue Ridge Crafts, L.L.C.
Filler Words
Adding filler words such as "the", "a", "an", "and"m or "&" does not make a name distinguishable. For instance, "Piedmont Gardens LLC" will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- The Piedmont Gardens LLC
- Piedmont Gardens Inc.
- Piedmont and Gardens L.L.C.
- By Piedmont in Gardens Corp
Numerals or Spelled Out Numbers
Using numerals (such as 5 or 101) instead of spelling out the number (like "five" or "one hundred and one") does not create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is 45 Forests LLC, it's not available to use if any of the following are found:
- Forty-Five Forests LLC
- Forty 5 Forests Inc.
Spaces and Punctuation
Adding or removing punctuation or spaces between words does not create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is "Pine Ridge Estates LLC", it's not available to use if any of the following are found:
- Pine-Ridge-Estates Inc.
- Pine Ridge/Estates Incorporated
- "Pine Ridge" "Estates" LLC
- Pine Ridge Estates, L.L.C.
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What If My Business Name Is Rejected?
If you submit your North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
No, a name reservation isn't required to form an LLC in North Carolina. You can simply file your LLC's Articles of Organization with your desired LLC name. A name reservation is considered an unnecessary step and is not recommended.
Does North Carolina require an LLC in the name?
Yes. Your North Carolina 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 North Carolina LLC need a DBA?
No, you’re not required to file a DBA ("Doing Business As") for your business entity in North Carolina. However, if you want your LLC to operate under a name different from its true and legal name (the name on your Articles of Organization), you need to file an Assumed Business Name Certificate with the County Register of Deeds. An additional fee of $26 is required. There is no limit to the number of Assumed Business Names an LLC can have.
Here is a list of all North Carolina Register of Deeds Offices, and a link to the Assumed Business Name Certificate form.
When would my LLC use a DBA?
If you form an LLC called Old North State Tours LLC but want to use a friendlier, catchy name like Old North Tours, you would need to file an Assumed Business Name Certificate to use the name Old North Tours. Without filing this certificate, you can only use the legal entity name of Old North State Tours LLC.
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 Scotch Landscapers LLC but there is already a business named Scotch 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 important for branding and recognition. Here's a method to generate a name for your North Carolina LLC:
- List the features and attributes you want your company to convey.
- Brainstorm as many names as possible without initial filtering.
- Review the list and note down any variations or new ideas.
- Set the list aside and revisit it after some time to refine your choices.
- 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 clear through this process. If not, try this trick: Close your eyes, count to 10, and choose a name when you open your eyes. This technique can help you tap into your subconscious preferences.
Can I use the name of another North Carolina entity?
No, you cannot use a name already used by another North Carolina business. This restriction applies to all entity types. You cannot use another business’s name even if the entity is in “delinquent” 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 North Carolina are available through the Secretary of State.
How to start an LLC in North Carolina?
To start an LLC in North Carolina, follow these steps:
- Choose an LLC name and ensure it's available.
- Select a North Carolina Registered Agent.
- File the North Carolina 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 North Carolina.