North Dakota Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your North Dakota 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 Dakota.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
North Dakota LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in North Dakota, your filing could be rejected if the name you choose is already in use or does not adhere to state naming regulations.
Need to save time?
Consider hiring a professional to set up your LLC: Northwest Registered Agent offers LLC formation services starting at $39 plus the state fee.
(Find out why Northwest is the top choice for LLC formation)
How to Search the North Dakota Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in North Dakota.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the North Dakota Business Name Search or the North Dakota Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the North Dakota Business Entity Search page
North Dakota Secretary of State: Business Search
It's simple: enter your desired LLC name in the search bar.
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 Dakota 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.
North Dakota Secretary of State Contact Information
You can contact the North Dakota Secretary of State to check if your LLC name is available.
While this service might not be available in every state, North Dakota representatives can guide you through the process of using the North Dakota 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 Business Services at 701-328-4284, Monday through Friday, between 8 am to 5 pm Central time.
North Dakota LLC Name Requirements
As per Section 10-32.1-11 of the North Dakota LLC Act, there are several rules and requirements you should be aware of when naming a North Dakota business entity.
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Prairie Harvest LLC
- Prairie Harvest, 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.
- Corp.
- Corporation
- Incorporated
Restricted Words in North Dakota LLC Names
Your North Dakota 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.
Exclusive Offer!
Hire a Northwest Registered Agent to form your LLC for just $39 plus the state fee and receive a free year of Registered Agent service.
(Why is Northwest the best? Read our Northwest Registered Agent review)
Ensuring Your North Dakota Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the North Dakota Secretary of State Business Records 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 "Badlands Gear LLC" is your desired name, it will not be acceptable if you find any of the following names in the North Dakota Business Name Search:
- Badlands Gear, Inc.
- Badlands Gear, Corp.
- Badlands Gear, L.L.C.
Filler Words
Adding filler words such as "the", "a", "an", "and"m or "&" does not make a name distinguishable. For instance, "Prairie Sunrise LLC" will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- The Prairie Sunrise LLC
- A Prairie Sunrise Inc.
- Prairie and Sunrise L.L.C.
- Prairie & Sunrise 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 "Dakotas Designs LLC", it will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- Dakotas Designs LLC
- Dakota's Design Inc.
- Dakota Designs, L.L.C.
Abbreviation vs Complete Name or Word
Using an abbreviation in place of a full word (or the other way around) does not create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is "Prairie Harvest Co. LLC", it's not available if any of these names are already registered:
- ND Harvest Co, L.C.
- ND Prairie Harvest Ltd. Liability Co.
- Prairie Harvest Company Inc.
Business Search Tips for Abbreviations
If you're planning to use an abbreviation or a term that is commonly abbreviated, be sure to search for both the abbreviation and the full term when checking name availability.
For instance: If you’re considering using the word "North Dakota" in your business name, also search for "ND" to ensure it's available. Similarly, if you're using "Bison" in your name, check for both "Bison" and its possible abbreviations.
Punctuation, Symbols, Spaces
Adding or removing punctuation, symbols, or spaces between words doesn’t make a name distinguishable.
For example, if your desired LLC name is "Dakota Craft Works LLC", it won’t be available if any of the following are already in use:
- Dakota-Craft-Works Inc.
- "Dakota" Craft Works, Ltd. Liability Co.
- DakotaCraftWorks, L.L.C.
- Dakota Craft Works Corp.
Capitalization
Variations in capitalization do not make a name distinguishable.
For instance, if your desired LLC name is "Prairie Winds LLC", it will not be available if any of the following are already registered:
- PRAIRIE WINDS Inc.
- prairie winds corp.
- PrAiRiE WiNdS LLC
In other words, you can choose any capitalization style for your name, but it won't set it apart from a name that's already in use.
Need to save time?
Consider hiring a professional to set up your LLC: Northwest Registered Agent offers LLC formation services starting at $39 plus the state fee.
(Find out why Northwest is the top choice for LLC formation)
What If My Business Name Is Rejected?
If you submit your North Dakota 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 Dakota?
No, a name reservation isn't required to form an LLC in North Dakota. It’s an unnecessary step and a waste of money. You can simply file your LLC’s Articles of Organization with your desired LLC name.
Does North Dakota require an LLC in the name?
Yes. Your North Dakota LLC name must include one of the allowable designators at the end. The most commonly used designators are:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Limited Liability Company
Does my North Dakota LLC need a DBA?
No, you’re not required to file a DBA ("Doing Business As") for your business entity in North Dakota. However, if you want your LLC to operate under a different name than its true and legal name (the name on your Articles of Organization), you need to file a Trade Name Registration with the Secretary of State. There is a $25 fee for this registration. Check the Trade Name section of the ND Secretary of State Business Registration Guide for more details.
If you file a Trade Name for your North Dakota LLC, it must also be distinguishable from existing business names in the state. There is no limit to the number of Trade Names an LLC can have.
When would my LLC use a DBA?
If you form an LLC called Wild Prairie Rose Gardens LLC but wish to use a more memorable name like Prairie Gardens, you would need to file a Trade Name Registration to use the name Prairie Gardens. If you do not file this registration, you can only use the legal name Wild Prairie Rose Gardens LLC.
Similarly, if you want to conduct business under the name Wild Prairie Rose Gardens without the "LLC" suffix, you should file a Trade Name for Wild Prairie Rose Gardens.
How do I get a business domain name?
Once you’ve decided on 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 using 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. This ensures that no two businesses can operate under the same name. For example, if you want to name your LLC Meadowlark Landscapers LLC but a business named Meadowlark Landscapers, Inc. already exists, 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 and recognition. Here’s a method to help you find a name for your North Dakota LLC:
- Start by listing the features and attributes you want your company to be associated with.
- Brainstorm as many names as possible without initially editing or analyzing them.
- Review the list and note down any variations or new ideas.
- Set the list aside and revisit it after a break or a day. Refine your choices based on your reflections.
- Read the list out loud and seek feedback from friends, business partners, or family if desired.
- Repeat the process: refine ideas, write down new variations, and review them again.
- The best name often emerges naturally through this process. If you’re still undecided, try this technique: Close your eyes, count to 10, and choose a name when you open your eyes. This can help you tap into your subconscious preferences and make a decision.
Can I use the name of another North Dakota entity?
No, you cannot use a name already used by another North Dakota business. This restriction applies to all types of entities, including corporations and LLCs. You cannot use another business’s name even if the entity is in “delinquent” status. However, if a business is dissolved, the name may become available for use.
How do I change my LLC name?
You can change your LLC's name by filing an Amendment form with the Secretary of State. Detailed instructions on how to change an LLC name in North Dakota are available through the Secretary of State.
How to start an LLC in North Dakota?
To start an LLC in North Dakota, follow these steps:
- Choose an LLC name and verify its availability.
- Select a North Dakota Registered Agent.
- File the North Dakota 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 Dakota.