Business name search by state
Every state keeps its own register of LLC and corporation names. Pick your state for the official search tool, how to read the results and the local naming rules. No name yet? Start with the business name generator.
- AlabamaAL
- AlaskaAK
- ArizonaAZ
- ArkansasAR
- CaliforniaCA
- ColoradoCO
- ConnecticutCT
- DelawareDE
- District of ColumbiaDC
- FloridaFL
- GeorgiaGA
- HawaiiHI
- IdahoID
- IllinoisIL
- IndianaIN
- IowaIA
- KansasKS
- KentuckyKY
- LouisianaLA
- MaineME
- MarylandMD
- MassachusettsMA
- MichiganMI
- MinnesotaMN
- MississippiMS
- MissouriMO
- MontanaMT
- NebraskaNE
- NevadaNV
- New HampshireNH
- New JerseyNJ
- New MexicoNM
- New YorkNY
- North CarolinaNC
- North DakotaND
- OhioOH
- OklahomaOK
- OregonOR
- PennsylvaniaPA
- Rhode IslandRI
- South CarolinaSC
- South DakotaSD
- TennesseeTN
- TexasTX
- UtahUT
- VermontVT
- VirginiaVA
- WashingtonWA
- West VirginiaWV
- WisconsinWI
- WyomingWY
The 4 checks before you commit to a name
- State entity search — is the name (or something deceptively similar) already registered in your state?
- Federal trademark search — search tmsearch.uspto.gov for the name in your industry.
- Domain and handles — can you get a matching .com and the social usernames you need?
- Plain search — google the name with your city and industry to spot unregistered businesses already using it.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a business name is available?
Search your state's business entity database (usually run by the Secretary of State) for the exact name and close variations, then search the USPTO trademark database and check that the domain name and social handles are free. Pick your state below for the official search link and how to read its results.
Is there one national business name search in the US?
No. LLCs and corporations are registered state by state, so each state keeps its own database. Federal trademarks are the only nationwide register, searchable for free at tmsearch.uspto.gov.
Does registering an LLC name give me trademark rights?
No. State registration only stops another entity from registering the same or a deceptively similar name in that state. It does not give you trademark rights or stop someone from using the name elsewhere.
What is the difference between a business name and a DBA?
Your legal business name is the name of the entity (for example “Bright Path LLC”). A DBA, also called an assumed or fictitious name, lets you trade under a different name. Depending on the state, DBAs are filed with the state, the county, or both.