Name availability · NV
Nevada business name search
Nevada's free Business Entity Search now runs inside ORION, the Secretary of State's business portal, and you reach it from the nvsos.gov Business Entity Search page. Search the main words without endings like LLC or Inc. The state says availability isn't guaranteed until your filing is approved.
How to check if a name is available in Nevada
- 01
Open the search from nvsos.gov
Start at the Secretary of State's Business Entity Search page and follow the link into the ORION portal. ORION may ask you to sign in or create an account first.
- 02
Search the core name only
Nevada's own tip is to drop suffixes like Inc, LLC or LP so the search pulls in every entity that uses your main words.
- 03
Screen for restricted words
Compare your name against the Secretary of State's Restricted Word List. Words such as bank, trust, mortgage, insurance, engineer and bail bonds need another agency's approval first.
- 04
Ask your county about DBAs
DBAs aren't in the state database because counties handle them. If you plan to trade under a different name, check with the county clerk where you'll operate.
- 05
Run a federal trademark check
Search tmsearch.uspto.gov for marks that could conflict, since a Nevada entity filing doesn't give you trademark rights.
- 06
Lock in your online presence
Grab the matching domain and social handles once you're happy with the name. If you need more ideas, our free tool at /business-name-generator/ can help.
Nevada business naming rules
- The Secretary of State says name availability isn't guaranteed until the filing is approved.
- Words tied to financial institutions (bank, trust, savings and loan, credit union) need approval from the Commissioner of Financial Institutions.
- Financial and mortgage need sign-off from the Commissioner of Mortgage Lending, and insurance, adjuster, surety and bail bonds need the Commissioner of Insurance.
- Engineer and engineering need approval from the State Board of Engineers. Filings that use restricted words without approval are rejected.
Reserving a name
Nevada will hold a name for 90 days through an online name reservation or the paper form. Check the restricted word list first, and check the current fee on the Secretary of State's site.
DBAs and trade names
DBAs (fictitious firm names) are filed at the county level, and in some places the city, not with the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State keeps a list of county clerk contacts for these filings.
Still looking for the right name?
Brainstorm dozens of options with the free generator, then run your shortlist through the Nevada search above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a business name is available in Nevada?
Use the Business Entity Search linked from nvsos.gov, which opens in the ORION portal. Search without the entity ending, and remember the state won't guarantee the name until it approves your filing.
Do I file a DBA with the Nevada Secretary of State?
No. Fictitious firm names are filed with the county, or in some areas the city. The Secretary of State publishes county clerk contact information.
Which words are restricted in Nevada business names?
The Restricted Word List covers words like bank, trust, credit union, mortgage, financial, insurance, surety, bail bonds and engineer, each of which needs a specific agency's approval.
How long does a Nevada name reservation last?
90 days. You can reserve online or with the paper form. Check the current fee on the Secretary of State's site.
General information, not legal advice. Name approval is decided by the Nevada Secretary of State; a name showing as available in a search is not a guarantee it will be accepted.