Name availability · NH
New Hampshire business name search
New Hampshire's QuickStart Business Search lets you check a name with "Starts With," "Contains," "Exact Match" or "All Words" matching, and it can also show similar-sounding names. The Corporation Division decides availability when it receives your registration, using its published Name Availability Guidelines.
How to check if a name is available in New Hampshire
- 01
Search QuickStart with "Contains"
Open QuickStart Business Search, enter the distinctive part of your name and choose "Contains." This catches names where your words appear in the middle.
- 02
Turn on similar-sounding results
Tick "Show me similar sounding business names." New Hampshire treats phonetic spellings of the same word as not distinguishable.
- 03
Test the variations the guidelines ignore
Try plurals, abbreviations, numbers written as digits or words, and versions with or without "The." Under the guidelines none of these changes makes a name unique.
- 04
Check federal trademarks
Before you file, search tmsearch.uspto.gov for marks that are identical or confusingly close to yours.
- 05
Secure your domain and handles
Look up the .com and social usernames. If the name is taken online or in QuickStart, our free business name generator at /business-name-generator/ is a quick way to find a backup.
New Hampshire business naming rules
- Articles, plurals, phonetic spellings, abbreviations, prefixes and suffixes, and changes to the entity ending don't make a name distinguishable.
- Adding a number to an existing name needs written consent from whoever holds that name, and punctuation, spacing, and digits versus Roman numerals or words don't count as differences.
- LLC names need "limited liability company," "LLC," "L.L.C." or similar, and corporations need "corporation," "incorporated," "limited" or an abbreviation.
- Trade names may not include corporate or LLC designators.
- Words like bank, credit union, trust company, home health care, architect, engineer, cooperative and farmers' market need approval or must meet a legal definition first.
Reserving a name
You can reserve a name for 120 days for an LLC, for-profit corporation, LLP, LP or investment trust. Nonprofit and trade names can't be reserved. Check the current fee on the Secretary of State's site.
DBAs and trade names
Trade names are registered with the Secretary of State's Corporation Division and must be renewed every five years to stay active.
Still looking for the right name?
Brainstorm dozens of options with the free generator, then run your shortlist through the New Hampshire search above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I search business names in New Hampshire?
Use QuickStart Business Search on quickstart.sos.nh.gov. You can search by business name, business ID, filing number or registered agent, with exact, starts-with, contains or all-words matching.
Do I need to register a trade name in New Hampshire?
Trade names are registered with the Corporation Division and must be renewed every five years. A trade name can't include LLC, Inc. or another corporate designator.
Can I add a number to an existing New Hampshire business name?
Only with written consent from the current name holder. Without consent, a number alone doesn't make the name distinguishable.
Can I reserve a trade name in New Hampshire?
No. Reservations are for LLCs, for-profit corporations, LLPs, LPs and investment trusts, and they last 120 days.
General information, not legal advice. Name approval is decided by the New Hampshire Secretary of State, Corporation Division; a name showing as available in a search is not a guarantee it will be accepted.