Name availability · NY
New York business name search
New York's Corporation and Business Entity Database lets you search by entity name, DOS ID or assumed name, with BaseWord, Contains or BeginsWith matching. The Department of State warns that this database is for checking entities already on file and shouldn't be used to decide whether a name is acceptable. The official availability check is a written request mailed to the Division of Corporations.
How to check if a name is available in New York
- 01
Search the entity database with "BaseWord"
On apps.dos.ny.gov/publicInquiry, search by Entity Name using BaseWord or Contains, with status set to All Statuses. That shows inactive and suspended entities as well as active ones.
- 02
Repeat with "Assumed Name"
Switch "Search By" to Assumed Name to see whether an existing entity already trades under your proposed name.
- 03
Treat the results as a first screen
DOS cautions that the online database doesn't show name availability. For an official answer, mail a written name availability request to the Division of Corporations in Albany. Phone requests aren't accepted.
- 04
Review restricted words
LLC Law section 204 lists words that are banned or need another agency's consent. Check the Department of State's restricted words page before you file.
- 05
Search the USPTO
New York's distinguishability test doesn't cover federal marks. Check tmsearch.uspto.gov for anything confusingly similar.
- 06
Claim your domain and socials
Check the domain and social handles last. If they're gone, our free tool at /business-name-generator/ can help you rework the name.
New York business naming rules
- The Division of Corporations must reject any corporate, LLC or LP name that isn't "distinguishable" from names already on file.
- An LLC name must include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC" or "L.L.C."
- Some words are banned or restricted, and some need consent or approval from another state agency before filing.
- An assumed name can't contain words such as Corporation, Incorporated, Limited, Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership, or their abbreviations.
- A finding that a name is available isn't approval of the name and doesn't mean it meets every legal requirement.
Reserving a name
An Application for Reservation of Name holds a name for 60 days, and the filing receipt is a "Certificate of Reservation." Check the current fee on the Department of State's site.
DBAs and trade names
Corporations, LLCs and LPs file a Certificate of Assumed Name with the Department of State. Sole proprietors and general partnerships file business (DBA) certificates with their county clerk.
Still looking for the right name?
Brainstorm dozens of options with the free generator, then run your shortlist through the New York search above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I search business names in New York?
Use the Corporation and Business Entity Database at apps.dos.ny.gov/publicInquiry. You can search by entity name, DOS ID or assumed name. It's a status lookup, not an official availability ruling.
How do I get an official name availability answer in New York?
Mail a written request listing the names to the Department of State, Division of Corporations, in Albany. The division doesn't handle availability questions by phone.
Where do I file a DBA in New York?
Corporations, LLCs and LPs file a Certificate of Assumed Name with the Department of State. Sole proprietors and general partnerships file with their county clerk.
How long does a New York name reservation last?
60 days from filing. Check the current fee on the Department of State's site.
General information, not legal advice. Name approval is decided by the New York Department of State, Division of Corporations; a name showing as available in a search is not a guarantee it will be accepted.