Name availability · NC
North Carolina business name search
North Carolina's Secretary of State offers a free company name search with "Starting With," "All," "Any" and "Exact Match" options. A new entity name must be distinguishable on the Secretary of State's records. Because assumed names are filed with counties, the state also recommends checking county records and its assumed business name database.
How to check if a name is available in North Carolina
- 01
Search with "Any" and "All"
On sosnc.gov, open the Business Registration search and run your name with "Any" (any of the words) and then "All." Endings like LLC, Inc. or "company" at the end of a name are ignored when names are compared.
- 02
Strip out the words that don't count
North Carolina also ignores articles, conjunctions, prepositions, punctuation, spaces and swapping a numeral for a word. If your name matches an existing one once those are removed, it isn't available.
- 03
Check assumed business names
Search the Secretary of State's Assumed Business Name database, and for older filings check the register of deeds in your county and the ones around it.
- 04
Screen restricted words
Words such as bank, trust, mutual, realtor, architect, engineer, insurance, pharmacy, surveyor, cooperative and wholesale need approval or carry conditions.
- 05
Run trademark searches
The Secretary of State suggests checking both North Carolina trademarks and federal marks. Use tmsearch.uspto.gov for the federal side.
- 06
Check online availability and keep options open
See whether the domain and social handles are taken. Our free generator at /business-name-generator/ is handy for building a shortlist of backups.
North Carolina business naming rules
- A proposed entity name must be distinguishable on the records of the Secretary of State.
- Entity endings (company, corp., inc., LLC, limited, p.a. and similar) at the end of the name are ignored when names are compared.
- Articles, conjunctions, prepositions, punctuation, spaces, and using an Arabic numeral instead of a word don't create a difference.
- A name can't imply a purpose other than a lawful one allowed by the formation documents, and can't contain words offensive to accepted standards of decency.
- Words such as bank, trust, mutual, realtor, architect, certified public accountant, engineer, insurance, pharmacy, surveyor, cooperative and wholesale are restricted.
Reserving a name
Form BE-03 reserves a business entity name for 120 days and can't be renewed. A separate 10-year reservation (Form BE-14) is available when one entity has acquired the goodwill of another. Check the current fee on the Secretary of State's site.
DBAs and trade names
Assumed business name certificates are filed with the register of deeds in each county. The Secretary of State keeps a statewide online database of assumed name filings made on or after December 1, 2017.
Still looking for the right name?
Brainstorm dozens of options with the free generator, then run your shortlist through the North Carolina search above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I search business names in NC?
Use "Search for Company By Name" on sosnc.gov, with Starting With, All, Any or Exact Match. Then check the Assumed Business Name database and your county register of deeds.
Where do I file a DBA in North Carolina?
Assumed business name certificates go to the county register of deeds. Filings made since December 1, 2017 are also searchable in a statewide database on sosnc.gov.
Does adding "LLC" or "Inc." make my name different in NC?
No. North Carolina ignores entity endings, plus articles, conjunctions, prepositions, punctuation and spacing, when it compares names.
Can I renew a North Carolina name reservation?
No. The standard reservation lasts 120 days and isn't renewable. The 10-year option applies only after acquiring another entity's goodwill.
General information, not legal advice. Name approval is decided by the North Carolina Secretary of State, Business Registration Division; a name showing as available in a search is not a guarantee it will be accepted.