How to Name Your NYS LLC

Whether you’re searching for the right business name or registering your LLC name with the NY Secretary of State, we can help. We’ve got all the information you need on how to conduct a New York business search, plus business naming rules, assumed names and trademarks.

General Rules for LLC Names

These rules typically apply to all LLCs, no matter what state they are formed in.

Specific New York Business Name Rules

In addition to the general rules listed above, you'll need to follow some New York LLC laws that apply to naming your business. For example, many words are restricted by the New York Department of State, including, but not limited to:

"America Espirito Sport Fraternite," "Citius Altius Fortius," academy, bank, benefit, college, fidelity, insurance, secondary, university, attorney, chamber of commerce, redevelopment, state trooper and urban development.

The Art of Creating a Memorable Business Name

The perfect business name can be difficult to find. We have a comprehensive guide to choosing the right business name, but basically, you'll want to choose a name that will:

Need help coming up with business name ideas? Try our free name generator.

New York LLC Search

Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few name options, the next step is to complete an NY SOS business search to make sure another company isn't already using that name.

You can use the state's online portal to perform a NY business search. You can also use our simple and convenient Business Name Search Tool, which will search the New York business registry for you.

Trademarks and Service Marks

You must be careful that your New York LLC name doesn't infringe on the trademark or service mark of another business. The easiest way to ensure you're not infringing is to perform a trademark search through Bizee. If the trademark isn't already in use, you can even register it yourself.

NYS DBA or Assumed Name

You may do business under a name different from your LLC's legal name. While many states refer to this as a trade name, fictitious name or "doing business as" (DBA), New York calls it an assumed name, though "DBA" is also used. You may decide to use a New York assumed name for a variety of reasons.

For example, your LLC might be called Ruby’s Jewelry, LLC, and you have a chain called Beads & More. You could register an assumed name just for that brand.

In New York, you'll do that by filing a Certificate of Assumed Name form, or you can have Bizee do it on your behalf through our DBA Name service.

You must be careful that your New York LLC name doesn't infringe on the trademark or service mark of another business. The easiest way to ensure you're not infringing is to perform a trademark search through Bizee. If the trademark isn't already in use, you can even register it yourself.

Important: Bizee can register your DBA, but we do not fulfill the newspaper notice publication requirement. You'll need to manage that to comply with the law.

Note: A trade name is not the same as a trademark. Learn more about trademark vs. DBA.

Register Your LLC Name with the New York Department of State

You’ve performed a New York State business search, checked availability, followed the naming rules and determined whether you need a fictitious name. Now you can register your LLC name in one of two ways.