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.
Your LLC Name Must Be Unique
The business name you have chosen cannot be used by any other NYS LLC or corporation. This is why it's so important to conduct a New York Secretary of State business search.
Your LLC Name Must Not Be Confusable with Another Business Name
It’s not enough for your LLC name to be unique. It also cannot be similar to the name of any other corporation or LLC in the state. In addition, you cannot use the following factors to say your name is different from the name of another business:
- Suffixes, such as Corporation, Company, Incorporated, Incorporation, Limited, Corp., Co., Inc., Ltd., LLC, etc.
- Definite articles, such as “A,” “An,” or “The”
- The conjunction "And," or “&"
- The singular, plural or possessive forms of a word
- Abbreviations, punctuation, symbols, fonts, typefaces, etc.
Your LLC Name Must Contain Certain Words
All LLCs must have the words “Limited Liability Company,” “L.L.C.” or “LLC” in their names, usually at the end of the name.
Your LLC Name May Have Other General Restrictions
Most states will not allow you to select LLC names that:
- Are very similar to the name of a federal or NY agency or organization (e.g., FBI, FDA, New York Police, New York Revenue Department, etc.)
- Suggest affiliation with a federal or state agency or organization
- Use the term “Olympic” or any terms that are trademarks of the International Olympic Committee
- Imply a purpose that would be illegal for your business to carry out
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:
- Appeal to your customers
- Be memorable enough to stand out
- Best represent your product or services
- Not be used by another business
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.
Use Bizee’s Free Tool to Find Out Whether Your Preferred Name is Available for Your LLC in New York
Check Your LLC Name
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.
Make Sure Your Business is Starting Off on the Right Foot When It Comes to Intellectual Property.
Bizee’s Trademark and Registration Service
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 and Manage an Assumed Name or DBA Name Through Our Easy-To-Use Service
Bizee’s Assumed Name Service
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.
- If you don’t want to form your LLC right now, you can reserve the business name with the New York Department of State (DOS). You'll need to complete an Application for Reservation of Name and file it with the DOS. You don't need to reserve a name if you're forming your business right away.
- If you’re ready to start your LLC, you can indicate your chosen business name when you file your Articles of Organization with the NY Secretary of State. Or Bizee can do this if you have us handle your business formation.
Forming an LLC in NY? Bizee Can Handle All Your Formation Paperwork With the New York Department of State for You — and We’ll Do It for Free!
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FAQs on Naming an LLC in New York
How Do I Make Sure My Business Name Isn’t Already Taken?
You can use our Business Name Search Tool or conduct a New York business search on the DOS website, which will tell you whether any corporations or LLCs in the state are already using that name.
Are There Any Rules for Naming My New York LLC?
Yes. Most LLCs will be bound by general rules (applicable to all LLCs) and specific rules (applicable in the state of New York). We’ve detailed these rules above.
Can I Do Business Under a Different Name Than My Official LLC Name?
Yes. You can conduct business under an assumed name. Details are above.
Can I Reserve a Name for My LLC in New York?
Yes. The Secretary of State allows you to reserve a name if you're not ready to start your business right away. Details are above. If you're ready to start your business now, you don't need to reserve a name.
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