One of the first steps to take when establishing a business in New York is choosing a legally compliant business name that no one else is already using. A New York business name search tool that scans the New York Secretary of State database comes in handy for this step.
Fill out information about your business and your potential business name
Wait less than one hour for the tool to look for matches and send you an email report
Reserve and secure your business name if it’s available, or try again with a different choice
Our business name search tool is free to use with no hidden fees, so you can search as many times as necessary to find out if a business name you want is available.
Key Takeaways
A New York business name search can conveniently verify a business name’s availability at no cost.
After securing a business name, a natural complement is registering a similar domain name.
A DBA is a viable alternative if another business uses your preferred name.
New York’s Business Name Conventions
The New York Secretary of State has established guidelines that promote all legal entities in the state to be distinct and easily identifiable, whether they’re small businesses or mega-corporations. These guidelines also prevent ambiguity or inappropriate representation.
It pays to understand these regulations if you’re planning on establishing a business in this state, so here are some points of note:
New York limited liability companies (LLCs) should not indicate any association with insurance with words like “insurer” or “risk” so customers don’t get the wrong idea about the nature of the business.
All business names must be unique, meaning different from the name of another entity within the New York Department of State’s records.
All business names must avoid misleading or deceptive words or phrases, such as making customers think they are dealing with an official government body or implying your business offers services or products it doesn’t offer.
Benefits of a New York Entity Search
Aside from being necessary, conducting a New York entity search is a smart business move. This simple step offers several benefits that can save you time, money, and potential legal issues down the line:
Confirms that a business name is viable, avoiding a legal dispute from using a name that someone else has already claimed
Prevents a later name change for legal reasons alone
Avoids missteps that waste money, time, and resources spent on branding and marketing materials
Yields valuable insights into the competition, such as what other companies are operating in the same industry or geographical area, for a better understanding of the market landscape
Next Steps
Once you’ve confirmed that the business name you want is available, you can move on to the following steps to secure your company name, such as reserving the name, filing for an LLC, and picking a domain website address.
Complete Your Name Reservation
After you’ve verified that the name is free using a New York business name search tool, you can request the Department of State put it on hold as you get ready to claim it. This guarantees that no other enterprise can take the same entity name before you can finalize and submit all necessary paperwork.
To do this, you must fill out a short form and pay a nominal fee. This form will ask for basic information about your business, like the entity type and county of origin.
After submitting your reservation request, you’ll have exclusive rights to use that name for a few weeks, giving you enough room to complete all the official registration steps.
Choose a Domain Name
If you successfully reserved or registered your company name, it’s time to secure a matching domain name. This way, you can set up your website and make it easy for customers to find you online.
A web presence is a foundational building block of a successful modern business that seeks to expand beyond the limited local scope. You want a domain name that matches your business name, reinforces your brand, and points customers to find your website. Here are some tips:
Make sure your domain name is memorable, as it will come to represent your business and brand
Opt for a domain name that is short, easy to spell, and memorable
Tell the customer something about your company with your domain name to set your business up for success
Consider a DBA
If you’re looking for a name but can’t find one available, consider getting a DBA. Also known as a “doing business as,” this designation lets you work under an alternate identity without establishing an entirely new business. It’s the ideal solution if your dream name is taken.
A DBA is like a pseudonym for your legal business entity name. This can be particularly useful if the business name you decided to settle on doesn’t reflect your products or services well enough. It also works if you want to rebrand without starting over.
Moreover, using a DBA can help keep your personal and business identities separate. This is especially useful for sole proprietors who use their name as their business name but want to maintain discretion about their involvement in the venture.
File Your LLC Online
With a secured business name, you can easily file for a New York LLC or New York corporation online in minutes. You must pay a filing fee to submit Articles of Organization, a Certificate of Incorporation, or a limited liability partnership contract to the New York Secretary of State.[1, 2]
Thankfully, Swift Filings is here to help. After you complete your New York business name search, you can use our formation services to complete each step online in minutes. We also offer supplementary services, including obtaining an EIN from the IRS, drafting an operating agreement, registered agent services, and, if needed, a business name change.
FAQs
How do I determine if a business name is available in New York?
Business owners can conduct a business name search to find out if a business name is available in New York.
How much does a New York business entity search cost?
Swyft Filings’ business name search is free of charge and commitment-free. You can also conduct a New York business entity search on the New York Secretary of State’s website for free.[3]
What are some of the benefits of a business entity search?
A New York business entity search is beneficial to avoid any courtroom battles and expensive mishaps that can arise from picking a taken business name.
What are the steps to form an LLC in New York?
The first step to forming an LLC in New York is choosing a business name. Once you have a name you’ve ensured is available with a business name search, you can file your Articles of Organization with the New York Department of State and draft an Operating Agreement.
How do I find out if a business entity is registered in New York?
You can use the New York Secretary of State’s business entity search database to determine whether a business is registered in the state.
How can I find a person’s address for a business in New York?
You can typically find a New York business address in New York if you search for business entities with the New York Secretary of State’s business entity search. You can also find the registered agent’s information, including the registered office address.
---
Bibliography
New York State Department of State, “Articles of Organization for Domestic Limited Liability Company.” Accessed May 23, 2023.
New York State Department of State, “Certificate of Incorporation for Domestic Business Corporation.” Accessed May 23, 2023.
New York Secretary of State. “Corporation & Business Entity Search.” Accessed May 23, 2023.
