How Do I Check the Availability of a Nevada LLC's Name?

A business name plays a significant role in building brand identity, as it can make a lasting impression and help a company succeed. Hence, choosing a good company name matters.

If you’re structuring a business as an LLC in Nevada, you must give the entity a memorable and distinctive name. Still, some challenges come with naming your business, particularly sharing a name with another company or brand. In this guide, you’ll learn how to check the availability of a Nevada LLC’s business name to avoid potential risks.

Key Takeaways

• Before registering an LLC in Nevada, look up the company’s name using the state’s Online Entity Search tool. You can conduct a quick or more thorough search on the database.
• Under Nevada’s LLC laws, an LLC’s business name must include a designator like "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C." Additionally, the name must be distinguishable from the names of other individuals and businesses registered to operate in the state.
• If you’re preparing your formation documents, you can reserve your chosen business name by filing a request with the Nevada Secretary of State. The state’s name reservation period usually lasts 90 days.
• You can also check whether your chosen name has been trademarked before filing an LLC’s formation documents. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)’s trademark database is available for lookups.

How Do I Check If a Nevada LLC’s Name is Available?

To check if a Nevada LLC’s name is available, use the Nevada Secretary of State’s Online Entity Search tool. You can type the company name into the “Name” box and click the “Search” button for a quick lookup or use the search filters for a more thorough search. For example, you could select one of the following options under the “I Would Like to Search By:” section:

• Starts With - The database returns search results that begin with your preferred company name.
• Contains - The search results include the name entered into the tool.
• Exact Match - The name listed by the Online Entity Search tool matches your preferred LLC name.
• All Words - You get results with words that include your LLC’s name.

If you get limited or no results from the state’s database, consider checking Nevada’s naming requirements for LLCs. These guidelines cover what your LLC’s name can and can’t include.

What are Nevada's Naming Requirements for LLCs?

Nevada’s naming requirements for LLCs are comprised of the following rules:

1. An LLC must use a name with an approved designator.
2. The company’s name must be distinguishable from other business names.
3. LLC names shouldn’t contain restricted or prohibited words.
4. Your chosen name must not mislead the public.

Under NRS 86.171, a Nevada LLC’s name can contain the words “Limited-Liability Company,” "Limited Liability Company," "Limited Company," or “Limited.” Alternatively, you can use an abbreviation such as "LLC," "L.L.C.," "LC," or "L.C." The word "Limited" may be abbreviated as "Ltd." and "Company" as "Co."

When it comes to restricted words, Nevada LLCs are prohibited from specific words in their names without prior approval from state agencies. Suppose your LLC’s name includes the word “bank” since it’s a financial institution. Before you can use the word, you must get approval from the Commissioner of Financial Institutions. Otherwise, the Nevada Secretary of State will reject your filing.

Related Resources

Learn how to name a Nevada LLC or file a DBA (“Doing Business As”) in the state from NCH’s business formation specialists.

What Makes a Nevada LLC’s Name “Distinguishable”?

A Nevada LLC’s name is considered “distinguishable” if it can’t be confused with the name of another individual or business. Moreover, LLCs that register with the state must have a name that’s different from the names reserved by other business owners in the Secretary of State’s office. If your LLC shares the same name with another business and uses it without permission, the company’s Articles of Organization will be sent back to you.

Take this example: One company operates as “Desert Sun Holdings LLC,” while your LLC is named “Desert Sun Ltd.” The other name may be considered too similar, resulting in a rejected filing. Hence, your name searches must include partial matches, and you must change your proposed name if the Online Entity Search tool returns similar results.

Can I Reserve a Nevada LLC’s Name?

You can reserve a Nevada LLC’s name after confirming its availability. The state’s reservation process involves filing a request with the Secretary of State, which costs $25. Once your request is approved, your chosen LLC name will be reserved for 90 days. Other businesses can’t register with the same name during this period.

Still, reserving a Nevada LLC’s name doesn’t mean that the entity is officially registered with the state. Your LLC will only be formed once its initial filings are approved.

Should I Check If My Chosen Name Has Been Trademarked?

You should (and can) check if your chosen name has been trademarked. After all, you may face significant legal issues if you use a trademark without the owner’s permission.

To check if your LLC’s name has been trademarked, enter the name into the USPTO’s trademark database. If your chosen name has been trademarked, consider using another name. This step helps you avoid potential rebranding due to legal action.

Other Helpful Resources

• Read the following guides before proceeding with LLC formation in Nevada:
• What Do I Need to Start an LLC in Nevada?
• How Do I Form an LLC in Las Vegas, Nevada?
• What Should You Include in Your Nevada LLC’s Articles of Organization?
• Watch the video below to learn how to form a Nevada LLC.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check if a Nevada LLC’s name has been taken?

To check if a Nevada LLC’s name has been taken, use the state’s Online Search Entity tool. You can look up the name with or without using search filters. Once you get relevant search results, review them to ensure a distinguishable name.

What are Nevada’s naming requirements for LLCs?

Nevada LLCs must include a required designator such as “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company” and avoid using restricted words unless a state agency gives its approval. More importantly, an LLC’s name must be different from the names of other individuals or businesses and matches its line of business.

Do I need to reserve an LLC’s name before filing its formation documents?

You don’t need to reserve an LLC’s name before filing its formation documents. However, you can do so if you’re preparing the LLC’s initial filings.

How much does it cost to reserve an LLC’s name in Nevada?

It costs $25 to reserve an LLC’s name in Nevada. This fee can add to your LLC’s formation expenses.

How long does name reservation for a Nevada LLC last?

Name reservation for a Nevada LLC generally lasts 90 days from the approval date of its request. During this period, other LLCs can’t register with your chosen name.

What’s the difference between a business name & a DBA?

A business name is an LLC’s legal name, which is registered with the company’s formation state. On the other hand, a DBA (“Doing Business As”) is an alternative name that an LLC can use while operating in its formation state. DBAs are also called trade or fictitious names.

What should I do if my Nevada LLC shares its name with another business?

If your Nevada LLC shares its name with another business, its formation documents will be sent back. Next, you must change your preferred name and include the new name in your LLC’s initial filing. This step can lengthen your overall formation timeline.

Are Nevada LLCs required to include "LLC" in their names by law?

Yes, Nevada LLCs are required to include “LLC” in their names by law. Alternatively, they can use a similar abbreviation or a word like “Limited Liability Company.”

Can I form a Nevada LLC after confirming the availability of its name?

Yes, you can form a Nevada LLC after confirming the availability of its name. Just make sure your chosen name is distinguishable from other registered business names and complies with the state’s current naming requirements.

Can I change an LLC’s name after the entity has been formed?

Yes, you can change an LLC’s name after the entity has been formed. In Nevada, you file a Restated Articles of Organization to change an LLC’s business name. But before submitting this document, check whether your chosen name is available and compliant with the state’s naming requirements.

Expert Tips From NCH

1. Enter other keywords into the Online Search Entity tool when looking up a Nevada LLC’s potential name. Use search filters for more accurate results and thorough checks.
2. If you’re creating a brand website and social media profiles, conduct a basic online search for your business name. You can then secure your chosen domain name and usernames, as long as they’re different from other business names.
3. Avoid names that only differ in punctuation, spacing, or a generic word. The Nevada Secretary of State may flag these names as indistinguishable, potentially resulting in a rejected filing.

Structure Your Business as a Nevada LLC Today

Checking the availability of a Nevada LLC’s business name is one of the steps you should take before registering the entity with the state. This way, you avoid the potential confusion and legal risks that are associated with using a similar name. Moreover, state filings with non-compliant LLC names can be rejected, leading to delays and additional costs.

If you’re opening a Nevada LLC, NCH can help you get it right the first time. We provide a proven, structured process that’s designed to reduce errors, delays, and unnecessary costs. Furthermore, our approach to LLC formation is backed by 32+ years in business and 250,000+ businesses formed, focusing on accuracy, clarity, and long-term support.

Open a Nevada LLC Now

DISCLAIMER: The above material has been prepared for informational purposes only, containing opinions of the provider and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consider consulting tax, legal, and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.