Idaho Business Name Search
Selecting the right name is an essential first step for your Idaho LLC, requiring you to ensure the name’s availability. Performing an Idaho business name search is vital to avoid infringing on existing business names and intellectual property rights within the state.
Our Idaho LLC name search guide offers essential tips on checking LLC name availability, reservation, and registration, helping you secure a unique and compliant business identity efficiently.
Business Entity Search in Idaho: How To Look Up an LLC in Idaho? (Summary)
How to Search a Business Entity Name in Idaho
Search for Business Name Availability in the State of Idaho
- Visit the Idaho Secretary of State website: Search the Idaho SOS business name feature to check if your chosen business name is available.
- Access the Business Entities page: On the Secretary of State website, look for the “Business Services” or “Business Entities” section. Click on it to access the relevant information.
- Search the business name database: Look for the option to search the business name database or perform a name availability search. This feature allows you to check if a specific business name is already registered or in use by another entity in Idaho.
- Enter the desired business name: Enter the business name you wish to search for in the designated search box. It’s recommended to keep the name simple and unique to increase the chances of availability.
- Review the search results: After submitting the search query, the system will provide you with the search results. You’ll see if the name is available or if it’s already registered or reserved by another business entity.
- Modify your search if necessary: If the desired name is not available, you may need to try different variations or alternatives until you find an available name.
Note that the specific steps and layout of the Idaho Secretary of State website may change over time. It’s advisable to explore the website and look for the most up-to-date information and links related to business name availability searches.
Here is the link to the Idaho Secretary of State website, where you can find information on business services and perform a business name search: Idaho Secretary of State
Please ensure to double-check the information and process on the official website for any updates or changes.
1. Idaho Naming Guidelines
Before you begin your search for a business name, we recommend that your business name meet the guidelines.
The first step to starting an LLC is choosing a company name. Choose a name that is easy to search by potential clients and conforms with Idaho’s naming requirements.
Follow these naming guidelines:
- Your name must contain the phrase “limited-liability company” or one its abbreviations (LLC, L.L.C. ).
- Your name cannot contain words that could cause confusion between your LLC and a government agency (FBI or Treasury, State Department, etc.). ).
- Restricted words (e.g. Bank, Attorney, and University may need additional paperwork, as well as the participation of a licensed individual such a doctor or lawyer to your LLC.
2. Idaho business name search
To check the availability of your chosen name, use Idaho’s Business Entity Search before you submit your name reservation request. For the best search results, enter the name you want to use.
You can search for just the first two words of your business name to find all similar names.
3. Find Available Domain Names
Another important consideration when choosing a business name is whether your desired web domain is available. It is crucial to have a URL that matches your Idaho business name. Even though it seems small, this can make a huge difference in how potential customers find you business.
4. Register Your Idaho Business Entity Name
All LLC naming queries and requests are handled by the Idaho Secretary of State. You can reserve business names for up to 4 months.
You can either file an online application or mail it to reserve your business name. You will need to register an account on the website of the Secretary of State if you are filing online. To avoid rejection, make sure you do a thorough search before submitting your application.
A filing fee will be required to reserve your name. You will need to send a check made payable to the “Secretary of State.” An additional processing fee will be required if you submit your application by mail.
Although it is easy to reserve the name of your LLC, there are other factors you need to consider when choosing the right name for your company. To see if your name is available for use on the internet, you might want to conduct a Trademark or Social Media Search. This will ensure that you can use your business name in any way you want.
Idaho Secretary of State (Contact)
Mailing Address
Idaho Secretary of State
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0080
Physical Address
Idaho Secretary of State
450 N. 4th St.
Boise, ID 83720
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Email: sosinfo@sos.idaho.gov
Phone: (208) 334-2301
Additional Steps
1. Trademark Search
It is a good idea to conduct a trademark search on your business name, as well as any associated slogans and logos, before you register. This will help avoid costly litigation down the road. It does not mean that you cannot use your business name if it is trademarked by another entity.
It is vital to find out who uses the name and what industry they work in to ensure that you don’t inadvertently violate any intellectual property rights.
This is the final step.
- To find out if your company name, associated logos, slogans or other trademarks are being used in Idaho, search Idaho’s trademark database.
- To find federally registered trademarks that are associated with your business name, search the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office electronic records.
2. Choose a Registered Agent
After you have chosen an LLC name that is distinctive and unique, you can now choose your LLC’s Registered Agent.
3. Check if the Domain Name is Available
To check if a domain name is available, you can follow these steps:
- Go to a domain registrar website, such as GoDaddy.com or Namecheap.com.
- In the search bar on the homepage, type in the domain name you want to check.
- Click on the search button to see if the domain name is available or not.
- If the domain name is available, you will be prompted to purchase it. If it’s not available, the registrar will suggest some alternative options or you can try a different domain name.
4. Check if Social Media Name is Available
Check if a social media name is available for a new business name
5. Register Idaho Business Entity
When you complete the required documents for filing a new business entity, you then register your business and business name with the state. The state of Idaho will either approve your business name or reject it.
If you hire a good LLC service like Northwest Registered Agent, ZenBusiness or Incfile, these LLC services have business name tools available for you to do a quick search.
6. Register an Employer ID Number (EIN) With the IRS
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify businesses and other entities for tax purposes.
7. Create a Brand Logo
Creating a business logo involves several steps. There are affordable online services that can design a logo for you and assist with the process.
Define your brand: Before you start creating a logo, you need to define your brand’s personality, values, and mission. This will help you create a logo that accurately represents your brand.
8. Write a Business Plan
Writing a business plan involves a comprehensive process that covers various aspects of your business, including the industry, market research, marketing and sales strategies, financial projections, and more.
9. Open a Business Bank Account in Idaho
A bank account is generally required for a new Limited Liability Company (LLC) or corporation to separate personal finances from business finances and to establish a clear record of business transactions.
Idaho Business Name Search Guide – Conclusion
It is important to have a business name. This is also a crucial step in creating a successful LLC.
After you have chosen your preferred name through Idaho’s Business Entity Search you will need to secure your domain so your customers can find you online. You will stand out among the rest by reserving your name using an Application to Reservation of Entity Name. Once you have your name secure, it is time to start formalizing your LLC.
