Business Name Search in Nevada (November 2023)

Navigate the Nevada business name search process effortlessly with our step-by-step guide. Establish your unique brand identity.

This post will explain the detailed steps of conducting a Nevada business name search, using tools provided by the Nevada Secretary of State’s website. We’ll also discuss the importance of understanding Nevada business laws and ensuring your proposed business name doesn’t infringe on any trademarks registered with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

So, get ready as we delve into this critical first step in your business startup journey in Nevada.

How Do I Look Up an LLC in Nevada? 

To look up an LLC or business entity in the state of Nevada, you can follow these steps:

1. Go to the Nevada Secretary of State’s website at https://www.nvsos.gov/sos/businesses/commercial-recordings/search-the-commercial-recordings-database.
2. Click on the “Search the Commercial Recordings Database” link.
3. On the next page, select “Limited-Liability Company (LLC)” in the “Business Entity Type” drop-down menu.
4. Enter the name of the LLC you’re searching for in the “Entity Name” field. Note that you can search using the full name or a portion of the name.
5. Click on the “Search” button.
6. A list of LLCs that match your search criteria will appear. Click on the name of the LLC you’re interested in to see more detailed information.
7. The information available will include the LLC’s name, business ID number, date of formation, status, registered agent information, and more.

Alternatively, you can also contact the Nevada Secretary of State’s office directly to request information about an LLC.

Visit the Nevada Business Search Page to see if the name is available. Click “Search” and enter your desired LLC name.

What is a Nevada Business Entity?

A Nevada business entity refers to a business that is legally recognized and registered to operate within the state of Nevada.

These businesses are regulated by the Nevada Secretary of State, which is responsible for managing the process of setting up and operating a business entity in the state.

The types of business entities that can be established in Nevada are similar to those in other states and include:

1. Sole Proprietorship: This is a business owned and run by a single individual. There is no legal separation between the owner and the business, meaning the owner has personal liability for the business.
2. Partnership: This is a business owned by two or more people who share the profits and losses of the business. There can be different types of partnerships, including general partnerships, limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships.
3. Corporation: This is a separate legal entity that’s owned by shareholders. The corporation, not the shareholders, is held legally liable for the actions and debts the business incurs.
4. Limited Liability Company (LLC): This is a hybrid type of legal structure that provides the limited liability features of a corporation and the tax efficiencies and operational flexibility of a partnership.

Nevada is known for its business-friendly laws and regulations, including strong protections for business owners and favorable tax conditions (no corporate income tax, no personal income tax, and no franchise tax, among others).

Nevada Secretary of State Entity Name Search

To check the availability and information on an existing business or for checking the availability of a name in the state of Nevada LLC, you can do a state search. You can usually find the information you need online at the Secretary of State.

Name of the Nevada LLC or Business Entity

You will need to search for names available when you are looking to start a limited liability company or LLC in Nevada. These are the steps to name your business.

1. Follow the state naming guidelines to choose the right name.
2. Use the name availability tool to conduct a name search. This will tell you if the desired LLC name is available in your state.
3. Even if you have no plans to build a website, check for an available URL. You can prevent anyone else from purchasing the domain name by securing it.

Visit the Nevada Business Search Page to see if the name is available. Click “Search” and enter your desired LLC name.

If you don’t find any matching names in your search results, it is most likely that the name is available for use.

Methods for Business Entity Searching

To find out more about an existing business, you might search:

• If it is in good standing
• If it has been legalized
• The address
• The registered agent’s email

There are many ways to perform an entity search. It all depends on what search criteria you use. The following are some of the options:

• Name of the business
• Number of business entity
• Business ID
• Name of the officer
• Name of the registered agent
• Name of the associated business

Start your search on the Business Search page. Follow these steps depending on what search criteria you are using.

Name

1. Click “Search” and enter the name you are looking for in the search box.
2. Check out the matching names.
3. Scroll down until you find it.
4. Click on the name.
5. Check out the public business information at the bottom of the page.

By Entity Number

1. Select the type of search you want from the drop-down menu.
2. Click “Search” and enter the entity number.
3. Please review the next page. Each entity has its own number so you only need results for one company.
4. To continue, click the name.
5. Check out the public information available, including the name and address of the registered agent for the business.

By Business ID

1. Choose “NV Business ID” in the drop-down menu.
2. Click “Search” and enter an ID in the search box.
3. Check the results. They should match your ID.
4. To continue, click the name.
5. Take a look at the information.

By Officer Name

1. Choose “Officer Name” from the drop-down menu.
2. Click “Search” and enter the first and last names of an officer.
3. Scroll down to find the name you are looking for in the list.
4. To continue, click on the name of the business.
5. Take a look at the information.

Registered Agent

1. In the drop-down menu, select “Registered Agent Name”.
2. Click “Search” and enter the name of the agent.
3. Scroll down to find the name that you are looking for in the next page’s list of names.
4. To continue, click the name.
5. Check out the contact information for the registered agent.

By Associated Business Name

1. Choose “Associated Business Name” from the drop-down menu.
2. Click “Search” and enter the business name.
3. You can review the entire list until you find what you are looking for.
4. To proceed, click the name.
5. Check out the list of related business names.

Before you submit paperwork or pay registration fees to an LLC, make sure that the company name that you want is available in your state.

This is a quick and easy search. Be sure to follow all other naming guidelines to ensure that your name doesn’t sound too similar to any existing names. A business name should be distinctive and unique from other LLCs.

It’s easy to use the resources on the Secretary of States’ website to perform a name search in order to locate public information about existing entities.

Additional Steps

1. Trademark Search

When searching for a business name, it’s important to note that availability doesn’t necessarily mean the name is free to use if it’s already a registered trademark.

To avoid potential complications down the line, it’s wise to conduct a thorough trademark search using the Trademark Electronic Search System before finalizing a business name.

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:

1. Go to a domain registrar website, such as GoDaddy.com or Namecheap.com.
2. In the search bar on the homepage, type in the domain name you want to check.
3. Click on the search button to see if the domain name is available or not.
4. 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.

It’s a good idea to check the availability of multiple domain name options as your first choice may already be taken.

Additionally, if you are considering registering a domain name for your business, make sure to also check for any existing trademarks that may conflict with your chosen domain name.

4. Check if Social Media Name is Available

To check if a social media name is available for a new business, you can follow these steps:

1. Start by choosing a social media platform where you would like to create an account for your business. Some of the popular options include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and TikTok.
2. Once you have selected the platform, go to the sign-up page and try to create an account using your desired social media name.
3. If the name is already taken, the platform will display an error message indicating that the name is not available. In this case, you may need to consider alternative names for your social media account.
4. If the name is available, the platform will allow you to create an account using that name.
5. It’s important to note that just because a social media name is available, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s free to use. You should still do your due diligence to ensure that the name is not already a registered trademark or being used by another business in your industry.

5. Register Nevada 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 Nevada 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. I recommend using any of these 3 services to assist you with forming a new business. They can save you time and provide you with guidance through the formation process.

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.

Here’s how you can get an EIN:

1. Determine if you need an EIN: You’ll need an EIN if you have employees, operate your business as a corporation or partnership, file employment tax returns, have a Keogh plan, or are required to file any of the following tax returns: Employment, Excise, or Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
2. Apply for an EIN: You can apply for an EIN online, by fax, by mail, or by phone. The quickest and easiest way is to apply online through the IRS website.
3. Provide the necessary information: When applying for an EIN, you’ll need to provide your legal name, trade name (if applicable), business address, and the type of legal structure of your business (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, LLC).
4. Wait for your EIN: If you apply online, you can receive your EIN immediately after completing the application. If you apply by fax or mail, it can take up to four weeks to receive your EIN.

Note that there is no fee to apply for an EIN. Once you receive your EIN, be sure to keep it safe and use it on all tax documents and forms.

7. Create a Brand Logo

Creating a business logo involves several steps. Here’s a general overview of the process:

1. 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.
2. Determine the design style: Decide on the design style you want for your logo. Do you want it to be modern or classic, minimalistic or intricate, colorful or monochromatic? Consider your brand personality and target audience when making this decision.
3. Choose the colors: Pick a color palette that reflects your brand personality and complements your design style. Colors have psychological meanings and can affect how people perceive your brand.
4. Brainstorm ideas: Brainstorm several logo design concepts based on your brand personality, values, and mission. You can use online resources for inspiration or hire a professional logo designer to create a custom logo for you.
5. Sketch your ideas: Once you have some logo design concepts, sketch them out on paper to visualize how they might look. This can help you narrow down your options and refine your ideas.
6. Design the logo: Use a graphic design software program like Adobe Illustrator or Canva to create your logo design. Search on Fiverr for logo designs. Make sure it is scalable and can be used across different mediums.
7. Get feedback: Share your logo design with colleagues, friends, or family to get feedback. This can help you refine your design further.
8. Finalize the logo: Once you have incorporated feedback, finalize your logo design. Be sure to use high-quality images and files for your logo.
9. Protect your logo: If you want to protect your logo, consider trademarking it with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. This will prevent others from using a similar logo and protect your brand’s identity.

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. Here are some steps to guide you in writing a business plan and links to resources that can help you:

1. Executive summary: This section provides a summary of your business plan, highlighting key information about your business, target market, products or services, and financial projections. It should be brief but comprehensive.
2. Company description: This section describes your company’s mission, vision, values, and legal structure. It also includes information about the management team, business location, and history.
3. Market analysis: This section provides a detailed analysis of your industry, target market, competition, and customer demographics. It also includes information about market trends and growth projections.
4. Marketing and sales strategies: This section outlines your marketing and sales strategies, including branding, advertising, pricing, and distribution channels.
5. Products and services: This section describes your products or services, their features and benefits, and how they will meet the needs of your target market.
6. Financial projections: This section provides a detailed financial forecast for your business, including projected revenue, expenses, profits, and cash flow. It also includes a break-even analysis and funding requirements.

Here are some links to resources that can help you in writing a business plan:

1. Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA offers a step-by-step guide to writing a business plan, including templates and sample plans.
2. SCORE: SCORE provides free business plan templates and guides, as well as mentoring and counseling services.
3. Bplans: Bplans offers a wide variety of business plan templates, tools, and resources, including sample plans for different industries.
4. LivePlan: LivePlan is a cloud-based software that provides business planning tools and templates, financial forecasting, and collaboration features.
5. Canva: Canva offers a range of customizable business plan templates and design tools to help you create a professional-looking plan.

9. Open a Business Bank Account in Nevada

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.

Having a separate bank account for your LLC will help you keep track of your business’s income and expenses, which will be useful for tax purposes, accounting, and financial management. It will also make it easier to accept payments from customers and pay bills, suppliers, and employees.

To open a bank account for your LLC, you will typically need to provide the following documents:

1. Certificate of Formation: This is a legal document that shows that your LLC has been registered with the state.
2. Operating Agreement: This document outlines the rules and procedures for running your LLC and is required by some banks.
3. EIN (Employer Identification Number) Confirmation Letter: This is a letter from the IRS confirming your LLC’s tax identification number.
4. Identification documents: You will need to provide personal identification documents, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID, and proof of address, such as a utility bill.

Note that the specific requirements for opening a bank account for an LLC may vary depending on the bank and state where you are located. It’s best to contact the bank you plan to use to inquire about their specific requirements.

Nevada LLC Name Search FAQ

How can I verify if an LLC is registered in Nevada?

To check if your business name appears, you can use the Nevada Business Search Tool.

Do I have to name my LLC after me?

Although there is no prohibition against naming your LLC after yourself (most experts recommend against it).

An advantage of an LLC is that you can choose a different business name, which can make your business sound more professional.

What words are prohibited in a Nevada LLC?

It is not possible to include words in business names that suggest that the company is a bank or financial institution, or that it is affiliated with a local or state government agency.

You can see a lengthy list of Nevada’s restricted words. These words include words that are related to banking or other licensed professions.

Do I need an LLC name generator?

An LLC name generator is a great tool to help you choose a name for your LLC.

What is a brand?

A brand name is a name that a company gives to a product line or product. It can be the exact same as the company name, or something else.

Do I need to include LLC in the name?

Yes. Nevada’s LLCs must use the abbreviations “Limited Liability Company” and/or L.L.C. in their legal name.

What do I need to do to renew my Nevada business name?

Nevada does not require LLCs to renew their legal names, but some counties may require you to renew your fictitious company name. Clark County, for example, requires that fictitious firm name renewals be done every five years.

Each county has its own renewal process. For forms and fees, check with the county clerk’s office.

Is it possible for my Nevada LLC to have a different business name than my Nevada LLC?

Some companies prefer to operate under a different name than their legal name. You can call this a “doing business as” (DBA) or a fictitious company name in Nevada.

Nevada has a law that LLC fictitious names must be filed with the county where the LLC is located.

Do I need a DBA for my LLC?

If your LLC plans to conduct business under another name than its legal name, a DBA is not required.