Business Name Search in New Mexico (November 2023)

Step into the world of New Mexico entrepreneurship. Our guide will show you how to ensure the availability of your chosen business name before reserving it.

An entity name search is made to find information about a New Mexico LLC business. The search results include information about whether the business has been registered in the state, whether it is in good standing, the address of the registered agents, and whether the businesses were legally established in the state.

This article guides you through this easy and important process.

New Mexico Entity Name Search (Summary)

To search for the availability of a business name in the state of New Mexico, follow these steps:

1. Visit the New Mexico Secretary of State’s Business Services website at https://www.sos.state.nm.us/business-services/
2. Click on “Business Search” under the “Search” tab on the left-hand side of the page.
3. Enter the name you wish to search for in the “Business Name” field.
4. Click “Search.” If the name is available, you will see a message stating “No Records Found.”
5. If the name is not available, you will see a list of businesses with similar names. You can click on the business name to view additional details.
6. If you are interested in reserving a name for future use, you can do so by filing a Name Reservation Application with the New Mexico Secretary of State’s office.

What is a New Mexico Business Entity?

A New Mexico business entity refers to an organization that has been legally formed and registered to conduct business within the state of New Mexico. The process and rules for establishing and operating a business entity in New Mexico are managed by the New Mexico Secretary of State.

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

1. Sole Proprietorship: This is the simplest type of business structure, owned by one individual. The owner is personally liable for the business’s debts and obligations.
2. Partnership: This could be a General Partnership (GP), Limited Partnership (LP), or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP). In a GP, all partners share liability, while in an LP, at least one partner has limited liability. In an LLP, every partner has limited liability.
3. Corporation: This is a separate legal entity that is owned by shareholders. It can be a for-profit corporation (C corporation or S corporation) or a nonprofit corporation. Shareholders have limited liability, and the corporation has its own rights and responsibilities under the law.
4. Limited Liability Company (LLC): This is a business structure that combines elements of partnerships and corporations. It provides owners with limited liability protection and can be easier to manage than a corporation.
5. Nonprofit Organization: This is a business entity organized for a public or mutual benefit other than generating profit for owners or investors. Nonprofits are typically exempt from paying certain taxes.

New Mexico Secretary of State Entity Search

When forming a business entity in New Mexico, you typically need to file the appropriate documents with the New Mexico Secretary of State, possibly pay a filing fee, and follow any additional rules or regulations specific to the type of entity.

Here is the link to the New Mexico Secretary of State’s Business Services website: https://www.sos.state.nm.us/business-services/

Here is the link to the Business Search page: https://portal.sos.state.nm.us/BFS/online/CorporationBusinessSearch

Here is the link to the Name Reservation Application: https://www.sos.state.nm.us/uploads/files/Corporate-Documents-Forms/Name-Reservation-Application.pdf

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Tips for using the New Mexico LLC Search

You can search for information about an owner using the website of the Secretary of State (SOS). These steps can be used to search for an LLC already in existence.

• Name – This is the most popular search option. You can filter your search using multiple keywords to find the right information.
• Director – The name given to the person who owns or manages the company.
• Register Agent – This is your company’s legal representative’s name and title. The owner’s name is not the registered agent.
• You can also enter a business ID number in the appropriate field of the Secretary-of-State search portal.
• Only one search result should be returned by the business ID option. Public information will include contact information for the LLC, details of the registered agent, details about the business ID number and names of the organizers.

The following steps will allow you to search name availability of your business entity through the Secretary-of-State search portal.

• Choose a name that fits the guidelines and is appropriate for LLCs.
• You can search for availability of names using the availability tool on SOS’s website.
• To search for matches or availability, enter the name that you have chosen for your LLC in the appropriate field.
• An image of the name you have chosen for your LLC will be displayed if it is available. If the name is already in use, an image will be displayed. A list of registered businesses that are in conflict with your chosen name will also be displayed.
• If you plan to build a website, make sure the URL matches the company name. This is done at domain sale websites. No matter if you decide to use the URL or not, anyone can acquire it and use it for their own purposes.
• A professional email address is recommended for your business that is distinct from your personal account.

These steps will help you search the Secretary Of State portal to find information about a company:

1. Enter the name of the corporation or the New Mexico Public Registration Commission. You can also search by the name of the LLC director or registered agent.
2. The results page contains information about the corporation, including its name and status. You can also click on the link to view more information.
3. Additional information includes the date of incorporation, the state in which it was formed, the New Mexico State Corporation Commission number (NMSCC), the registered agent’s name, address, manager names, and the principal office address.

Reserve a corporate or LLC name

You can reserve the name if you search the Secretary of State database for the name you select. You can reserve the name for up to 120 calendar days.

• Download the Reservation Application Form from the NMPRC website and complete it.
• Send the completed form to Public Regulation Commission Corporation Bureau at P. O. Santa FE, New Mexico 87504-1269 with the applicable filing fee, if applicable,

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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 New Mexico 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 New Mexico 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. 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 New Mexico

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.

FAQs

Does the Secretary of State approve foreign businesses that want to do business in New Mexico?

Yes.

How can I verify if an LLC is being used in New Mexico?

You can use the New Mexico Business Search Tool to check if your business name appears.

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 New Mexico LLC’s name?

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.

What is a brand name?

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.

What do I need to do to renew my New Mexico business name?

New Mexico does not require LLCs to renew its legal name.

Is it possible for my business name to be different from that of my LLC in New Mexico?

Some companies prefer to operate under a different name than their legal name. You can call this a “doing business as” (DBA), name. New Mexico, however, does not allow DBA filings.

Do I need a DBA for my LLC?

New Mexico does NOT offer DBA filings.