How to Do a Business Entity Search in Nevada and Choose a Name for your LLC

Nevada entity search for llc name

Starting a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Nevada requires you to do several things. One of the first is choosing a name for your new business.

It’s essential to conduct a business entity search before you decide on a name. This makes sure your company’s name is both unique and complies with all state regulations. For example, you’re not allowed to use words like “bank” or “pharmacy” in your company’s name unless it is truly a bank or pharmacy.

This guide will walk you through the importance of a business entity search, state naming guidelines, and how to conduct your search effectively.

Why do you need to do a business entity search?

A business entity search means checking the availability of a business name in the state where you intend to register your LLC. This search helps:

Conducting a business entity search is critical to avoiding any future legal complications.

Nevada's naming guidelines

In Nevada, there are a few specific guidelines you must follow when choosing a name for your LLC:

For more detailed guidelines on naming your business, visit the Nevada Secretary of State’s website at www.nvsos.gov.

Conducting a business name search in Nevada: Step-by-step guide with tips

To start your search, visit the Nevada Secretary of State’s Business Search.

Search options

You can search by:

Fees

Searching the database is free. But if you decide to reserve a name, you’ll need to pay a fee. The Nevada Secretary of State’s website also has a service that helps you reserve a domain name under your new LLC.

Search tips

Reviewing the results

Once you get the search results, review the following:

For example, a search for the name “casino” turns up these results:

You’re able to see each business’s status, registration date, type, and business ID. You can begin with a general search for one or more of the words in your company’s name, then drill down into more specific results. Be as thorough as possible–it’s well worth the extra search time to avoid future legal complications.

Fictitious name (DBA)

If you plan to use a “doing business as” (DBA) name, or a company name that is different than the one you operate your business under, you must also search the fictitious name database to ensure it’s not already being used.

What can you do once you have an available business name?

Consider reserving your name

You can reserve your LLC name for 90 days by filing a name reservation application with the Nevada Secretary of State. This costs $25 and keeps your company’s name from being taken by another business while you complete the other steps to form your business.

The name reservation form is available for download on the Secretary of State’s website. It includes detailed instructions on how to complete it.

Consider trademarking your name

Registering your name as a trademark provides protection throughout the country, not just in Nevada. This step can also add value to your brand by reserving the right to market to a national and international market. Visit the USPTO website for more information on trademark protections and how to apply.

Consider domain registration

These days, it’s all but impossible to have a successful business without some sort of online presence. The easiest way to do this is by securing a domain name that matches your business name. Even if you use other social media to market your business, having your domain name reserved will prevent others from capitalizing on your name (and goodwill) and can give you a landing page to direct clients or customers to your other marketing.

Conclusion

Choosing a name for your LLC is one of the most crucial steps in starting your new business. By conducting a thorough business entity search and following Nevada’s naming guidelines, you can make sure your business name is unique, attention-getting, and completely legal. For more information and to start your business entity search, visit the Nevada Secretary of State’s website at www.nvsos.gov.

FAQ

A business entity search makes sure the name you want is unique and complies with all state regulations. This helps avoid any legal issues and lets your company establish a distinct identity.

Use the Nevada Secretary of State’s Business Search to check whether your name is available.

The fee for reserving an LLC name in Nevada is $25.

Yes, registering a DBA ensures that your fictitious name is legally recognized and protected in Nevada.

Your LLC name must be different from all other business names, include required words like “LLC,” and avoid any restricted or prohibited terms.

If your name is taken, consider variations or choose an entirely new name. You can also check if the existing business is inactive or dissolved and contact the Nevada Secretary of State for further guidance. In some cases, when a business with the name you want has been inactive for years and is unlikely to be revived, you may be able to use its name.