If you’re in the process of brainstorming names for your Idaho startup, one thing you’ll need to do is to ensure that the name you’ve chosen hasn’t already been registered in your state. To do this, you’ll need to perform a business entity search.
With a better understanding of what a business entity search entails and how to perform one in Idaho, you can get your business name registered in no time.
Conducting a business entity search before starting an LLC in Idaho is important because this will tell you whether or not your name is available. If your business name is already chosen and registered in the state of Idaho, you’ll need to choose another name.
Each state has its own specific rules and guidelines in place when it comes to naming a business. In Idaho specifically, the name of your business should not be easily confused with any other business name. Likewise, all LLCs registered in Idaho must have the words “Limited Liability Company” or “LLC” in the name itself.
You can read more about naming guidelines on the Idaho State & Federal Resources for Business website. However, if your chosen business name doesn’t meet the state’s requirements, your application won’t be accepted.
Not sure where to begin when it comes to conducting an official business name search in Idaho? Navigating government websites and databases can often be a confusing and overwhelming process, but by following these simple steps, you should be in good shape.
Start by using Idaho’s business name search tool to check for registered businesses that may already be using your name or a similar one.
Once you’re on the Idaho business search tool website, start by entering your desired business name in the search bar. Then, click on the magnifying glass icon to conduct your search. From there, you’ll instantly see a list of businesses that have been registered under the same name or a similar name, as well as associated filing dates for each business. If the business was named with a registered agent, this will also be listed in the results.
When searching for a business name using this tool, there is also an “advanced search” option that can help you filter your search a bit more. By clicking on the “advanced search” option, you’ll bring up a tool bar where you can filter your search based on:
Using the advanced search feature can be helpful if there are many similar business names and you need to narrow your search to determine if your exact business name is available.
Once you have your list of results, you can click on individual business names to learn more about each one. Clicking on an assumed business name will show such information as:
By clicking on the “View History” button underneath the business information, you can view additional records and documents related to the business and its registration. If you desire, you can even download these to your device.
As you review your results, keep the following in mind as well:
If a business name that you want to use is already registered in Idaho, unfortunately, you’ll have no choice but to use a different name. Be sure to repeat your business entity search in Idaho for any future names you may come up with as well.
On the other hand, if the business name you want is available, you’ll want to move quickly on getting it registered. In Idaho, you actually have the option to “reserve” a business name for a four-month period by filling out an application and paying a fee ($20 for filing online and $40 for manual processing). This option may be ideal if you don’t plan on formally registering your LLC for a few months.
If you’re ready to register your business name and LLC, you’ll need to follow the steps on the Idaho Secretary of State website and pay the applicable filing fee. In addition to registering your name in Idaho, you might also wish to trademark your business name as a means of protecting its intellectual property. You can do this by using the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database search tool to confirm that your business name is available to be trademarked. If so, you can complete the application process online.
Finally, don’t forget to purchase a domain name for your website. Check with a reputable domain registration website, such as GoDaddy, to determine whether your desired domain is available. From there, you can begin building your LLC’s website and online presence.
Performing a business entity search is important to ensure that the business name you plan on using isn't already registered in the state of Idaho, thus preventing you from using it.
The best way to check the availability of a business name in Idaho is to use the Idaho Secretary of State's business search tool, which allows you to search for registered businesses by a partial or full name.
The cost to reserve a business name in Idaho starts at $20 if you submit your application digitally. If you mail your application in for manual processing, however, the cost of $40 as of 2024.
Yes. In order to use a DBA in the state of Idaho, it still needs to be registered through the Secretary of State.
LLC business names in Idaho must not be easily confused with another business name. Likewise, the business name needs to have "Limited Liability Company, " "LLC," or "L.L.C." in its name.
If the business name you want to use is already taken, you'll need to choose another one that's available. The new name will need to be different enough from the first one that the businesses cannot be easily confused with one another.
Although the process of registering a name for an LLC in Idaho can be a bit confusing, it doesn’t need to feel impossible. By following these steps and keeping these basic tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to finding an available business name and register it in no time.
This portion of our website is for informational purposes only. Tailor Brands is not a law firm, and none of the information on this website constitutes or is intended to convey legal advice. All statements, opinions, recommendations, and conclusions are solely the expression of the author and provided on an as-is basis. Accordingly, Tailor Brands is not responsible for the information and/or its accuracy or completeness. It also does not indicate any affiliation between Tailor Brands and any other brands, services or logos.
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