Before you form a limited liability company (LLC), register a trade name, or start a corporation, you’ll need to complete a business name search with the Idaho Business Search tool to see if your name is unique.
In our Idaho Business Name Search guide, we’ll show you exactly how to check LLC name availability in Idaho.
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Search NowHow to Check if Your Idaho LLC Name Is Available
Checking if your desired LLC name is available involves a few key steps, such as ensuring your business name follows state requirements and performing a domain name and state search. These are the steps you need to take to determine if your business name is available in Idaho.
1. Follow LLC Naming Rules
Before you perform an LLC name search, you need to make sure your business name follows the state’s business name requirements.
Some key guidelines for Idaho LLC names include:
- Your name must contain one of the following terms or abbreviations: “limited liability company,” “limited company,” “L.L.C.,” “LLC,” “L.C.,” or “LC.” “Limited” may be abbreviated as “Ltd.” and “company” may be abbreviated as “Co.”
- If the LLC is a professional entity (e.g., a law firm), the name may include the word “professional” before the word “limited” or the letter “P” at the beginning of any of the permitted abbreviations.
- Your name must be distinguishable from any existing business registered with the Idaho Secretary of State. This includes Idaho reserved names.
Keep an eye out for restricted words. These words, such as “FBI” or “Treasury,” are often restricted to keep your LLC from sounding like an official institution.
For more information, check out Idaho’s official state statutes.
Distinguishability
It’s important that your name be distinguishable from all other business names. In Idaho, a distinguishable name is one that’s substantively different from all other existing or reserved business names in the state.
Failure to use a distinguishable name could result in the rejection of your formation filing.
2. Search for LLC Names
In Idaho, LLCs and other business structures must choose a unique, distinguishable name. Performing a state business name search ensures your chosen LLC name meets this requirement. You can check your business name availability by searching the Idaho Business Search online database.
3. Check Available Domain Names
When choosing a business name you’ll need to find out whether or not a good web domain name is available. Having a URL that clearly matches your business name is important. This small step can make a big difference in how prospective customers find your business.
The best way to determine if your desired URL is available is to search for it using your preferred domain registry, such as GoDaddy.
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4. Reserve Your LLC Name
You may reserve your LLC name in Idaho for up to 120 days before you officially register it with the state. This prevents other businesses from registering your name until you have the opportunity to register it yourself.
You can file a name reservation online or via hard copy with the Idaho Secretary of State. The filing fee is $20 online and $40 for hard copies.
5. Conduct a Trademark or Service Mark Search
Secure your brand’s future by conducting a trademark search. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website offers a robust database to check for potential conflicts with your chosen business name or logo. Remember, state-level LLC name availability doesn’t guarantee federal trademark clearance. For expert help, consult our list of recommended trademark services for startups.
6. Form Your Idaho LLC
Idaho allows you to form an LLC by filing a Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of State. This document serves as the foundation for your business entity in the Gem State. Your Certificate of Organization must include the LLC’s name, registered agent details, and mailing address. Idaho also requires you to list the name and address of at least one governor (i.e., a member or manager), ensuring transparency in the company’s leadership.
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Start NowIdaho LLC Name Search FAQ
How do I check if an LLC name is taken in Idaho?
You can use the Idaho Business Search tool to see if your business name is available.
Should I name my LLC after myself?
While there’s no rule against naming an LLC after yourself, most experts advise against doing this.
One of the benefits of starting an LLC is the ability to choose a different name for your business, which can make it sound more professional.
To explore other naming options, use your free AI-powered LLC Name Generator.
What words can’t be used in an Idaho LLC name?
Business names generally can’t include words that imply the company is a banking or financial institution or that it’s affiliated with a local, state, or federal government agency.
Should I use an LLC name generator?
If you’re having trouble choosing a name for your LLC, an LLC name generator can help you come up with some ideas.
What is a brand name?
A brand name is a name a company gives to a product or line of products. It can be the same as the company’s name or something different.
Learn more about branding with your business entity name with our How to Name an LLC guide.
Do I have to include LLC in my name?
Yes. Idaho requires that its LLCs use “Limited Liability Company” or one of its abbreviations (e.g., LLC or L.L.C.) in their legal name.
Do I need to renew my business name in Idaho?
Idaho doesn’t require LLCs to renew their name.
Can my business name be different from my LLC name in Idaho?
Some companies choose to operate under a name that’s different from their legal name. This can either be called a “doing business as” (DBA) name or an assumed business name in Idaho.
In Idaho, LLC assumed business names are filed with the Secretary of State.
Learn more about assumed business names with our Idaho DBA guide.
Does my LLC need a DBA name?
Your LLC doesn’t need a DBA name unless it plans to do business under a name other than its legal name. Learn more about Idaho DBAs by reading our guide to filing for a DBA and selecting Idaho from the dropdown menu.