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 New Jersey Business Name Availability tool to see if your name is unique.
In our New Jersey Business Name Search guide, we’ll show you exactly how to check LLC name availability in New Jersey.
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Search NowHow to Check if Your New Jersey 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 New Jersey.
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 New Jersey LLC names include:
- Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations (e.g., “LLC” or “L.L.C.”). “Limited” may be abbreviated as “Ltd.” and “company” may be abbreviated as “Co.”
- Your name must be distinguishable from any existing business in the state. This includes New Jersey reserved names.
For more information, check out New Jersey’s official state statutes.
Distinguishability
It’s important that your name be distinguishable from all other business names. In New Jersey, 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. Perform a State Name Search
To start, you need to verify that your chosen business name is available at the state level. This requires a business name search of all entities in New Jersey. You can check your business name’s availability by searching the New Jersey Business Name Availability 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 also 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 New Jersey 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 may file a name reservation online or by mail with the New Jersey Department of the Treasury, Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. The filing fee is $50.
5. Conduct a Trademark or Service Mark Search
Protect your brand’s future with a diligent trademark search, ensuring you know your chosen business name isn’t taken. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website offers a comprehensive tool to check if your desired business name or logo is already protected. Keep in mind that state-level LLC name approval isn’t a substitute for federal trademark clearance. For professional assistance, explore our curated list of the best trademark services for startups.
6. Form Your New Jersey LLC
Once you verify your chosen business name is available, your next step is to register your business with the state. New Jersey allows you to form an LLC by filing a Certificate of Formation with the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.
Your Certificate of Formation must include the LLC’s name, registered agent information, purpose, and dissolution date (if applicable). New Jersey also requires you to specify whether the LLC will be managed by members or managers, helping to define your company’s operational structure from the start.
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Start NowNew Jersey LLC Name Search FAQ
How do I check if an LLC name is taken in New Jersey?
You can use the New Jersey Business Name Availability 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 our free AI-powered LLC name generator.
What words can’t be used in a New Jersey 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 Your LLC guide.
Do I have to include LLC in my name?
Yes. New Jersey 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 New Jersey?
New Jersey doesn’t require LLCs to renew their legal name, but alternate names must be renewed every five years with the Department of the Treasury.
You can renew online or by mail. The filing fee is $50.
Learn more about alternate names with our New Jersey DBA guide.
Can my business name be different from my LLC name in New Jersey?
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 alternate name in New Jersey.
In New Jersey, LLC alternate names are filed with the Department of the Treasury, Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.
Learn more about alternate names with our New Jersey 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 New Jersey DBA names by reading our guide to filing for a DBA and selecting New Jersey from the drop-down menu.