New Mexico Business Name Search

Before you form an LLC or start a corporation, you’ll need to complete a business name search with the New Mexico Business Search tool to see if your name is unique.

In our New Mexico Business Name Search guide, we’ll show you exactly how to check LLC name availability in New Mexico.

How to Check if Your New Mexico 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 Mexico. 

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 Mexico LLC names include:

• Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or “limited company” or one of their abbreviations (e.g., “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” “LC,” or “L.C.”). The word “limited” may be abbreviated as “ltd.” and the word “company” may be abbreviated as “co.”
• Your name must be distinguishable from any existing business in the state. This includes New Mexico 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 New Mexico’s official state statutes.

Distinguishability

It’s important that your name be distinguishable from all other business names. In New Mexico, 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

The first search you will need to complete is at the state level. This will help you verify your business name isn’t already in use by another venture. You can check your business name availability by searching the New Mexico 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.

What if my LLC name is already taken? Our free AI-powered LLC name generator will give you thousands of new ideas.

4. Reserve Your LLC Name

You may reserve your LLC name in New Mexico 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 by mail with the New Mexico Secretary of State. The fee is $20 for LLCs. 

5. Conduct a Trademark or Service Mark Search

A trademark search is essential for securing your brand’s future. Use the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)‘s online database to check if your desired business name or logo is already trademarked. Remember, state-level LLC name availability doesn’t ensure federal trademark clearance. Need professional help? Our guide to the best trademark services for startups is an excellent resource.

6. Form Your New Mexico LLC 

Once you complete your LLC name search, you’ll need to register your business with the state. To form an LLC in New Mexico, entrepreneurs need to file Articles of Organization with the New Mexico Secretary of State. This document serves as the legal foundation for your business. 

Your Articles of Organization should include the LLC’s name, duration (if not perpetual), registered agent details, and management structure. New Mexico also requires you to provide the name and address of each organizer, ensuring transparency in the formation process.

New Mexico LLC Name Search FAQ

New Mexico Business Resources