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 North Dakota Business Search tool to see if your name is unique.
In our North Dakota Business Name Search guide, we’ll show you exactly how to check LLC name availability in North Dakota.
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Search NowHow to Check if Your North Dakota 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 North Dakota.
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 North Dakota LLC names include:
- Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations (e.g., “LLC” or “L.L.C.”). It can’t contain the words “limited” or “company” without association with the words “limited liability company.”
- Your name may not be the same as — or deceptively similar to — any existing business in the state. This includes North Dakota 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.
North Dakota also has the following restrictions for LLC names:
- Your name can’t contain the words “corporation,” “incorporated,” “limited partnership,” “limited liability partnership,” or abbreviations of these.
- Your name can’t imply the LLC was organized for an unlawful purpose or one not outlined in its Articles of Organization.
For more information, check out the North Dakota LLC naming statute (Page 9, 10-32.1-11).
Distinguishability
It’s important that your name be distinguishable from all other business names. In North Dakota, 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. Conduct a State Business Name Search
In order to use a business name, you must verify it’s available in your state. State business name searches allow you to identify any other businesses that may already be using your desired LLC name. You can check your business name availability by searching the North Dakota 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 North Dakota for up to 12 months 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 with the North Dakota Secretary of State. The filing fee is $10.
You also can renew your name reservation for an additional 12 months, if needed.
5. Conduct a Trademark or Service Mark Search
A trademark search is vital for safeguarding your brand identity. Use the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)‘s online database to ensure your chosen business name or logo isn’t already protected. Remember that state-level LLC name clearance doesn’t guarantee federal trademark availability. Need expert help? Our guide to the best trademark services for startups can point you in the right direction.
6. Form Your North Dakota LLC
Once you complete your LLC name search, you’ll need to register your business with the state. North Dakota entrepreneurs can form an LLC by filing Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State.
Your Articles of Organization must include the LLC’s name, purpose, principal executive office address, registered agent information, and duration (if not perpetual). North Dakota also requires you to specify whether the LLC is managed by its members or managers, helping to clarify your company’s operational structure.
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Start NowNorth Dakota LLC Name Search FAQ
How do I check if an LLC name is taken in North Dakota?
You can use the North Dakota Business Search tool to see if your preferred 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 North Dakota 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.
Additionally, North Dakota LLC names can’t include the words “corporation,” “incorporated,” “limited partnership,” or “limited liability partnership” or abbreviations of these.
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. North Dakota 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 North Dakota?
No. North Dakota doesn’t require LLCs to renew their legal name, but trade names must be renewed every five years with the Secretary of State.
The Secretary of State will mail out renewal forms within 90 days of a trade name’s expiration. The filing fee is $25.
Learn more about trade names with our North Dakota DBA guide.
Can my business name be different from my LLC name in North Dakota?
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 trade name in North Dakota.
In North Dakota, trade names are filed with the Secretary of State.
Learn more about trade names with our North Dakota 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 North Dakota DBA names by reading our guide to filing for a DBA and selecting North Dakota from the drop-down menu.