How To Do An Arizona Business Name Search
The first step in forming an LLC or corporation in Arizona is to check and see whether the name is available to use. Each business entity that is registered with the Arizona Corporation Commission (AZCC)has to have a unique name. See our step-by-step guide to learn how to quickly search available names by using the Arizona Corporation Commissions Business Entity Database.
Also See: Guide to Starting a Business in Arizona
Steps For Searching Corporation and LLC Names In Arizona
Step 1: Visit the Arizona Entity Name Database
Link – Arizona Corporation Commission’s website.
Step 2: Search for a Business Name
Enter the business name you would like to use in the “Entity Name” field.
In this example, we will look up “Henry the Pool Guy” and click “Name Availability Check”.
Step 3: Review Results
When we search “Henry the Pool Guy” we see two results, one for a Trade Name (which is for sole proprietorships or partnerships) and the other for a Domestic LLC. Assuming you searched for this business name and were forming an LLC, we would want to research this entry further, so we click on the linked number on the left side of the screen.
In most cases, if the name you want to use shows up in the name database it isn’t available to use. However, an entity that is no longer active (see top right of the image above) is still showing on the database. Depending on how long the name has been inactive, you may still be able to use it. final approval is still made by the Arizona Corporation Commission when filing the LLC or corporation filing.
Something to keep in mind is that even though each Corporation and LLC name must be unique, it may not stop someone else from using that name since business names for a sole proprietorship or partnership are not registered by the Secretary of State and are not required to be unique. To protect your business name, consider getting a trademark.
What information can be found on the Arizona business entity database?
The business name database search can find information on:
- Business name
- Entity type
- Date of formation
- Status – Good standing means all reports and filing fees are up to date.
- Life period – Perpetual is the most common and means the entity intends to exist indefinitely.
- Statutory Agent’s information – Also called a Registered Agent in many states, this is the singular point of contact for the entity should a legal or tax notice need to be sent to the business. This is often one of the owners and if their home address is used, that address becomes public information. Many people find this concerning and use a Registered Agent service like Northwest Registered Agent or Inc File so their home address isn’t listed.
- Principal information – Names of officers or members of the entity.
- Address for the entity.
How do I register for a Trade Name in Arizona?
If you are registering a sole proprietorship or partnership, you may need to register for a DBA, which is also known as “Doing Business As,” Trade Name, Assumed Name, or Fictitious Name if operating a business under a name that is different from the owner’s legal name.
How do I form an LLC in Arizona
Before starting your business and forming an LLC, be sure to do the business entity search first to make sure the name is available to use. Once you know the LLC name is available, learn how to form an Arizona LLC by reading our step-by-step guide on filing the Articles of Organization.
While not required in Arizona, an Operating Agreement, which basically are the rules for how the LLC operates, is a document worth considering, especially for multi-member LLCs.
After forming a Limited Liability Company, be sure to register for Arizona business licenses and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN). This is a “social security number” for the business. There is no cost to get one through the IRS.
What are the requirements to name an LLC in Arizona?
To register an LLC in Arizona there are a few requirements.
– The LLC name must contain the words “limited liability company” or “limited company” or the abbreviations “L.L.C.,” “L.C.,” “LLC” or “LC,” in uppercase or lowercase letters.
– The LLC name may not contain the words “association”, “corporation”, “incorporated”, or words related to banking.
– The LLC name must be distinguishable from other entity names and trade names.
Can an LLC name be reserved in Arizona?
If you aren’t ready to file for the LLC, you can file a name reservation up to 120 days before filing the LLC. To do so, fill out the Application to Reserve Limited Liability Company Name with the Arizona Corporation Commission. The cost to reserve the name is $10.
