How To Do A New Jersey Business Name Search

The first step in forming an LLC or corporation in New Jersey is to verify the business name is available to use. Each business entity that is registered with the New Jersey Department of the Treasury must use a unique name. See our step-by-step guide to learn how to quickly search available names by using the state’s Business Entity Database.

Also See: Guide to Starting a Business in New Jersey

Steps For Searching Corporation and LLC Names In New Jersey

Step 1: Visit the New Jersey Entity Name Database

Visit the New Jersey Department of the Treasury website.

Step 2: Search your Business Name

Enter the name you would like to use in the “Business Name” field.  In this example, we will look up “Sew What” and then click “Search.”  

Step 3: Review the Results

Searching the registered names, we get a list of all the businesses with the words “Sew What.”  To be able to register a corporation or LLC name in New Jersey, the name must be distinguishable from the other names registered. If you were looking to form an LLC with this name, a warning is displayed stating that the name you chose may conflict with other names on file. If you feel your name is different, you will have to contact the Department of the Treasury for a manual review.

While the name “Sew What” by itself may not be available other variants are such as “Sew What Quilting” or “Sew What Seamstress” is.  Searching for those business names brings a result that says “Available!”.  While final approval is still with the Department of the Treasury, it is likely available to register. 

These are the basics of searching for a business name in New Jersey.  Even when the name of the business you want is available, the Department of the Treasury will make a final determination at the time of filing to ensure the name you picked isn’t too similar to other registered names. 

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.

Related: Should I trademark my business name?

What information can be found on the New Jersey business entity database?

The business entity database search can find several pieces of information about the business. Some of the highlights include:

• Entity type – Corporation, Limited Liability Company. Etc.
• Status – Active Good Standing means all reports and filing fees are up to date. Other results include “Inactive Voluntary Dissolution, Inactive Revocation,” “Cancelled,” among others. The names of these results may be available to register.
• Principal Address – This could be the business’s physical address, or it could be an address where business records are stored.
• Registered Agent’s information – A Registered Agent is the singular point of contact for the entity should a legal, or tax notice needs 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, so their home address isn’t listed.  
• Date the entity was filed with the
  Department of the Treasury
• Names of the officers and their title