How To Do A New York Business Name Search

The first step in forming an LLC or corporation in New York is to verify the business name is available to use. Each business entity that is registered with the New York Department of State 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 York

Steps For Searching Corporation and LLC Names In New york

Step 1: Visit the New york Entity Name Database

Visit the New York Department of State website.

Step 2: Search for a Business Name

Enter the name you would like to use in the “Entity Name” field.  In this example, we will look up “Sew What,” enter the captcha, and click “Search the Database.”  It is recommended to search both by “Begins With,” “Contains,” and “Partial” in the drop-down menu to be sure to search your name thoroughly.

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 York, the name must be distinguishable from the other names registered. If you were looking to form a corporation with this name, you wouldn’t be able to since there is already one registered.

To find more information about any of the registered business names, click on the link in the “Entity Name” column to see a detailed report.  In this example, we will look up “Sew What Inc.”

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, “There were no records found.”  While final approval is still with the Department of State, it is likely available to register. 

These are the basics of searching for a business name in New York.  Even when the name of the business you want looks like it is available, the Department of State 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 York business entity database?

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

• Business Name
• Initial DOS Filing Date – Date the entity was filed with the Department of State
• Entity type – Corporation, Limited Liability Company. Etc.
• Current Entity Status – Active means the entity is in good standing, and 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.
• Registered Agent’s information – A Registered Agent 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, so their home address isn’t listed.