Key Takeaways

  • You can use the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) website to perform an Arizona LLC search by entity name or file number.
  • An Arizona LLC search helps verify name availability, view entity details, and access public records like filing dates and statuses.
  • The ACC’s online database includes domestic and foreign LLCs, corporations, trade names, and other registered business entities.
  • Trade names (DBAs) are registered through the Arizona Secretary of State and must be distinguishable from existing names.
  • Businesses can also obtain information from the Arizona Department of Revenue for licensing or transaction privilege tax (TPT) details.

An Arizona business registration search on the Secretary of State's website lets you find information on any business entity or corporation registered in Arizona. There's no charge, and it's the first step to form an LLC in Arizona.

Searching For an LLC Name in Arizona

Your name must have the abbreviation LLC or L.L.C. at the end. It can't use the words Incorporated, Corporation, or any of their abbreviations. The name must be distinguishable, which means it needs to be different from existing

  • Businesses, limited partnerships, LLCs, and nonprofits incorporated in Arizona
  • Reserved names
  • Fictitious names
  • Trade names
  • Foreign corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and nonprofits that do business in the state.

These differences aren't considered to be distinguishable in most cases, in case there are variations in

  • Designators like L.L.C. and LLC
  • Words like a, an, and the
  • Hyphens
  • Slashes
  • Commas
  • Periods
  • Singular vs. plural or possessive words

You should:

1. Use the Arizona Corporation Commission's business entity search.

2. Choose "Starts With" as your search type.

3. Type your desired name in the Entity Name field without LLC at the end or any punctuation. Check just the first word or two as well to see everything that could be similar.

4. For entity type, choose All.

5. Click on Search or Name Availability Check

If the name you want or a similar name doesn't appear, it's available. If you're not sure if your LLC name is distinguishable, go ahead and file your paperwork. If it's not available, the state will let you know. According to Arizona's Corporation Commission, names are sometimes distinguishable when:

  • Prepositions or conjunctions change the meaning of the name. For example, Into the Deep LLC is distinguishable from To the Deep LLC. Of Mice and Men LLC is different from Mice and Men LLC
  • The same words are in a different order. House Party LLC isn't the same as Party House LLC
  • Words are spelled differently or creatively, like Krispy Kream compared to Crispy Cream
  • Abbreviations are present. Computer Solution Technology is not the same as Computer Solution Tech or CS Technology
  • Single letters or symbols are present. For example, Dollar Cleaners is different from $ Cleaners.
  • A new name adds the word Arizona
  • The name has Roman numerals. They're distinguishable from words for numbers or numbers, but words and numbers are legally the same
  • The name has words in a foreign language. Rio Verde is distinguishable from Green River

Understanding Arizona Corporation Commission Search Tools

To conduct a thorough Arizona LLC search, start with the Arizona Corporation Commission’s eCorp database. This tool allows users to search by:

  • Entity name
  • File number
  • Registered agent name

Once a business is located, the search results provide essential details such as:

  • Entity type (e.g., domestic or foreign LLC)
  • Formation or registration date
  • Status (active, dissolved, etc.)
  • Statutory agent information
  • Annual report filings

This tool is critical for confirming name availability, reviewing legal standing, and accessing filings relevant to due diligence or business planning.

DBAs or Trade Names

In some circumstances, you can use a DBA or doing business as statement without registering it. However, unregistered names can't go on some official documents. A trade name is illegal if another company already uses it. You should conduct an Arizona business registration search to make sure the name you want isn't already in use. Then, file a DBA with the state of Arizona to use a name that's not the name of your company. Registering a trade name secures it for your company. You can use it as an official name to open bank accounts, enter into contracts, and complete other tasks.

To register for an Arizona DBA, you'll need to complete the Arizona Trade Name Registration Application. If you need more information on all the forms and paperwork you need for maintaining or dissolving a DBA, you should look at Arizona's Trade Name and Trademark Handbook. Registration requirements for an Arizona DBA or trade name can change from county to county. The County Clerk in most locations can help you with filing DBAs. Registration usually requires:

  • The name of the company
  • Its business address
  • The possible new DBA name
  • The business's general mission or purpose
  • The date that the DBA was first used in Arizona
  • Proof of incorporation for LLCs and corporations and LLC's
  • The signature of the applicant or of members or officers of the entity
  • Notarization
  • A fee
  • A stamped, self-addressed envelope for people who choose to file with paper through the mail instead of filing file electronically
  • A renewal process every five years

Arizona Department of Revenue and Business Licensing Resources

Beyond name registration, businesses may need to consult the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) for licensing and tax obligations. The ADOR provides:

  • Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license search to verify businesses collecting sales tax
  • Business account information lookup
  • Forms and guides for tax compliance

These resources support both LLCs and DBAs by ensuring entities meet tax registration requirements under state law. It’s a complementary step after completing a name search through the Corporation Commission or Secretary of State.

How to Use Arizona’s Business Search for Strategic Insights

An Arizona LLC search isn't just for formation—it also supports:

  • Competitor analysis: View business types, statuses, and longevity
  • Vendor or client vetting: Ensure legitimacy and good standing
  • Trademark protection: Identify potentially conflicting business names

Using filters like “Starts With” or partial names can help uncover potential conflicts that wouldn’t appear under exact matches. For brand safety, perform both an LLC search and a trade name search to cover all bases.

Arizona Trade Name Registration Tips

Trade names in Arizona are regulated by the Secretary of State. To register a trade name (or DBA), consider the following steps:

  1. Conduct a search to ensure the name is not already in use.
  2. Prepare the application, including entity name, business address, and a description of business activity.
  3. Submit the form online or by mail with the applicable fee.
  4. Renew the name every five years to keep it active.

Trade name registration is optional but provides legal standing to use the name in contracts and branding.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I perform an Arizona LLC search?
    Visit the Arizona Corporation Commission’s website and use their entity search tool by entering a name or file number.
  2. What information can I find through an Arizona LLC search?
    You can find the business status, formation date, agent info, filing history, and more.
  3. Do I need to register a trade name separately in Arizona?
    Yes. Trade names are registered with the Secretary of State and require a separate application.
  4. Is there a fee for conducting an Arizona business search?
    No, using the Arizona Corporation Commission’s online search tool is free.
  5. Can I search for DBAs or trade names using the same tool?
    No. Trade name searches must be conducted through the Arizona Secretary of State's website.

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