Key Takeaways

  • A Massachusetts LLC search helps confirm if a business name is available before forming an LLC.
  • The search is performed through the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Corporations Division database.
  • You can search by entity name, individual name, identification number, or filing number to find existing entities.
  • The database shows details like business status, formation date, registered agent, and principal office address.
  • If your name is available, you can reserve it for 60 days and renew once for an additional 60 days.
  • You can also search for corporations, partnerships, and trade names in the same database.
  • Use name distinguishability rules—differences in punctuation, capitalization, or articles (e.g., “the,” “a”) don’t make names unique.
  • Reserving a web domain and checking trademark availability is recommended alongside the LLC search.

An LLC search Massachusetts will help you discover if the name you have chosen for your LLC is free to use and is the initial step you should take if you're interested in forming an LLC in this state. If you want the name of your LLC to be approved in Massachusetts, it should abide by all naming requirements in this state and be distinct from other business names.

Massachusetts, like many states, has a simple online search tool that can be used to find an individual business and information about that business. You can also use the state's database to browse for entities based on your desired criteria. Searching the Massachusetts Secretary of State database can be useful whether you need information about a business in this state or are trying to choose a unique name for your limited liability company.

On the search page, you will have multiple search options, including:

  • Entity Name
  • Filing Number
  • Identification Number
  • Individual Name 

Massachusetts LLC Name Requirements

Prior to searching Massachusetts LLC names, it's important to learn some of the requirements for naming limited liability companies in this state:

  1. You are required to use either the “L.L.C” or “LLC” abbreviations in the name of your company. Using “LLC” is the most popular choice.
  2. In Massachusetts, LLCs are not Corporations, which means the name of your company cannot include words such as “Incorporated” or “Corporation,” or abbreviations such as “Inc.” or “Corp.”
  3. The name of your LLC must be easily distinguished from other Massachusetts LLCs, meaning your company name should be wholly unique.

Grammar differences will not make your LLC name unique. 

Reserving a Business Name in Massachusetts

If your Massachusetts LLC search confirms that your desired name is available, you can reserve it before filing your Certificate of Organization. The Secretary of the Commonwealth allows you to reserve a business name for 60 days, with an option to renew the reservation once for another 60 days. This can be done by submitting the Application of Reservation of Name form and paying the $30 filing fee, either online or by mail.

To maintain priority over your name during preparation for formation:

  • Submit the reservation early to prevent others from claiming it.
  • Ensure the name remains compliant with state naming rules.
  • Consider checking whether your chosen name is available as a domain name to maintain brand consistency.

Once you form your LLC, the reservation automatically ends because your business name becomes officially registered with the state.

Name Availability and Business Entity Search

When you are forming an LLC in Massachusetts, you will usually perform a name availability search, which includes several steps:

  1. You will need to choose a strong, original name for your LLC that adheres to the naming requirements in Massachusetts.
  2. Check to see if your desired name for your LLC is available by using the name availability tool to perform a name search.

While optional, you should also research whether you can use your LLC name to reserve a URL. Securing a URL for your company will make sure that your preferred web address will be unavailable to your competitors. LLCs can also benefit from registering for a professional email address, which can be done using Google Apps. You will also be provided with cloud storage and security tools.

When you perform a business entity search, you can discover important information about a business such as:

  • The good standing of the business.
  • The street address of the business.
  • The registered agent's street address. 

Additional Ways to Search the Massachusetts Business Database

Beyond checking for LLC name availability, the Massachusetts business entity search tool can be used to locate details on existing businesses, verify entity status, or perform due diligence before entering into contracts. You can filter searches by:

  • Entity type (e.g., LLC, Corporation, LP, LLP)
  • Location (principal office city or town)
  • Filing status (active, dissolved, withdrawn, etc.)
  • Date range (formation or filing date)

The database displays critical information such as:

  • Business name and ID number
  • Date of organization and jurisdiction
  • Principal office and registered agent details
  • Officers or managers (if applicable)
  • Annual report filings and standing with the state

These results can be especially helpful for legal or business professionals performing background checks or competitive research.

Searching the Massachusetts Name Database: By Name

If you want to search the Massachusetts Name Database, log on to the Corporations Division Business Entity Search page. Find the option labeled “Search by entity name” and submit the name that you have chosen for your LLC in the box labeled “Enter name.”

For the fullest results possible, remember these tips when entering your LLC name:

  • Do not include punctuation or the “LLC” abbreviation.
  • Including capitalization is not necessary.
  • Make sure you've selected “Begins with” under “Search type.”
  • Do not enter the full name of your LLC. Instead, only submit the first two or three words.
  • Only enter a portion of the first word of your LLC name for thorough results.

After your search is complete, you can examine the results. Selecting the option to display 100 items on a page is your best option.

Next, to see a list of business in Massachusetts, you can click “Search Corporations.” If you want more information about a particular business, you would select the name of the business.

You can use your desired LLC name if:

  • You see a message that reads “No records found; try a new search using different criteria.”
  • You see names that are distinguishable from the name you have chosen.

You cannot use your desired LLC name if:

  • The results of your search reveal business names that could easily be confused with your desired name.
  • Your search reveals a business name that is identical to your own.

If you perform your search and still aren't completely sure that your LLC name is free to use, you should go ahead and submit your formation paperwork. If your name is not available, your application will be returned, allowing you to work on choosing a new LLC name.

Next Steps After Confirming Name Availability

Once you verify that your desired name is available, you can proceed with LLC formation by:

  1. Filing your Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
  2. Paying the $500 filing fee (online or by mail).
  3. Appointing a registered agent with a Massachusetts street address.
  4. Preparing an operating agreement that outlines your LLC’s internal structure and management.
  5. Obtaining an EIN from the IRS for tax and banking purposes.

These steps complete the process of legally establishing your business in Massachusetts. If you’re uncertain about naming conflicts or filing requirements, you can consult a business attorney through UpCounsel to help you avoid delays or rejections.

Tips for Accurate Massachusetts LLC Searches

When conducting your Massachusetts LLC search, follow these best practices for precise results:

  1. Use partial keywords. Enter the first few words of the name to capture variations.
  2. Avoid punctuation and special characters. The database ignores symbols such as commas and periods.
  3. Exclude “LLC” or “L.L.C.” from your search query.
  4. Choose “Begins with” under search type to see all names starting with your chosen phrase.
  5. Check similar spellings—names with minor differences (like “Solutions” vs. “Solutionz”) may be considered too similar.
  6. Review all matching names carefully to ensure yours is distinguishable.

If the system indicates “No records found,” your desired name is likely available. However, final approval is determined only after you submit formation documents to the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I check if my Massachusetts LLC name is available?

You can use the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Corporations Division business search tool to look up your desired name and confirm availability before filing.

2. Can I reserve an LLC name in Massachusetts?

Yes. You can reserve a name for 60 days, with one possible 60-day renewal, by submitting the Application of Reservation of Name and paying a $30 fee.

3. What information can I find in the business entity database?

The search results include details like the company’s status, date of formation, principal office, registered agent, and filing history.

4. What if the name I want is already taken? 

If your preferred name or a similar one is already registered, you’ll need to choose a distinct variation that meets the state’s distinguishability requirements.

5. Is there a fee to perform a Massachusetts LLC search? 

No. The online business entity search is free to use through the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website.

If you need help with your LLC search Massachusetts, you can post your legal needs on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.