Key Takeaways

  • Checking business name availability in Massachusetts is a required first step before forming an LLC to ensure your chosen name is unique and legally compliant.
  • Massachusetts has specific naming rules, including required designators (e.g., LLC) and prohibited terms (e.g., “Corporation”).
  • A thorough name search includes checking the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s database, trademark databases, domain names, and social media handles.
  • Reserving a name is optional but can secure your business name for 60 days while you prepare formation documents.
  • If your chosen name is unavailable, you’ll need to modify it significantly or choose an entirely different name.

Performing a Massachusets LLC name search is an important step in forming a new Limited Liability Company. When you start a new business, the name of your company must be easily distinguishable from the names of any other companies that are currently doing business in the state.

Massachusetts LLC Search

One of the first steps in starting a Limited Liability Company in the state of Massachusets is searching for your intended company name to make sure it is not already in use by another local business. If you are not completely sure that your intended name is available, it is possible to simply file your incorporation with the state. If the name you intend to use is not available, the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth will return your paperwork, indicating that the name is not available and you will need to change it before continuing.

Massachusetts, like many other states, has a method for searching for your intended company name online. This database allows you to search for specific companies, their information, or browse through the state's database by searching against multiple criteria. Once you have arrived at the state's search page, you can search by any of the following:  

  • Company name  
  • An individual's name  
  • Company identification number  
  • Company filing number

It is important to make sure your intended company name is not already in use by another business by running a name search against the State of Massachusetts' database.

Why Name Availability Matters Before Forming an LLC

Before you file your Certificate of Organization, it’s crucial to confirm that your chosen name is available. Massachusetts law requires every LLC name to be distinguishable on the record from existing businesses registered with the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Submitting formation documents with a name that conflicts with an existing entity will result in a rejection and delay the launch of your company.

Conducting a search for business name availability in Massachusetts also helps you:

  • Avoid potential trademark infringement claims and legal disputes.
  • Establish a strong brand identity that stands out in your industry.
  • Ensure that your chosen name aligns with domain name and social media availability, which supports consistent branding online.
  • Save time and filing fees by confirming name eligibility before filing your LLC paperwork.

Massachusetts LLC Name Requirements

When you form an LLC in the state of Massachusetts, the name of your company must include one of the following abbreviations:  

  • LLC  
  • L.L.C  

Most business owners use "LLC" in their company's name. In Massachusetts, a Limited Liability Company and a corporation are completely different business structures. This means your intended company name cannot make use of any of the following words or abbreviations:  

  • Corporation  
  • Incorporated  
  • Corp.  
  • Inc.

Your company's name needs to be easily distinguishable from the names of any other companies currently doing business in the state. In simple terms, this means that your name needs to be completely unique from any other company names currently on file with the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Minor differences, such as using different identifiers at the end of your company's name are not sufficient to establish distinguishability. Differences in the grammatical structure are also not sufficient to establish distinguishability.

Certain words are restricted and may require additional paperwork and professional licensing if you wish to include them in the name of your company. Examples of these restricted words include, but are not limited to:  

  • Bank  
  • Attorney  
  • University  
  • Doctor  
  • Lawyer

Additionally, certain words that might cause your business to be confused with a government agency, such as the FBI or Secret Service, are completely restricted from appearing in your company's name.

Additional Naming Tips and Best Practices

When checking business name availability in Massachusetts, go beyond the legal requirements to ensure your name is memorable, marketable, and future-proof. Here are some additional tips:

  • Check trademark databases: Use the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) search tool to verify that your desired name or similar names are not federally trademarked.
  • Verify domain name availability: Securing a matching domain name is vital for branding. Check popular domain registrars early in the process.
  • Search social media handles: Consistent branding across platforms (e.g., Instagram, LinkedIn, X) reinforces your business identity.
  • Think long-term: Choose a name that can grow with your business and won’t restrict future product or service expansions.
  • Avoid confusing similarities: Even if a name is legally available, it’s wise to avoid names that sound or look too similar to existing companies, as this can cause customer confusion or legal risk.

Searching the Massachusetts Name Database

To begin your name search, you'll need to visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth's website and navigate to the Corporations Division Business Entity Search page. Next, select the "search by entity name" option and enter the company name you would like to search for. Do not include designators such as "LLC" or any punctuation in your name search. Capitalization is not important. The search type should default to "begins with." It is ok to leave this option unchanged.

For a more thorough search, enter only the first one or two words of the name you would like to search for. This will help to make sure you get results for any similar names that you need to be aware of. For even more thorough results, consider entering only the first portion of the first word of your intended company name. For example, if your intended name is "Multimedia Solutions LLC," enter "multi" to get results for anything that may be potentially similar to your intended name.

Toggle "Display number of items to view" to show 100 companies per page to make viewing your search results easier. Once you've done this, simply click on the "search corporations" button and you'll be provided with a list of companies that are currently registered in the state with names that are potentially similar to the name you intend to use for your business.

How to Reserve Your LLC Name

If you’ve found a name that’s available but aren’t ready to file your Certificate of Organization, Massachusetts allows you to reserve that name. Filing a Name Reservation Application with the Secretary of the Commonwealth will hold the name for 60 days, giving you time to complete other business formation steps.

Here’s how to reserve a name:

  1. Visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Corporations Division website.
  2. Complete the Application for Reservation of Name form.
  3. Pay the required filing fee (currently $30).
  4. Optionally, you may renew the reservation for an additional 60 days by submitting a renewal before the original reservation expires.

This step is especially useful if you’re still finalizing your operating agreement, gathering members, or securing funding.

What to Do If Your Name Is Taken

If the name you want is unavailable, you still have options:

  • Modify the name: Adding distinctive words or rephrasing your name might make it unique enough to pass the state’s distinguishability standard.
  • Use a DBA (“doing business as”) name: If your preferred name isn’t available as an LLC name, you may still be able to register it as a fictitious business name or trade name for branding purposes.
  • Consult a legal professional: An attorney can help you evaluate alternative names, navigate potential trademark issues, and ensure your new name complies with state and federal laws.

Remember, small changes such as punctuation or abbreviations usually won’t make a name distinguishable, so a significant difference is necessary for approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I check business name availability in Massachusetts?
    You can search the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth’s online database by entity name, individual name, or filing number.
  2. How long does a name reservation last in Massachusetts?
    A name reservation is valid for 60 days and can be renewed once for an additional 60 days.
  3. Can I use a name if it’s trademarked but available in the state database?
    No. Federal trademark law can override state registration. Always check USPTO records before filing.
  4. What happens if my LLC name is rejected?
    You’ll receive a notice from the Secretary of the Commonwealth explaining the conflict. You must choose a new name and resubmit your filing.
  5. Do I need to include “LLC” in my business name?
    Yes. Massachusetts law requires including “LLC” or “L.L.C.” in the official name of your limited liability company.

If you need help with business name availability massachusetts, you can post your legal need 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.