The NC LLC name search refers to the process of searching for a proper and unique name for an LLC in North Carolina. During the process of forming an NC LLC, you need to choose a suitable name that is unique from any other business entity's name in the state. Otherwise, the Secretary of State will refuse to process the filing of the LLC.

The first step in forming an LLC in North Carolina is searching for a suitable name. Once you've brainstormed a list of potential names, you should search through the state's online database to compare your names to those of existing organized entities.

Whether you want to check an existing business entity's status or you want to pick a good name for your LLC, searching through the name database of the North Carolina Secretary of State will provide you with the information you require.

You can also take advantage of the business entity search tool in order to perform essential administrative tasks for your limited liability company.

LLC Name Requirements

There are a few requirements that you need to meet when it comes to naming your LLC. For example, the LLC's name should end with one of the following:

  • Limited liability company
  • L.L.C. or LLC
  • Ltd. Liability Co.

The most common abbreviation that entrepreneurs use is "LLC." The LLC name you choose for your LLC cannot falsely indicate that the company is a corporation. Therefore, you cannot use the words "incorporated" or "corporation" in the name of your LLC. You also can't use the abbreviations "inc." or "corp." in the name of your LLC.

The name you select for your LLC needs to be distinguishable. The name must be unique from the names of all existing organized entities in North Carolina.

Keep in mind that you can't just tack on a different designator to create distinguishability. A designator refers to an identifier that is added to the end of a business' name. Also, variables in differences in possessive, singular, or plural forms of a word do not lead to distinguishability. Using conjunctions like "or," "and" and the ampersand symbol also do not lead to distinguishability.

Be certain that the name you select for your NC LLC is entirely unique. When in doubt, you should choose a different name for your LLC. Whether the LLC name you desire matches or is too similar to the name of another business entity, you should rely on your creativity to come up with a unique variation of the original name. That way, the name will be considered distinguishable and unique from that of other businesses. You can turn to the internet for inspiration and advice.

The name of your LLC should be easy to spell. You don't want to make it difficult for your customers to find your business on the Internet or in the phone book.

Ideally, you should keep the name of your LLC short and sweet. People will find it easier to remember short names.

The name of your LLC should possess a positive connotation. You want people to feel good rather than angry or sad after hearing the name of your business.

Once you've selected the perfect name for your LLC, you can file an Application to Reserve a Business Entity Name with the Secretary of State of North Carolina. Keep in mind that you must file this application by mail. The filing fee for name reservation is $30.

You should also register the name of your LLC as a state or federal trademark for additional protection.

Do a name search: Use the name availability tool to see if your desired business name is available for use in North Carolina.

Follow the guidelines discussed above to choose an appropriate name. If you don't follow these guidelines, your application will be denied until you choose an appropriate name.

Not only should you look through the North Carolina name database, but you should also search online to check whether your LLC's name is available as a URL. If the name is available as a URL, you should buy the domain name immediately even if you do not plan on making a website just yet in order to prevent others from acquiring it.

If you need help with NC LLC name search, 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.