Key Takeaways

  • A MA corporation search is essential before registering a business to ensure name availability and check details about existing entities.
  • Massachusetts requires LLC names to include “LLC” or “L.L.C.” and be distinguishable from existing names.
  • You can search by entity name, individual name, identification number, or filing number through the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s online database.
  • Results provide key details such as status, registered agent, date of formation, filing history, and certificate options.
  • Advanced searches and additional tools—like trademark checks, business certificate verification, and historical filing records—can offer deeper insights before incorporation.

State of Massachusetts corporation search is an essential step to ensure that your desired business name is available for registration.

Massachusetts LLC Name Requirements

  • The name of your Massachusetts LLC must end with “LLC” or “L.L.C.,” which are common abbreviations for “Limited Liability Company.”
  • Since an LLC is not a corporation, you cannot use words like “corporation,” “corp.,” “incorporated,” or “Inc.” as part of your LLC's name.
  • The name you choose for your LLC must be unique; it must be different from the names of existing businesses in Massachusetts.

Criteria for LLC Name Distinguishability

Identifiers like "LLC," "Corporation," and "Inc." used at the end of the name are not taken into account for determining distinguishability. Neither can you claim distinguishability on the basis of grammar alone (e.g., singular, plural, hyphen, periods, possessive, spelled out numbers, etc.)

For example, the following names are not distinguishable:

  • Smith Enterprises, LLC vs. Smith Enterprises, Inc.
  • Orange Farm, LLC vs. Orange Farms, LLC
  • 3 Day Tour, LLC vs. Three Day Tour, LLC
  • Bulls & Bears, LLC vs. Bulls and Bears, LLC
  • Red Rose Studios, LLC vs. Red-Rose Studios, Inc.

Name Reservation

If you wish to reserve a business name before incorporating your business, you can file a name reservation request. An application for name reservation must be filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth along with a filing fee of $30.

If the secretary is satisfied that the requested name is available, he will reserve the name exclusively for you for a period of 60 days. Any time during these 60 days, you may apply for an extension of the reservation period by another 60 days by paying an additional fee of $30.

Name Search

In order to check the name availability, you may conduct a preliminary search of corporate and name reservation databases as well as the trademark database.

What Information a MA Corporation Search Reveals

When you conduct a MA corporation search, the results go beyond confirming name availability. The Secretary of the Commonwealth’s online business database provides valuable information to help you make informed decisions before forming or interacting with a business. A typical search result may include:

  • Legal name and entity type: LLC, corporation, partnership, etc.
  • Business identification number: A unique number assigned by the state.
  • Status of the entity: Active, dissolved, merged, inactive, or withdrawn.
  • Date of formation and filing history: Original registration date and amendments.
  • Registered agent and address: The individual or company authorized to receive legal documents.
  • Principal office address: The main place of business.
  • Certificate request options: Ability to order a Certificate of Good Standing or certified copies of filings.

This information helps entrepreneurs verify the legitimacy of a company, investors conduct due diligence, and competitors analyze the local market.

Search by Individual Name

You can perform a search by the name of a business or even by the name of a person, like an officer or director of the company. The search process is similar in both the cases and consists of the following steps:

  1. Open the search page and tick the checkbox corresponding to the individual name search.
  2. Enter the person's name in the provided space.
  3. Choose the search type you wish to perform.
  4. Click on “search corporations.” Just like in case of search by business name, you will get a list of businesses matching your query.
  5. Select the business entity you'd like to have more information about. This will take you to the information page that will display almost everything you may be interested to know about the selected business entity. The page will also have a list of links to request a certificate, view the list of filings, and begin a new entity search.

Search by Identification Number or Filing Number

The search page also allows you to perform a search by identification and filing numbers of a business entity.

  1. Tick the checkbox corresponding to the identification number search or filing number search.
  2. Enter the number.
  3. Click on “search corporations.”

In either case, since the number you entered would pertain to a specific business entity, the search results page will not display a list of business entities. Instead, it will take you directly to the searched entity's page. On this page, you'll be able to view complete information about the entity. It will also have links to allow you to see the itemized list of filings, request a certificate, and start a new search.

Searching the Massachusetts Name Database

  • Visit the search page on Massachusetts' state government website.
  • Tick the radio button corresponding to the section, “search by entity name.”
  • Enter the LLC name you'd like to search for. Leave out the “LLC” and punctuations, if any, at the end of the name. Don't worry about capitalization either.
  • Let the “Search type” option be at its default value, “Begins with.”
  • In order to broaden your search, enter only the first one or two words of your LLC name.
  • Click on “Search Corporations.”
  • This will throw up a number of entities matching your query.
  • Click on a specific entity name to reach the detailed information page, where you will be able to view the list of filings, request a certificate, or carry out a new search by clicking on the given links.

Tips for a More Effective MA Corporation Search

A successful MA corporation search often requires more than entering a name. Use these strategies to refine your search and uncover comprehensive results:

  • Use partial names: If you’re unsure of the full name, enter only the first one or two words.
  • Exclude business designators: Skip terms like “LLC,” “Inc.,” or “Corp.” to broaden results.
  • Check spelling variations: Try singular/plural forms and common abbreviations.
  • Search individual names: If you know a company officer or director, searching their name can reveal associated entities.
  • Use filing or identification numbers: These provide the most direct route to the exact entity.

Additionally, consider checking the trademark database and federal EIN records for similar names or potential conflicts before finalizing your business name.

Verifying Business Registration and Good Standing

Once you identify the company, you should also confirm its registration status and good standing with the Commonwealth. A company in good standing has filed all required reports, paid state fees, and complied with ongoing legal obligations.

To verify:

  1. Access the entity’s detailed record through the MA corporation search results.
  2. Review its status (e.g., “Active,” “Dissolved,” “Involuntary Revocation”).
  3. Check the annual report filings and ensure they are up to date.
  4. Use the portal to order a Certificate of Good Standing, which is often required for business loans, licensing, or contracts.

This extra verification step ensures that you are dealing with a compliant and legally recognized business.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Why is performing a MA corporation search important?
    It ensures your chosen business name is unique and helps verify details about existing companies, including their status, registration date, and legal standing.
  2. Can I search for a business using a person’s name?
    Yes. Massachusetts allows searches by officer, director, or manager names, which can reveal associated business entities.
  3. What if the name I want is already taken?
    You’ll need to choose a distinguishable name. Consider variations or check if the existing entity is inactive or dissolved before proceeding.
  4. How can I verify if a company is in good standing?
    Check the entity’s status and filing history in the search results and request a Certificate of Good Standing through the state’s online portal.
  5. Is a corporation search the same as a trademark search?
    No. A corporation search checks name availability and entity details with the state, while a trademark search ensures your name isn’t protected under federal or state trademark law. Both are recommended before forming a business.

If you need help with ma corporation 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.