One of the first and most important steps when starting a new business is choosing the right name for your Maryland LLC.
Checking the availability of your LLC name in Maryland is a crucial part of the formation process. This step ensures your business name is unique and doesn’t conflict with existing Maryland businesses. It also helps you avoid violating anyone’s intellectual property rights.
Our Maryland LLC Name Search guide will help you find available business names in Maryland. We’ll also show you how to reserve and register your chosen name easily.
How to Search for a Maryland LLC Name
Here are the four steps you need to follow to conduct an LLC name search in Maryland:
Step 1: Follow the Maryland LLC Naming Guidelines
The first step is to make sure your chosen name follows Maryland’s LLC naming rules. These guidelines are important and must be met before moving forward.
- Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or an abbreviation like “LLC,” “L.C.,” “LC,” or “L.L.C.”
- The name should accurately reflect your business’s purpose. It cannot suggest your LLC is for something different from what is stated in your articles of organization.
- Avoid using names that could be confused with government agencies like the FBI or state departments.
- Don’t use restricted words like “University” or “Bank” unless you have completed the proper paperwork for those types of organizations.
- Make sure your business name is unique and can be easily distinguished from others in your state. We’ll cover how to check this in the next section.
Choosing a name is just one step in forming an LLC. To ensure your LLC formation documents are complete and correct, it’s a good idea to use an LLC formation service. This can help you avoid mistakes and make the process smoother.
Step 2: Check Maryland LLC Name Availability
The next step is to search for available Maryland LLC names. Here are a few ways to perform a business name search in Maryland.
LLC Name Search:
Use the Maryland Taxable Entity Search to check if your chosen business name is available. This search is free. You can also try searching your business or trademark on search engines. This helps you find similar business names. It ensures your trademark is unique, meets state rules, and avoids legal issues.
Domain Name Search:
If your business name is available, the next step is to register a domain name. A matching URL is important. It helps your clients easily find your business online.
To check if your chosen URL is available, use a domain registrar like GoDaddy. This will help you secure a matching domain for your business name.
Note: You can use social media to search for business names. However, the results may not always help you know if your desired name is available or exclusive for use.
Step 3: Reserve Your Maryland LLC Name
To reserve your business name in Maryland, you need to submit a name reservation form to the Maryland Secretary of State. You can do this online or by mail. The fee for reserving a business name is $25. For faster service, you can pay an expedited fee.
Names can be reserved for up to 30 days through the Business Express Portal on the Department of Assessments and Taxes website.
Using a Maryland DBA for Your LLC
In Maryland, a DBA (“doing business as”) lets sole proprietors or general partnerships use a different business name. For LLCs, a DBA allows you to operate under a brand name that doesn’t include “Inc.” or “LLC” at the end. This makes the name simpler for daily use.
In Maryland, a DBA is called a trade name. The fee to register a trade name is $25.
LLC owners often use a DBA to brand their business. Most sole proprietors and partnerships use a DBA to create a brand that isn’t their surname.
Step 4: Register a Maryland LLC Trade or Service Mark
Start by searching the federal trademark database to see if your preferred business name is already marked. If it is, you will need to choose a different name.
If your LLC or business name is not marked or reserved, you can reserve it. After that, you can apply for a trade or service mark for your business.
Registering your trade or service mark with the state helps distinguish your goods and services. It also ensures that no other business can use your marks. Marks can include things like slogans, brand names, and logos.
You must file your registration with the Maryland Secretary of State. To learn more about the requirements, read the Trademarks and Servicemarks booklet.
Remember, registering a trade or service mark is different from filing formation documents. If you want to register a business in Maryland, follow the steps for forming a Maryland LLC.
Maryland Secretary of State Contact Information
Mailing Address:
Maryland Secretary of State
16 Francis St., #1
Annapolis, MD 21401
Hours:
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Certification hours: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Email: dlWebmaster_sos@maryland.gov
Phone: (410) 974-5521
Maryland LLC Name Search FAQ
Why do I need to do a Maryland LLC name search?
When you form a Maryland LLC, you must choose a unique name. This name cannot already be registered with the Maryland Secretary of State. To check for available LLC names, use the Maryland Business Entity Search tool on the Secretary of State’s website. This tool is free to use, so you can search as often as you need.
How do I check if an LLC name is taken in Maryland?
You can check if your business name is available by using the Maryland Business Entity Search tool. If you prefer, you can also contact the Maryland Secretary of State by phone at (410) 974-5521. You can email them at dlWebmaster_sos@maryland.gov for help with your Maryland LLC name search.
Can I renew a Maryland LLC name reservation?
Yes. If you need more time for your LLC name reservation, you can re-reserve the name. To do this, use the Corporate Name Reservation Application for Re-Reservation. This process has another $25 fee.
Is the Maryland Secretary of State LLC name search reservation tool free to use?
Yes. You can search for your preferred LLC business name using Maryland’s Business Entity Search. This search is free and allows you to search by business name or department ID. The Maryland Business Express page has all the information you need to search for and reserve a name. Remember, there is a $25 fee for reserving your business name.
Information on this page comes from many sources and was last updated on September 5, 2024.
Any information on this site is not guaranteed to be correct, accurate, or up to date. StateRequirement and its members are not responsible for any losses, financial or otherwise. StateRequirement is not connected to any state, government, or licensing body. For more details, please contact your state's insurance authority.
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