How to Check Business Name Availability: 5 Methods

Why you should check if a business name is available

You can check if a business name is taken by searching your state's Secretary of State database, running a USPTO trademark search, performing a DBA search, or using an online business formation service like LegalZoom. These methods help ensure your business stays compliant with state and federal laws while avoiding trademark infringement.

A name that uses forbidden terms, lacks a business structure designator, or is indistinguishable from competitors may earn you a rejection, no matter how polished your application is.

So, even in the states with fees to perform a business name search, it's well worth the time and money to do a quick check, if only for peace of mind.

How to check business name availability

While there are other things to consider when naming your business, finding out whether a business name is taken can be done in one of five main ways:

1. Perform a simple internet search

A search engine is one of the fastest ways to check whether a business name is available. However, search engine results only go so far, and relying on them entirely during the naming process may open you up to headaches later.

Use search engine results as a jumping-off point for more formal searches or to help you think up a list of unique names. Searching for businesses with the same name also can help you get a feel for competition in your industry.

2. Check with your Secretary of State

Every state has some form of business entity name search, usually on its Secretary of State website. Most states offer free searches, though some charge a small fee per query.

Many state-based searches allow you to filter by business structure, name, or even the identification number you'd find on a company's legal documents. This can help you ensure that your new business' name isn't taken or is too similar to an existing company.

Keep in mind that the process varies by state, so do your homework before following this path.

3. Try a DBA search

Sometimes, businesses advertise under a name different from their registered name—known as a DBA, or "doing business as." Since businesses aren't always required to register their DBA with the state, checking name availability can be trickier.

If you're in one of the states that requires DBA registration, simply use the state office's resources to do a search. If not, it's usually best to opt for a more thorough search through social media, search engines, and even e-commerce websites like Amazon.

4. Run a USPTO trademark search

Even if you find what you need with one of the other three options we've listed here, it may be in your business' best interests to check for registered trademarks with the U.S. Patent and Trade Office (USPTO). Not only can running a trademark search help you avoid potential legal troubles, but it can also give you invaluable insights into your competitors and industry as a whole.

While you're at it, consider trademarking your own business name, logo, or other aspects of your company.

5. Use an online business formation service

LegalZoom offers business formation services to help cover all your bases. We manage every stage of the process, such as running a business entity database search and filing all the appropriate documents with the state, so you can be ready to conduct business as quickly as possible.

Secure your brand presence online

Once you've verified your business name is available through the methods above, there are still a few steps every business owner should take to solidify their claim and begin building an online presence.

Search for domain names

Sometimes your business name is available but the domain isn't, often due to "cybersquatting"—when individuals buy domain names hoping to sell them later. If this happens, you have two options.

• Negotiate a purchase: Cybersquatters typically list asking prices and contact information.
• Pursue legal action: If the domain infringes on an existing trademark, you may have legal recourse.

Check social media handles

Depending on who you ask, social media handles are at least as important as your domain name when starting a business. Check Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and other platforms to see how to reserve the social media handle you want.

By doing so, you can maintain a consistent brand presence and identity as you advertise and gain exposure.

Research other states

Even if you only plan to operate within your business' home state for the time being, it can pay off to research other name availability in other states. Often, a business name that's available in one state won't be in another, so planning ahead can help streamline any expansions you do later on. Remember that all states have a business name checker, so simply repeat the process you did for your original search in the new state.

What to do if your business name is taken

Sometimes, your first choice for a business name may already be taken. This is especially common in competitive industries. When this happens, here are three ways to resolve it.