How to Register the Name of a Company

Registering the name of your company is one of the first steps in starting your own business. It is very important to register your name so that other businesses will not use the same name and cause confusion with your customers. Registering the name of your company is not difficult and some states even have options for doing it right over the Internet.

Things You'll Need

• City records office
• Internet search
• Application

Instructions

1. Find out what the procedure is for registering a business name in your state. Different states have different procedures. You need to find out what the rules are in your state in order to register your name properly and avoid future problems. You can find out the procedure for your particular state by contacting your local town hall.

2. Search on the Internet. Many states have on-line search-able databases. Check the database to be sure that no one has already registered the name that you have picked. If the name has already been registered you may still be able to use it as long as your business is of a different nature than the one that is already registered. If your state does not have a searchable database you may have to go to your county clerk's office and search a listing of businesses manually.

3. Fill out an application. In most states you will have to fill out an application to register your business name. You will have to state the nature of your business and provide any other information that your state requires. Most applications require a small fee to process them.

4. Receive your confirmation. Once you have received confirmation that your business name has been accepted you may begin doing business under this name. You may need your confirmation letter to conduct certain business such as opening bank accounts or lines of credit under your assumed business name.

Tips & Warnings

• You might want to consider filing a trademark on your business name to prevent others from encroaching on your customers by using a similar name to cause confusion.