How to Register a Trade Name With The Secretary of State of New Hampshire

A new business generally needs to register an official business name. Many businesses also choose to register a separate trade name for advertising and other business activities. The New Hampshire Secretary of State processes registrations for New Hampshire trade names. The secretary of state provides its own registration form. New Hampshire businesses should use the TN-1 form to apply for and obtain approval for a trade name before using it in commercial activities.

Instructions

1. Make a list of trade names you would like to use and run a search for trade-name availability before proceeding with registration. New Hampshire trade names may not include "Inc," "LLC," or similar designations that usually go at the end of corporate names or other business entities.

2. Access the New Hampshire search tool for business names. Enter your trade names one at a time. Use the "Exact Match" option to see if your trade name is still available. Use the other options to find similar names. The secretary of state will not approve a trade name if it is too similar to an existing name. You may also request a search by calling the Secretary of State Information Line at 603-271-3246.

3. Access the "Application for Registration of Trade Name" form. You only need this one trade-name registration form to apply for a New Hampshire trade name.

4. Enter the trade name you want to register as the "Business Name." Fill in the other details for your business, including a brief description of the busines, the date the business was organized and the type of applicant of the business.

5. Sign and date the form and include your address. Enter the exact registered business name and the name and title of the person signing if the application is for a registered business. Corporations must have an authorized officer sign the form. Have a manager sign if a manager-managed limited liability company (LLC) is registering. You must have a member sign if the LLC has no manager. One or more authorized partners must sign if the registration is for a limited liability partnership.

6. Send the completed form to the secretary of state. As of March 2010, the fee is $50. You may pay by check or money order. Make checks payable to "State of New Hampshire." Use the following address:

   Corporate Division
   Department of State
   107 N Main Street
   Concord, NH 03301-4989
   603-271-3246
   sos.nh.gov

   You will receive a trade-name certificate in the mail after processing of your application.

Tips & Warnings

• Wait until you receive the trade-name certificate to make business cards or other materials containing your trade name. You will waste the cost of such materials if your proposed name is rejected.

• The secretary of state does a final trade-name search after receiving your application. You must wait until this search is completed to get final approval for your name. You will have to submit another trade name if your chosen name is rejected.

References

• New Hampshire Secretary of State: Business-Name Search Tool
• New Hampshire Secretary of State: Application for Registration of Trade Name