How to Search LLC Availability
LLC is an acronym for Limited Liability Company. Owners of a business that don't want to leave their personal assets liable for the actions or debts of their company often file for an LLC. It doesn't matter whether the business is a corporation, partnership or sole proprietorship. The LLC type of business structure is governed by state statutes, and as such, each state has its own department in charge of handling the filing of LLCs.
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Instructions
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Choose the state in which the LLC will be based and visit that state's Secretary of the State website.
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Look for a sidebar or page labeled "Business Entities" or "Business Records".
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Scan that department until finding a "Business Records Search" or "Business Entity Search" or "Business Name Search." Each state labels their search differently but these three are the most often used.
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Enter the prospective name of the LLC into the Business Records Search. The results will indicate if there is a business that has already assumed the name. Be aware that, by trademark law, a business cannot use trademarked brand names or company names as LLC names in any state.
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References
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