How the name checker works

The state register

Colorado, Connecticut, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Texas publish their business registers as open data. When you check a name in one of those states, we search that data directly and show the closest names on file with their status. For every other state, we link to the state's own search and copy your name so you can paste it.

How names are compared

Most states ignore entity endings (LLC, Inc., Corp.), the word “the”, “and” versus “&”, punctuation and spacing when they decide whether two names are the same. We compare names the same way, then list names that start the same way as yours, because a state can also refuse a name that's too close to an existing one.

The .com

We ask Verisign, the registry that runs .com, whether the domain is registered. We don't sell domains.

Words that need approval

We flag words such as bank, insurance, trust and university that often need a regulator's approval. The exact list differs by state, so confirm with the state if a word is flagged.

What a result can't tell you

• The data can be days or weeks old; each result shows the date the state last refreshed it.
• New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Texas publish active businesses only.
• Only the state decides whether a name is accepted, when you file.
• Checking a name doesn't reserve it.

How the site is paid for

When a name looks free, we may show a button to start your LLC with a filing service, marked as sponsored. We may earn a commission if you use it. Read the affiliate disclosure.

Spotted a problem?

Tell us, with the name, the state and what you expected. Email: hello@businessnamedesk.com.