Idaho LLC Name Search

You can verify name availability for your new Idaho LLC by completing an Idaho LLC name search.

We’ll help you establish your new business with a distinctive and legally compliant name.

Recommended: Claim your domain name before it's gone. Verify its availability with GoDaddy.

Check LLC Name Availability in Idaho

1. Do an Idaho Business Name Search

You can use Idaho’s Business Entity Search to check the availability of your business name.

To perform the most effective search, type in the name you would like to use, excluding identifiers like “LLC.” This will return all entities using the same or similar names.

If your business name is several words, you can even search just the first two words to ensure you pull up all possible similar names.

2. Search Available Domain Names

Another important consideration to make when selecting a business name is whether or not your desired web domain name is available.

Having a URL that clearly matches your business name is important. This seemingly small step can make a big difference in how prospective customers find your business.

The best way to determine if your desired URL is available is to search for it online using your preferred domain registry, such as GoDaddy.

3. Follow Idaho Naming Guidelines

Creating your LLC in Idaho requires a thoughtful process, and one key step is choosing the right name. Here are Idaho's specific requirements for naming your LLC:

LLC Indicators

Your LLC name must contain either the phrase "Limited Liability Company" or "Limited Company" or the abbreviation "L.L.C.," "LLC," "L.C." or "LC." Words like "Limited" and "Company" may also be abbreviated as "Ltd." and "Co." respectively.

Unique and Distinctive Names

Your chosen name must be unique and not closely resemble any other existing business registered in Idaho. To be sure, you can check this by doing a business name search in Idaho's Secretary of State website.

Trademark Infringement

The proposed LLC name must not infringe on any trademarks. This can be confirmed by doing a quick search on the United States Patent and Trademark Office's website.

PLLCs

If your LLC offers professional services, your name may include the word "Professional" before the word "Limited" or the letter "P" at the beginning of any of the permitted abbreviations.

Restricted Words

Ensure that your LLC name doesn't include any restricted or prohibited words that could confuse your LLC with a government agency or could otherwise mislead the public.

It's essential to get the name right as it affects your branding and public image. Take the time to think of a name that's unique, memorable, and complies with Idaho's naming requirements. Once you've decided on a name, you can move forward with registering your LLC in Idaho.

Not sure what to name your business? Check out our LLC Name Generator.

Registering Your Idaho Business Name

As you prepare to launch your LLC in Idaho, remember that the state does not require you to reserve a business name before filing your Certificate of Organization. 

This efficient process allows you to register your business name and initiate your LLC simultaneously. 

We're here to guide you, whether you're ready to launch or are still in the early planning stages.

Register Your Idaho LLC Name

Registering your LLC name in Idaho is a straightforward process. You'll officially register your business name when you file the Idaho Certificate of Organization. This vital document signifies the formal establishment of your business in the state.

The Idaho Secretary of State's website provides a thorough guide on how to complete the form and pay the necessary state filing fee.

Keep in mind: If you choose a professional LLC formation service, they can manage the registration of your LLC name and the setting up of your LLC. To learn more, see our Best LLC Services review.

Reserve Your Idaho Business Entity Name

Idaho’s Secretary of State handles all LLC naming questions and requests. Business names can be reserved for 4 months.

To reserve a business name, you must file an application online or by mail. If you file online, you'll need to create an account on the Secretary of State website. Be sure to conduct a thorough search before completing your application to avoid rejection.

When reserving your name, you will have to pay a filing fee. Checks must be made out to the “Secretary of State.” If you file by mail, you will have to pay an additional processing fee.

After choosing a name for your LLC, take the next step and create a unique logo with our Free Logo Generator.

Idaho Reservation of Legal Entity Name

File Online with the State of Idaho

- OR -

File by Mail

Fee: $20, plus an additional $20 processing fee if filing by mail.

Mail to:
Office of the Secretary of State
450 N 4th Street
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0080

Considering Using an LLC Formation Service?

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Find out which is best for you.

Other Considerations

While reserving the name for your LLC is straightforward, there are some other things you should think about when choosing the best name for your business. You may want to do a Trademark and Social Media search for your name to see if it's available for use across the internet. This will help ensure you have full, unrestricted use of your business name.

Trademark Search

Conducting a trademark search of your business name and associated slogans or logos before registering can help prevent costly litigation in the future. Discovering that another entity has trademarked your business name does not automatically disqualify you from using it.

However, it is important to know who is using the name, what industry they operate in, and where they are located to be sure you do not inadvertently infringe upon anyone’s intellectual property rights.

To complete this step:

• Search Idaho’s trademark records to see if your business name or associated slogans, logos, or others are in use by another business in your state.
• Search the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s electronic records to find any federally registered trademarks associated with your business name.

Social Media Search

Just as important, or more so, than finding a domain name that fits your business is ensuring that your business name is available for use across social media platforms. You can do this by simply searching your business name on each major site, or use a tool such as Namecheckr to search across all platforms at once.

Bottom Line

Having a name for your business is an important first step for creating a successful LLC, and one that is incredibly easy to do. Once you have found your preferred name using Idaho's Business Entity Search, you'll want to secure your domain name so that your customers will be able to find your business online. Reserving your name with an Application for Reservation of Entity Name will help you stand out from the competition. With your name secured, you will be ready to take the next steps to formalize your LLC.

What's Next?

Now that you have your name, it's time to take the next steps to establish your LLC. Check out our full guide on how to form an LLC in Idaho, where we can guide you every step of the way.

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