NC LLC Lookup – North Carolina LLC Preliminary Name Search
Starting an LLC in North Carolina begins with a NC LLC lookup; we will perform a preliminary North Carolina LLC name search during the initial steps of LLC formation and ensure that your desired business name is available to you. Avoid choosing the wrong company name, and instead, learn how to create an advantageous one with the tips below.
Steps to create a name to use in your NC LLC Lookup
Before searching for the availability of a business name in the NC LLC lookup database, let’s go over how to craft great names for your North Carolina LLC. We know how hard it can be to create an available limited liability company name that follows legal requirements, gives your business a competitive advantage, and represents your business values. Here are some steps to keep in mind:
Step 1: Make your LLC name memorable, catchy, and easy to pronounce
- Consider a business name that insinuates what you’re offering, what you do, or what sets you apart.
- You may use acronyms such as CVS or BMW, which help to shorten long names and make them catchy, memorable, and easier to pronounce.
- Use word mash-ups for your NC LLC, such as Nabisco (former name of Nabisco Biscuit Company), Garmin (based on founders Gary Burrell and Dr. Min Kao).
- Gain inspiration from mythology or classic literature to create a name, such as Nike (goddess of victory in ancient Greek religion).
- Use foreign words or even your name, alias, or nickname.
- Use map locations to identify potential LLC name variations based on your target market.
Step 2: Ensure it’s brandable
Brandable LLC names are typically undescriptive, such as Google or Amazon. Company names like these owe their branding potential to uniqueness and memorability. One of the main downsides to words like these is their non-descriptive nature, requiring additional investment in creating brand awareness.
Step 3: Confirm website domain name and social media availability
Apart from confirming your North Carolina LLC name is legally attainable with the state in the NC LLC lookup database, some may also suggest verifying social media and website domain name availability, ensuring uniformity across all platforms.
Step 4: Make it timeless
An evergreen name that will always be relevant and stand the test of time.
Step 5: Consider the future
You want a name that won’t limit your growth, expansion, mergers, locations, and changes to your product line or services in the future.
North Carolina LLC Search for a Name
In performing a North Carolina LLC search in the NC LLC lookup database, you will find out whether or not your name is legally available. Below we will outline standards, restrictions, and suggestions based on North Carolina state business name guidelines.
- The name of your North Carolina limited liability company must be distinguishable from all others; none may be the same or deceptively similar.
- Company names that use words that describe or convey the impression that the business is engaged in practices that it isn’t, such as using ‘insurance’ in the name while it isn’t an insurance company—unless the name makes it clear that it isn’t.
- Avoid unimportant words (the, and, of), including numbers and letters (unless using acronyms). Also, discard generic verbiage (corporation, incorporated, company, etc.) or their abbreviations.
Legal considerations when naming your North Carolina LLC
Using a name that is too similar to the one used by your competitors, that company may accuse you of a trademark violation; you might get forced to adopt a different name and may even have to pay monetary damages. Part of our complete company formation package includes, at no additional cost, our attorneys helping you find and choose a name that avoids any potential legal penalties. Unlike many North Carolina LLC formation services, we provide you with legal counsel and advice from our in-house business attorneys.
North Carolina Fictitious Name Registration – DBA in North Carolina
A North Carolina fictitious name registration or DBA in North Carolina (doing business as) may highlight the services or products you offer and include the locations you service. Registering a fictitious name in North Carolina is valuable for companies. The company may permanently use its name. However, if it wishes to use any other, it must file a North Carolina fictitious name registration. Once you have your North Carolina fictitious name registered, you can use your localized DBA in North Carolina name in your advertising copy.
What you need to know about a North Carolina Fictitious Name Registration
You can use your localized North Carolina DBA on print and online ads, billboards, bus stops, etc. If a business does not comply with the North Carolina laws on fictitious or DBA name registrations, the results may be unfavorable in a court of law.
Expiration of a North Carolina Fictitious Name Registration
If you have a North Carolina fictitious name registration now, consider that it will be effective for a lifespan of five years—expiring on December 31st of the fifth year.
Call (800) 603-3900 to register your fictitious name over the phone or online at: AmeriLawyer.com
Form your LLC and get FREE Legal Advice with your North Carolina LLC Lookup Preliminary Name Search
When you form an LLC with Spiegel & Utrera, P.A., you get so much more for your money and time:
- A completed corporate kit that includes all legally required documents, seal, and book
- Free Legal and business counsel from experienced in-house attorneys
- NC LLC Lookup Preliminary Name Search
- 110% lowest price guarantee