How to Reserve an Arizona LLC Name? (Business Guide)
One of the initial steps in forming an LLC in Arizona is to reserve the desired business name for the company. Filing an application to reserve ensures that the name is available when you finally decide to launch the business.
As a Mergers and Acquisitions specialist who helped individuals form their businesses across all states, I understand the importance of securing the right name for your LLC.
Together with our team of legal experts, we've compiled a comprehensive guide on how to reserve an LLC name in Arizona.
Quick Summary
- To reserve an Arizona LLC name, choose a business title that follows state naming guidelines, conduct an entity name and trademark search to determine availability, file the application, and pay the corresponding state fee.
- A name reservation in Arizona costs $10 by mail and $45 if you file online. Your preferred company title will not be made available to other business entities for a period of 120 days.
- As of 2023, per SBA, there are 650,151 small businesses, including LLCs, in the state of Arizona.
- According to my business associates, Arizona's real estate market is a profitable venture if you plan to launch an LLC in the state.
Arizona LLC Name Reservation Steps
Securing a distinct and recognizable business name is vital when establishing an Arizona LLC. The steps involved in the process are as follows:
1. Choose a name for your Arizona LLC
The state of Arizona has specific guidelines on how a business entity may choose its name:
- The name must include the words "Limited Liability Company" or the abbreviation "L.L.C." or "LLC.".
- The name must be distinguishable and unlike any other business registered with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) [1].
- The limited liability company's name can't imply that it's organized for some purpose other than what is contained in the articles of organization. In this regard, I advise clients to use their LLC statement of purpose as a guideline when choosing a name.
- Your Arizona business name can't contain words like "Federal", "Treasury", or "Bureau" that may be confused with a government agency.
- It cannot contain certain words, such as Bank, University, Insurance Company, etc. unless you have authorization from a state agency to use them.
"In Arizona, reserving a business name secures it for 120 days. Remember, once this reservation period lapses, renewal by the same individual is not permissible."
-Jon Morgan, Co-Founder & Chief Editor of Venture Smarter
2. Perform business entity search
The next step is to verify whether your desired LLC name is available by conducting a business name search.
It is important to conduct a business name search to ensure your preferred title is unique and distinguishable from other companies registered in the state.
In the vibrant entrepreneurial environment of Arizona, with over 650,151 small businesses, as per SBA 2023 statistics, ensuring your business name's uniqueness is crucial for legal and branding purposes [2].
The ACC provides an online search tool that you can use to check if a business name is available.
The search process is simple:
- Visit the ACC Business Entity Search database.
- Enter the desired company name and click "Name Availability Search [3]."
- If the company is already registered, the Arizona Corporation Commission website will provide information on the company's registered agent and principal address.
When searching the Arizona Corporation Commission's website, remember that it will not provide information on pending LLC applications or reserved names.
Social media platforms and web domain names can also help you determine whether an LLC or another corporation already uses your business name.
See our article on how to look up an LLC.
3. Perform a trademark search
If you want your entity name to be exclusive and protected by federal laws, you may proceed further by conducting a trademark search.
The sectors of Healthcare and Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Administration in Arizona represent a significant portion of the state's employment (35.7%), according to the Ibis World, emphasizing the variety of business opportunities available and the importance of a unique LLC name in such a dynamic environment [4].
You can do this by visiting the USPTO website and following the steps below:
- Visit the Arizona trademark database [5].
- Search for your intended company name.
- The results of the search will show if any registered trademarks are similar to your desired name.
An LLC name is legally protected only in the state where it is registered. Other businesses across the states can use the name unless it is registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
The USPTO will search its records for a similar trade name and notify you of potential conflicts.
Since trademarking is a sensitive legal issue, I encourage clients to hire a lawyer if they are unsure of how to proceed.
4. Reserve LLC name with the state
Finally, if your intended Arizona LLC name is available, you can proceed by filing a name reservation online or by mail with the ACC. The name will not be available for use by other entities for 120 days.
Online applications have immediate approval for a $45 fee ($10 standard cost + $35 expedited service). That's why I prefer to file online, since it's more efficient and convenient.
Mail applications cost $10 and take longer to process. The filings are sent to ACC Corporate Filings Section 1300 W. Washington St. Phoenix, Arizona 85007 [6].
Make sure to include the payment information in your Name Reservation Form.
Related Articles:
- How to Cancel an LLC in Arizona
- Top LLC Formation Services in Arizona
- Premium Registered Agents in Arizona
- Arizona LLC Lookup
FAQs
How Do I Add a DBA to an LLC in Arizona?
You can add a DBA to an LLC in Arizona by filing a Trade Name Registration Application with the Corporation Commission. The application must include the company name, the principal place of business, and a list of all trade names the LLC intends to use.
Can I Reserve My Business Name in Arizona in Person?
You can reserve your business name in Arizona in person through a paper application. Keep in mind that the process might take longer. You’ll download the application from the website or obtain it in person at the Arizona Secretary of State's office.
References:
- https://advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2023-Small-Business-Economic-Profile-AZ.pdf
- http://azcc.gov/corporations/determining-distinguishablity
- https://ecorp.azcc.gov/EntitySearch/Index
- https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/economic-profiles/arizona/
- https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks
- http://azcc.gov/corporations/notices
