How to Look Up an LLC in New Hampshire (2026)
To look up an LLC in New Hampshire, search NH QuickStart, the Secretary of State's Business Record Search. Look up an entity by its name, its Business ID, a filing number or the agent it lists.
The tool covers every corporation, LLC and other entity on file with the state. It's free to search and doesn't require an account, though ordering a certified copy does cost a fee.
This guide walks through every way to search NH QuickStart. Two more sections cover the trademark checks worth running and other ways to reach the Corporation Division.
Quick Summary
- NH QuickStart is the state's Business Record Search. Search it by name, ID, filing number or agent.
- A New Hampshire name reservation lasts 120 days and costs $15 [1]. It's renewable.
- Reach the Corporation Division at (603) 271-3246 for anything the online tool can't tell you.
| Search Method | What to Enter | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Business Name | The company name, with a match type (Starts With, Exact Match, Contains, or All Words) | General lookups when you only know the name |
| Business ID or Filing Number | The Business ID (Charter Number) or Filing Number, once you have either one | Confirming a specific, already-known record |
| Registered Agent Name | The agent's first and last name, or an organization name | Finding every entity tied to a known agent |
How to Search for an LLC in New Hampshire
The New Hampshire Department of State's Corporation Division runs NH QuickStart. The first three methods below start on the Business Record Search page. The rest are ways to reach the Division directly or check outside sources.
1. Search by Business Name
Type the name into the Business Name field. Then pick a match type: Starts With, Exact Match, Contains or All Words. Check "Show me similar sounding business names" to widen a narrow search.
To run the search, do the following:
- Go to the NH QuickStart Business Record Search page.
- Enter the name and choose a match type.
- Click Search, then open a result.
- Open a result to see the entity's filing record on file with the state.
A clear search result is a good sign, though the Corporation Division still confirms final name availability by hand once you submit a registration. The online tool only shows names already on file.
2. Search by Business ID or Filing Number
A Business ID, also called a Charter Number, identifies one entity's full record. Enter it directly, or search by Filing Number instead if you have one on hand.
3. Search by Registered Agent Name
Enter a registered agent's name, first and last or organization name, to see each entity that lists them. This confirms which entities an agent currently represents before you rely on that information elsewhere.
4. Call or Email the Corporation Division
Direct contact clears up questions the search tool can't answer, especially when a result looks incomplete. Call (603) 271-3246 for a quick question, or email corporate@sos.nh.gov when the question is detailed or needs an attached document.
5. Other Ways to Check on a Business
A few outside sources add context beyond the official search:
- Social media: Platforms like LinkedIn show a company's activity and the people who run it.
- Search engines: A general web search turns up news coverage and the company's own site.
- Industry directories: Sector-specific databases add detail the state record won't have.
- The NH Business Gateway is another option. It links to more than 100 business tools from state agencies and partners.
How to Check If a Business Name Is Trademarked in New Hampshire
A clear New Hampshire business-name search is not the same as a trademark check, and skipping one leaves a real gap. Run both before you file a name you plan to build a brand around.
Federal Trademark Check (USPTO)
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office runs the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS), and it covers every registered and pending mark nationwide. A New Hampshire-only search would miss a conflict registered in another state.
State-Level Check
New Hampshire also runs its own trademark and servicemark registration under RSA 350-A, separate from an LLC's business registration [2]. Filing uses Form TM-1 through the Corporation Division, either on paper or through the same QuickStart login used for business filings, and costs $50.
The Corporation Division doesn't publish a dedicated public search tool for these state marks. Call or email the office to ask about an existing registration before you file your own. Consider a trademark attorney too if the name carries real commercial weight.
Reasons to Perform a Search
Performing an LLC lookup in New Hampshire is useful for more than just naming a new business:
- Confirm a name is free before you start an LLC in New Hampshire, since a rejected filing costs you time.
- Look up a registered agent's name to see which entities they represent. That's a quick cross-check when you're comparing the best registered agent services in New Hampshire.
- Confirm a business is active and in good standing before you sign a contract or agree to a partnership.
- Check a filing history before you rely on it in an application or a loan package.
Verify or Order a Copy of a New Hampshire Business Record
Most charter documents can be searched, viewed and downloaded at no charge through NH QuickStart. That includes a business's most recent annual report. A "File Not Found" message means the document hasn't been scanned yet. Request it by emailing the Corporation Division.
The QuickStart portal also runs a certificate verification tool that confirms whether a certificate the state issued is genuine. Certified copies cost $5 for the certification plus $1 per page, and expedited service adds $25.
Your search might turn up an LLC you're closing instead of forming. See how to dissolve an LLC in New Hampshire. If you're comparing formation help instead, see the best LLC services in New Hampshire. Running the right search up front saves a rejected filing and a wasted fee later.
FAQs
Does the New Hampshire Business Search Confirm a Name Is Available?
No. A clear search result means no identical name is already on file, but that's not the same as confirmed availability. Treat the search as a first screen. The Corporation Division makes the official call once you submit your registration.
Can I Reserve a Name for My New Hampshire LLC Before It Is Formed?
Yes. Reserve a name with the Corporation Division before you form the LLC, whenever you're not ready to file your Certificate of Formation. It locks in the name at a $15 fee, and you can extend the reservation again later if your paperwork takes longer than expected.
How Long Does New Hampshire Take to Process a Business Filing?
New Hampshire doesn't publish one fixed number of days to process a business filing. The state posts its current timeline on the QuickStart login page and updates it regularly. Recent postings have run up to five business days, with an in-person expedite option in Concord.
How Much Does a Certified Copy of a New Hampshire Business Record Cost?
A certified copy costs $5 to certify, plus $1 for every page copied. Add $25 for expedited processing if you need it sooner.
References:
- https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XXVIII/304-C/304-C-mrg.htm
- http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/NHTOC/NHTOC-XXXI-350-A.htm
