Nevada LLC Name Reservation: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you intend to form a Nevada LLC, you will need to decide on a business name for your company. If you already have one, it is advisable that you have the name reserved.
According to the Nevada Secretary of State's office, over 60% of LLCs formed in the state utilize the name reservation service. This suggests a strong preference for securing a desired name before filing official formation documents.
As a Mergers and Acquisitions specialist who assisted several entrepreneurs with business formation, I'll walk you through the process of reserving a Nevada LLC name.
Together with our team of business consultants in the state, we'll provide the steps, cost, and processing period of reserving an LLC title in Nevada.
Quick Summary
- To form an LLC in Nevada, you need to select a business name for the company, verify if it is available, and reserve the title with the Secretary of State.
- To ensure that the name is approved and registered, it should conform with all the guidelines, limitations, and restrictions of the state.
- According to the Nevada Secretary of State's office, over 60% of LLCs formed in the state utilize the name reservation service.
- I advise clients to reserve the business name even before they actually intend to start operating. This way, their preferred name would still be available when the LLC is finally launched.
How to Reserve an LLC Name in Nevada?
To reserve an LLC name in Nevada, you'll need to comply with state business naming guidelines and follow the steps below:
Step 1: Come up With a Unique Business Name
LLC names are not allowed to be the same as any other Nevada business entity name or trademark. You need to use a distinguishable name for the state to approve your reservation.
Before choosing a business title, I ensure that my clients follow Nevada naming guidelines and restrictions:
- An LLC business name in Nevada must contain the words "Limited Liability Company" or the abbreviations "LLC" or "L.L.C."
- It can't use restricted words, such as "Corporation," "Corp.," or "Inc."
- The name must not include words that can be associated with government agencies like "Bureau," "Federal," "Agency" or "Treasury".
- Additional paperwork is required for businesses that use "University," "Bank," or "Insurance in its title.
"A well-chosen business name is integral to your company's success. Nevada's reservation system allows entrepreneurs to safeguard their chosen name, reflecting their brand's essence and values."
- Jon Morgan, CEO, Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Venture Smarter
Step 2: Check Name Availability
After choosing your desired LLC name, the next step for starting a limited liability company in Nevada is determining whether similar company names or trademarks are already in use.
The Nevada Secretary of State has a database where you can perform a Nevada business name search to find out if any existing businesses have the same name.
The Nevada Business Entity Search Site allows you to search by name or business entity type.
Step 3: Reserve a Nevada Business Name
Create an account on "SilverFlume" then file a Name Reservation Request Form on the website. Once your Nevada LLC name reservation has been processed, you will receive a confirmation.
The name reservation request form is short and simple, and you can complete it online. It asks for such information as your name, business name (if different than yourself), address, city, state, zip code, and email.
You also have the option to file a name registration document along with a Customer Order Form through regular mail or in person [1]. Since clients of mine want a faster transaction, I advise them to file online.
The reserved name belongs to the owner for the next 90 days, and there is a filing fee of \$25 [2].
For more information, check our guide on the cost to start an LLC in Nevada.
Related Articles:
- Best Registered Agent in Nevada
- How Long Does It Take To Form an LLC in Nevada
- Series LLC in Nevada
- Top LLC Formation Services in Nevada
FAQs
How Do I Change the Name of My LLC in Nevada?
You can change the name of your LLC in Nevada by filing a Name Change form with the Secretary of State. After you change the entity name, you have to file the Amendment to your Articles of Organization and potentially other important documents.
How Much Does It Cost to Trademark a Name in Nevada?
It costs \$100 to trademark a name in Nevada. Other services are available, such as expedited trademark applications for an additional fee, amendments, renewal, and cancellation of the mark.
How to File a Fictitious Business Name in Nevada?
To file a fictitious business name in Nevada, you must submit a Fictitious Firm Name Certificate (FFN) along with a filing fee of \$25 with the county where your LLC is registered.
References:
- https://www.nvsos.gov/sos/businesses/commercial-recordings/forms-fees/customer-order-forms
- https://www.nvsos.gov/sos/businesses/commercial-recordings/forms-fees/name-reservation
