If you plan to set up a Nevada LLC, one of the first things you will need to do is reserve your company name. Nevada doesn't allow two companies with the same name in its state.
What does this mean for you? If someone else already has your desired LLC name reserved, then you'll have to find another one. This can be time-consuming and frustrating.
Nevada does offer some resources that make it easier than ever before, though. This LLC name reservation guide will walk you through the process of reserving your Nevada LLC name.
You'll learn what steps to take before submitting an application, how much it costs, and how long the process takes.
How to Reserve an LLC Name in Nevada?
A limited liability company is not under the obligation to reserve a name. However, this practice is recommended. The name will be on all formation documents, which is why it's essential to do this step right.
Step1: 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. If an identical name has already been taken, you will need to reserve it before filing your articles of organization with the Secretary of State's office in Nevada.
An LLC business name in Nevada must contain the words "Limited Liability Company" or the abbreviations "LLC" or "LLC." It can't use restricted words, such as "Corporation," "Corp.," or "Inc."
Additionally, the name must not include words that are misleading to the public.
This means it can't contain terms like Bank, Insurance, Corporation (or Inc.), Securities, Loan Company, or any other business type restricted by state statute.
It's important to come up with the desired name that fits all these criteria. Otherwise, name reservations could get rejected.
Step 2: Check Name Availability
The first 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
The Nevada Secretary of State requires that you reserve a name before registering an LLC. You can do this by filing a Name Reservation Request Form which is available on the Nevada Secretary of State's website.
Once your Nevada LLC name reservation has been processed, you will receive confirmation in the mail with instructions for completing your Nevada LLC application packet.
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.
The Nevada Secretary of State will approve or deny a request to reserve an LLC name within two business days after the filing date plus three additional calendar days due to mail delays.
Once you navigate to the SOS web page, you will be asked to create a SilverFlume account.
The reserved name belongs to the owner for the next 90 days, and there is a filing fee of $25.
For more information, check our guide on the cost to start an LLC in Nevada.
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FAQs
How Do I Protect My Business Name in Nevada?
The state of Nevada has a database of all business names that are legally registered to conduct business in the state.
There is no need to protect your business name once you successfully register your LLC because other businesses can't file for the same name.
How Do I Change the Name of My LLC in Nevada?
You can change a business name or any other information about your Nevada LLC by filing a Name Change form with the Secretary of State.
The company name change process is the same as changing the business structure from an LLC to another legal entity type, such as an S-Corp or C-Corp.
After you change the entity name, you will 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?
The trademark registration fee is $100 per class of goods and services. Other services are available, such as expedited trademark applications for an additional fee, amendments to mark, renewal of mark, cancellation of the mark, etc.
Can an LLC have a DBA in Nevada?
A fictitious firm name is the best option for a business owner interested in forming sole proprietorships.
On the other hand, LLCs are more commonly formed under an existing business entity. A fictitious name won't shield owners against personal liability, which is why it's important to have an LLC name reservation.
So, even though you are allowed to have a DBA on your LLC, it is not always the best practice unless privacy is your primary concern.
How do I add a DBA to my LLC in Nevada?
The county or counties where your LLC is registered handles fictitious names of applicants. Some Nevada counties allow to register DBA online, but the majority will require mail registration or even in-person registration. The filing fee will vary from county to county.
Conclusion
Your LLC name is a crucial and permanent part of your company. When you choose the perfect name for your business, make sure to reserve it as soon as possible.
If you're still not sure where to find an expert who can help with this process, seek help from LegalZoom and they will help you reserve your LLC business name.
They will walk you through every step of the way and know the best way to protect your interests when setting up a new business entity in the state.
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