Nevada LLC Name Reservation: A Step-by-Step Guide
You can reserve an available business name before forming a Nevada LLC, but the reservation is optional. Nevada holds a reserved name for 90 days and charges $25; the reservation does not create the company [1].
Reserve a name when you need time before filing. If you are ready to form the LLC, file its Articles of Organization instead.
Quick Summary
- A Nevada LLC name reservation is optional, costs $25, and lasts 90 days.
- The state checks whether the name is distinguishable from names on file or reserved.
- A name reservation does not form an LLC or provide trademark protection.
- An existing LLC changes its name by amending its Articles of Organization.
How to Reserve an LLC Name in Nevada?
If you are not ready to file the Articles of Organization, use these steps to check and reserve a Nevada LLC name. A reservation is a temporary hold, not LLC formation.
Step 1: Come up With a Unique Business Name
Nevada LLC names must end with “Limited-Liability Company,” “Limited Liability Company,” “Limited Company,” or “Limited,” or an allowed abbreviation such as “LLC.” The Secretary of State checks whether the proposed name is distinguishable from names already on file or reserved, and certain regulated terms can require added approval. Changing only punctuation, capitalization, or decorative lettering does not make a conflicting LLC name distinguishable under the state’s rules [2].
Step 2: Check Name Availability
Search the Nevada Secretary of State’s business records for the proposed name and close variations. A search is a useful first check, but the Secretary of State applies the legal distinguishability rules when it reviews the filing.
If the proposed name conflicts with a name on file or reserved, Nevada law allows the filing only with the holder’s written, acknowledged consent. Without that consent, choose another name.
A state business-name search does not clear trademark rights. Business-name registration and trademark protection serve different purposes, so search federal trademark records before investing in a brand [3].
For help forming the company, see our guide to starting a limited liability company in Nevada. Use our Nevada business name search guide to search state records.
Step 3: Reserve a Nevada Business Name
A reservation is useful when you need more time before forming the LLC. If you are ready to form it, file Articles of Organization; the $25 reservation fee is separate from the $75 formation filing fee.
Use the Nevada Secretary of State’s current instructions to confirm the reservation route, required information, and payment options. If submitting online, start from the state’s ORION portal; save the receipt and note the expiration date [4]. For the separate cost of forming an LLC, see our guide to the cost to start an LLC in Nevada.
Related Articles:
Can I Renew a Nevada LLC Name Reservation?
Nevada reserves an available LLC name for 90 days. The reservation does not continue automatically after that period.
If you need more time, check the name’s availability and the Secretary of State’s current instructions before submitting another request. Do not assume the first reservation still protects the name after it expires.
FAQs
How Long Does a Nevada LLC Name Reservation Last?
Nevada holds an available LLC name for 90 days after a reservation is made. The $25 reservation does not extend automatically beyond that period.
Does Reserving a Name Create a Nevada LLC?
No. A reservation temporarily holds an available name; the LLC is formed only after the Articles of Organization are filed and the required fee is paid.
How Do I Change the Name of an Existing Nevada LLC?
Get approval from all members unless the LLC’s articles or operating agreement allow another process, then file a certificate of amendment to its Articles of Organization. Nevada’s statutory amendment fee is $175.
References:
- https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-086.html
- https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NAC/NAC-086.html
- https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/basics/trademark-process
- https://orion.nv.gov/portal/public/
