Arizona Business Name Search (Step-by-Step Guide)
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Even with the help of business services through the Secretary of State, registering a business has financial consequences. Always discuss business setup with a business attorney.
How to search for Arizona business names
Arizona has two separate places to search for business entity names for corporations, partnerships, and trade names. To locate partnerships, search the Arizona Secretary of State (SoS). Corporations are handled by the Arizona Corporation Commission.
Search partnerships
- Step 1: Navigate to the Arizona Secretary of State’s search tool for trademarks, trade names and partnerships.
- Step 2: Enter the business name in the box labeled ‘Name.’
- Step 3: Leave the boxes for the file number and owner or agent search criteria blank.
- Step 4: Click the ‘Search’ button.
The system will display any registered partnership, trade names and trademarks with an exact match and similar names for the business name you entered. If the system does not display results, the name is most likely available.
If the system shows similar names, a business owner might be able to use the chosen name, as long as the name that is in use is not too similar.
Search corporations and limited liability companies
- Step 1: Navigate to the Arizona Corporation Commission’s home page. The search tool is at the top right and is labeled ‘Search for an Entity Name.’ It does not give a choice to enter any other search types.
- Step 2: Enter the entity name in the box.
- Step 3: Click the magnifying glass to search.
The system will display any corporations or limited liability companies with an exact match and similar names for the business name you entered. If the system does not display results, the name is most likely available.
If the system shows similar names, a business owner might be able to use the chosen name, as long as the name that is in use is not too familiar.
How to register a business name in Arizona
A business owner may register a trade name, trademark, or partnership through her account at the Arizona Secretary of State’s office. The business owner must log in to create an account. The business owner may also file by completing paper forms and mailing them in.
A business owner may register a corporation or limited liability company through his account at the Arizona Corporation Commission. The business owner must log in to create an account.
Arizona trademark/DBA name search
To search business filings for trade names and trademarks:
- Step 1: Navigate to the Arizona Secretary of State’s search tool for trademarks, trade names and partnerships.
- Step 2: Enter the business name in the box labeled ‘Name.’
- Step 3: Leave the boxes for the file number and owner or agent blank.
- Step 4: Click the ‘Search’ button.
The system will display any registered partnership, trade names, and trademarks with an exact match and similar names for the business name you entered. If the system does not display results, the name is most likely available.
If the system shows similar names, a business owner might be able to use the chosen name, as long as the name that is in use is not too similar.
A business owner searching for trade names and trademarks must remember that registering a trade name or trademark at the state level only protects the name at the state level. If a business owner wishes to determine whether a business name or logo has been trademarked at the federal level, search the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Check if the domain name is available
Before a business registers its name, the business owner should take additional steps to ensure that the name is available for domain and social media use. While the domain name and social media accounts or pages do not have to have the same name as the business, it is better for marketing purposes. If another person or entity is already using the name, a prospective business owner can choose another name to register at the state level or use a different name that describes the business for the domain name and social media accounts.
Even if a business owner does not plan on having an online store, he should have an online presence for marketing purposes. The best connection is having a domain name that is the same as the business name.
However, that is not always possible. Domain registries do not check with states to see if a name has been taken. Additionally, another business in a different state could also use the same name.
If a domain name is not available
If the business name is in use by someone else, the business owner has three choices:
- Pick a different business name.
- Choose a descriptive name for the domain name.
- Use a similar name, but one that is not so similar that customers become confused and end up at a competitor’s business. For example, if ABCWidgets is not available, a business owner could use AZABCWidgets or BestABCWidgets.
- If the name is not available as a dot-com but is available as a dot-net, we recommend choosing another name for the domain name. ABCWidgets.com and ABCWidgets.net will confuse customers, especially since many businesses purchase both domain names to avoid confusion.
Check if the social media name is available
As with domain names, another person or entity could use your business name. Check the social media platforms by entering the business name in the search box. If no one else is using the name, create an account immediately so that someone else doesn’t grab the name.
Naming considerations for Arizona business entities
Arizona requires businesses to have certain naming conventions to identify a company’s entity type.
Sole proprietorships and partnerships
Sole proprietorships and general partnerships do not need to register their names since they must include the business owner’s full name for a sole proprietorship and the partners’ surnames for a general partnership.
However, if either entity type wants to do business under another name, they should register the ‘doing business as’ name or DBA name with the County Recorder’s office for the county where the business is located.
Either entity could also register the DBA as a trade name if the name is available.
Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
Arizona has several types of limited liability companies. A non-professional limited liability company must include one of the following in its name:
- Limited liability company.
- Limited company.
- LLC.
- LC.
- L.L.C.
- L.C.
A professional limited liability company must include one of the following in its name:
- Professional limited liability company.
- P.L.L.C.
- PLLC.
- P.L.C.
- PLC.
Corporations
Arizona has several types of corporations with naming conventions.
A for-profit corporation must include one of the following in its name:
- Company.
- Corporation.
- Limited.
- Incorporated.
- Association.
- Bank.
The for-profit corporation can also use abbreviations for any of those words.
Professional corporations must include one of the following:
- Professional corporation.
- Professional association.
- Service corporation.
- Limited.
- Chartered.
- P.C.
- P.A.
- S.C.
- Ltd.
- Chtd.
- PC.
- PA.
- SC.
- Ltd
- Chtd
Nonprofit corporations follow the same naming conventions as corporations.
FAQs
How are business licenses obtained in Arizona?
Arizona does not have one specific business license. Instead, business licenses depend on the type of business a business owner runs and the location of the business. To determine which business license(s) a business needs, navigate to the Arizona Commerce Authority and complete the checklist. Once complete, click “See Results.”
I need help filling out the forms. Will the Arizona Corporation Commission help me?
No. The Arizona Corporation Commission cannot give legal advice. If you are having trouble filling out the forms, contact a business law attorney.
I changed my mind about starting a business. Can I get a refund on filing fees?
No. Arizona filing fees are not refundable.
Does my business need a Federal Employment Identification Number?
Maybe. If the business does not have employees, you may not need a Federal Employment Identification Number (FEIN). However, if you choose to open a separate bank account or credit account in the business’s name, the bank and creditors might require a FEIN. We can obtain a FEIN for you, or you can apply for the FEIN yourself.
Does my business have to publish the newly formed entity in the newspaper?
No. As long as it is posted to the Arizona Corporation Commission’s database, a business does not have to file a public notice in the newspaper. However, some counties may require a business to do both. If your county requires publishing in a newspaper, the Arizona Corporation Commission will notify you by letter after it approves the filing.
Do I need a registered agent?
Yes. Arizona refers to registered agents as “statutory agents.” Every business must have a statutory agent to accept legal documents and documents from state departments, including the Arizona Corporation Commission.
How do I find out if someone put a lien against my business?
Navigate to the Arizona UCC filings page. Search for your business by the entity name, individual’s name, or file number (entity number). You can also look up a lien by the debtor (the business owner) or by the secured party.
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