If you intend to start a business in Maryland, you’ll have to go through the basics like checking for name availability. This is usually the first step to consider when forming a Maryland LLC or another business entity. Maryland Business Entity Search is an excellent tool to check for name availability.
Apart from its obvious use in helping a new business select its name, the entity search also comes in handy for existing businesses. It also makes it easy to access publicly available information for business entities. Overall, the business entity search is useful for several purposes.
In most states, the business entity search and related operations are handled by the Secretary of State. Considering the usual fare, it would be one reason why people unfamiliar with the state’s management may call it Maryland SOS business search. However, in Maryland, the database is handled not by the SOS, but by the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (DAT).
Accessing Maryland Business Entity Search And Maryland LLC Lookup
The business entity search for Maryland can be easily accessed on its website. It’s part of the Maryland Business Express system, which is designed to make it easier to set up and administer a business in the state.
It is easy to use this for Maryland LLC lookup, though the database is good for other entity types as well. The entity search may sometimes also be called MD corporation search. Again, these are colloquial terms that don’t fully present the extent of this feature. It’s still best described as a business entity search since it covers most entities registered with the state.
Maryland has a rather simple page for its entity search function. There are only two options available to search for the business entity.
- Search by Business Name
- Search by Department ID
Using MD Entity Search
As noted above, the entity search is limited to two options. Interestingly, there are no specific ways to refine your search, so you’ll have to make the best of the available options. It’s not really a problem since the search can keep up with usual requirements.
If you enter a full business name, the search turns to give exact match results. If fewer characters are entered, it automatically uses a wildcard to get the closest matching results.
The other option is to use Department ID. This will always be an exact search, returning the specific entity associated with the entered Department ID. It’s very useful to get quick information on a business that you already know.
On the other hand, for general search or to check for name availability, it makes sense to use business name search.
Working With Results Of The Maryland Business Search
If your search term has relevant results available, you’ll see them listed on the results page. The information included is Department ID, business name, and status.
Clicking on the Department ID will take you to detailed information on the specific business. Several important details of the business are listed here. You can view its annual reports filing, status, filing history, Maryland Registered Agent, and more.
On this page, you may also order documents related to the business, like Certificate of Status and certified copies.
How To Register A Business Name In Maryland
Securing a business name is often desirable. You want a name for your business that’s both attractive and interesting. After all, that’s how your clients and potential customers will view your business. It is the first impression your business will make.
The way things are, it’s not easy to get an attractive business name. A lot of names are already registered and new ones are registered every day. So, if you strike on a cool business name, it might make sense to reserve it quickly for your use. Using a name reservation makes this possible without having to go through the necessary steps to form a business entity.
Is It Mandatory To Reserve A Business Name In Maryland?
No, Maryland doesn’t require businesses to reserve a name. This is an entirely optional exercise. If you aren’t worried about the name being taken, it might be better not to waste resources and energy on name reservation.
What Does A Name Reservation Cost And How Long Does It Last?
In Maryland, a name reservation is valid for 30 days. The filing fee is $25. The initial reservation period is quite small, so you may want to be somewhat strategic about name reservation and creation of your business.
The good news is, you can get renewals for the name reservation. This requires filing the application for re-reservation. This will extend the business name reservation by another 30 days and will cost another $25 in filing fee. You can choose as many reservations as you want.
Filing An Application For Name Reservation
The form you’ll need to file this application is the Corporate Name Reservation Application. This form (and several others) are available on the Departmental Forms & Applications section of the DAT website.
Once you download and complete this form, it’s ready to be filed via mail or in-person drop-off. The associated $25 filing fee can be paid via check or money order made payable to “State Department of Assessment and Taxation”. You can also add a $20 fee for expedited services. All walk-in submissions of the form are treated as expedited service and require the associated fee.
You can mail the form to:
State Department of Assessments and Taxation /UCC
301 W Preston Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Before submitting a name for reservation, check that it conforms to state restrictions on business names. Additionally, going through Maryland Business Entity Search is an important check that greatly increases the chances of the application for name reservation being accepted.