If you need to get information about an existing business or check name availability for your new business, you’ll have to use New Jersey Business Entity Search. The entity search taps into a database maintained by the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services for the State of New Jersey.
The database contains information on several entity types, including LLCs, corporations, and partnerships. New Jersey also makes it easier to perform the business name search based on intent. The state’s entity search is divided into two sections:
- Search Registered Businesses
- Search For Available Names
This way, you can streamline your efforts. If you intend to get information on a business entity, you can go straight to NJ business name search using registered businesses. Those who intend to set up a new entity should start with searching for available names. In this case, it’s often a good idea to do a double-check with the search for registered businesses as well.
NJ Business Name Search For Available Names
New Jersey requires that your business name be unique and distinguishable upon record. If you’re setting up a new business, you’ll have to check that the chosen name isn’t the same as, or confusingly similar to, the name of another business entity already registered with the state.
For this purpose, you can do preliminary checks by visiting the New Jersey Business Entity Search website.
To search for available names, click on the “Business Names Availability” section. This will take you to a new page. Input your desired business name in the search box and either press the “enter” key, or click on the search button.
The website will check the entered term against already registered names and let you know if the chosen name is available.
When checking name availability for your New Jersey LLC or another business entity, it’s a good idea to have a few options ready. That way, if your first choice isn’t available, you can check for other desired choices too.
New Jersey Business Entity Search For Existing Entities
The state also maintains a section on its entity search website to check for existing business entities. Even if you merely want to check for name availability and have performed the name availability search, it’s a good idea to check the existing entity database as well.
The existing entity database has three available options
- Business Name
- Keyword
- Business Entity ID
Using The Business Name Search For Existing Entities
If you intend to search using the name of a business entity, you’ll have to input the term and press enter or click on the search button.
New Jersey’s search by business entity name encapsulates the principles of search options like “begins with, partial, and exact name match”. Basically, you enter the name of a business and search if it exists.
You don’t necessarily need to add the exact or full name of a business. It’s okay to enter as much as you remember, and let the search function handle the rest. There is no need to enter the entity type like LLC or Inc. at the end of the search term.
However, you can do this if you’re sure of the full name of the business entity you’re searching for. In this case, your search becomes something of an “exact name” search.
The search function uses “%” as a wildcard character. If you use it in the search term, the website will look for all possible results that have the search term, and any other words represented by the wildcard.
By default, the wildcard is automatically introduced after every search term. So unless you enter the exact name of a business, there is a good possibility that the search function will use the wildcard to get as many relevant results as possible.
Using The Keyword Search For Existing NJ Entities
It is possible to use one or more keywords to search for existing business entities. In this scenario, the search looks for business names that have the input keyword(s) as part of their name.
Keyword search is not dependent on the order of the keywords or their position within search results. As long as the entered keyword is present in the name of an entity, it will be displayed in the results.
Conducting Search Of NJ Business Entity Using The Entity ID
Search using the Entity ID/Filing Number is an exact search. The entity ID or filing number are usually issued by the Division of Revenue & Enterprise Services. This is an exact search that will show the business entity associated with the ID or filing number.
New Jersey Secretary Of State Business Search
In most states, the Business Entity Search is handled by the office of the Secretary of State. However, for NJ, there is no specific New Jersey Secretary Of State Business Search.
Instead, this responsibility is handled by the Division of Revenue & Enterprise Services. This division is part of the New Jersey Department of Treasury. And as such, it is handled by the NJ State Treasurer.
How To Reserve A Business Name In New Jersey
The name is the true identity of your business. It’s how your customers and the public in general identify and recognize your business. Of course, you’ll have unique ID numbers and such, but they’re not the same as the name in identifying and presenting your business to the general public.
Several business entities are in existence, so it can be tough to find a name that’s both attractive and unique. Besides with many new entities coming into existence every day, the competition for attractive names is tough.
So, if you do find a business name that’s just right, it makes sense to reserve it. A name reservation will hold your name for a set time, without necessarily having to form your LLC or another business entity. It’s an easy way to snag the name while you prepare to launch your business.
Is It Mandatory To Reserve A Name In New Jersey?
No, NJ doesn’t require you to reserve a name to start a business. This is an entirely optional exercise. As mentioned earlier, it’s a good idea to pick a reservation if you think the name has some value and is worth the extra effort.
On the other hand, if you’re not concerned about name availability, you can skip putting money and effort into this process.
How Long Does A Name Reservation Last In NJ And What Does It Cost?
It costs $50 to file a name reservation request in New Jersey. Once the state accepts the reservation, it will hold the name for 120 days.
Once the name reservation is close to expiry, you can renew it for another 120 days by filing a renewal. The renewal too costs $50. There is no limit on how long you can hold the business name reservation.
Reserving A Business Name In New Jersey
You can file for NJ Business Name Reservation online. On the website, look for the “Business Filings” Section. Here, you’ll find the “File a Business Name Reservation” option. Click on the “Start The Filing Process” button.
This will take you to the Business Name Amendments page that has forms related to business name reservation, renewal, transfer, etc. To reserve a business name, you’ll have to choose form “UNRR-1 Reserve a Domestic Business Name”. Clicking on the available button will take you to the online filing process.
Alternatively, if you’re setting up a foreign entity (not native to New Jersey), you’ll have to file UNRR-4 Register a Foreign Business Name. This form is also available on the same page.
The $50 filing fee can be paid online using all major credit cards.
Renewal and transfer options for name reservation are also available on the same page. For renewal for a domestic entity, you’ll have to file form UNRR-3. While transfer needs form UNRR-2.
The process is simple and straightforward. However, before you file for a name reservation, make sure you’ve done your due diligence. Checking the state requirements for naming and performing a New Jersey Business Entity Search are good practice. These greatly increase the chances of the name reservation request being accepted without any problem.