Before you can open your doors for business in New York, you need to do a business entity search with the New York State Department of State to make sure your desired name is available. This blog will show you how to do a business entity search and provide some tips on what to do if your desired name is not available.

New York Business Search Tips

The process for doing a business entity search with the New York State Department of State is actually quite simple. Start by going to the Department of State’s website and selecting the ‘Name Availability’ option from the ‘Corporations’ drop-down menu. Then, type in the desired name of your business and select ‘Search.’ If the name is available, you will see a message that says, “The name you have selected is available.” Great news! You can now proceed with registering your business.

The New York Department of State Division of Corporations accepts filings for the formation of business entities and the registration of foreign business entities doing business in New York State. The incorporation forms can be found on the Department of State website. After the incorporation papers are filed, the corporation will receive a Certificate of Incorporation from the Department of State.

The certificate is evidence that the corporation exists and has been formed in accordance with New York law. The term “business entity” includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, not-for-profit corporations, professional corporations, and business corporations.

More information about starting a business in New York State can be found on the website for the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. The website for the New York Secretary of State can provide helpful information about filing annual reports and other required filings for business entities.

Department of NY Public Inquiry Form

NewYork State Existing Corporations & Businesses Page

If the name you have selected is not available, don’t despair! All is not lost. You may be able to file what’s called a “name reservation” which will allow you to hold the desired name for up to 60 days. To do this, select the ‘Name Reservation’ option from the ‘Corporations’ drop-down menu on the Department of State website. From there, you will be able to fill out and submit the required form. Once your name reservation has been approved, you will receive an email confirmation. 

We hope this blog has been helpful in showing you how to do a business entity search with the New York State Department of State. Remember, even if your desired name is not available, all is not lost! You may be able to file a name reservation which will give you some time to come up with an alternate name or try other methods of securing your desired name. Good luck!