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Once you’ve chosen a Maryland LLC name, you need to compare it against existing businesses in the state.
This is done using the Maryland Business Entity Search tool.
And this is necessary because business names in the same state:
- can’t be the same
- can’t be too similar
If you file your LLC paperwork with a name that’s not available, your LLC filing will be rejected.
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How do I search the Maryland business entity name database?
Visit the Maryland Business Entity Search page:
Maryland SDAT: Business Entity Search
It’s simple: enter your desired LLC name in the search bar.
Note: This tool is sometimes called the Maryland Business Name Search or the Maryland Business Entity Search. They both refer to the same website and get you the same search records.
Search tips:
- Leave out “LLC”, “L.L.C.”, “Limited Liability Company”, etc., when doing your searches.
- Leave out any commas, periods, apostrophes, etc.
- You can search using uppercase or lowercase letters.
Tip: It’s best to enter only the main part of your desired Maryland LLC name in the search bar. For example, if your desired LLC name is Riverwalk Studios LLC, first do a search for the words “Riverwalk Studio”. And then do a search for “Riverwalk”. This helps make sure that you see everything that is potentially similar.
How to interpret the Maryland LLC search results
If the results show names that are not too similar to yours (meaning yours is distinguishable), then your Limited Liability Company name is available for use.
- Let’s keep using the example above. If your desired name is Riverwalk Studios LLC, and the only similar names you saw were “Riverwalk Rentals” and “Riverwalk Studio Starters”, then your name should be available.
If no results show up, that means your LLC name is unique and it should be available for use. To be safe, run your search again using only part of your LLC name (to double-check that there are no similar names).
- For example, search just the word “Riverwalk” instead of Riverwalk Studios.
If your exact LLC name appears in the list of search records, your LLC name is not available for use because another Maryland business entity is already using it.
If the results show a name that is very similar to yours, your LLC name may not be available for use.
- If your desired name is Riverwalk Studios LLC, and the search results show a “Riverwalk Studio”, then your name is not available.
What if my desired LLC name isn’t available?
If your name is not unique, you’ll need to come up with a variation or a different name for your LLC.
Tip: Wait until your LLC is approved before you apply for your LLC EIN Number or purchase any other marketing materials. This way you don’t spend money on business supplies you can’t use because your business name isn’t available.
Maryland SDAT Contact Information
You can call the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation to ask questions about whether your LLC name is available.
Representatives at the Maryland SDAT can help you use the Maryland Business Name Search. They can’t guarantee that your LLC name will be available when you file, however.
The Business Services – Corporate Name Availability phone number is 410-767-1330. Their hours are 8am to 5pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
Maryland Limited Liability Company Name Requirements
As per Maryland Corporations Code Section 1-502, there are a few rules and requirements for naming a Maryland business entity that you need to know.
Do I have to use a comma in my LLC name?
No, you don’t have to. You can file your LLC name with or without a comma. Both versions are accepted by the SDAT.
For example: If your desired business name is Calvert Cones, you can file it as:
- Calvert Cones LLC
- Calvert Cones, LLC
Or, instead of having “LLC” as your designator (ending), there are a few other options in Maryland.
What designators (endings) can I use in my LLC name?
Your Maryland LLC name must contain one of the following designators at the end:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Limited Liability Company
- LC
- L.C.
Note: Most people choose “LLC”.
The following designators are not allowed
Your Maryland LLC can’t make itself sound like a Maryland Corporation or any other business entity besides an LLC.
The following words and designators can’t be used anywhere in your LLC name:
- Inc.
- Corp.
- Incorporated
- Corporation
- Cooperative
What words are not allowed in my Maryland LLC name?
Your Maryland LLC name can’t contain words and abbreviations that are restricted by law.
For example, you can’t make your LLC name sound like it’s a bank, part of the government or a government agency, or anything else that misleads the public.
You also can’t use words that are reserved for licensed professionals. These vary by state, but some common examples are accountants, architects, attorneys, dentists, and engineers.
For more information about restricted words for a Maryland business entity, please see this page: Maryland SDAT FAQs.
Your Maryland business name must be distinguishable (unique)
When you search the Maryland SDAT Business Entity Search, you will compare your desired LLC name to existing businesses in the state.
If your name is not unique, you’ll need to come up with a variation or a different business name.
Below are rules and examples of LLC names that are not distinguishable.
General Rules Only – Call to Check!
The Maryland SDAT doesn’t publish their rules for what does or doesn’t make a business name distinguishable. The rules below are general guidelines that will help you make sure your name is unique.
After you read this lesson and use the Business Entity Search, you may want to call the State Department of Assessments and Taxation. They can help you check whether your name is available before you file your LLC paperwork.
Designators
Differences in designators (endings) don’t create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is Old Line Fishing LLC, it’s not available to use if any of the following are found in the Maryland Business Name Search results:
- Old Line Fishing, Inc.
- Old Line Fishing, Corp.
- Old Line Fishing, L.L.C.
Filler Words
Adding non-meaningful or filler words (the, a, an, and, &, of, or) won’t create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is Checkerspot Farms LLC, it’s not available to use if any of the following are found:
- The Checkerspot Farms LLC
- A Checkerspot Farm Inc.
- Checkerspot and Farms L.L.C.
- Checkerspot & Farms Corp
Plural or Singular Words and Possessive Words
Adding a letter “s” to make a word plural or possessive doesn’t create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is Tara’s Terrapins LLC, it’s not available to use if any of the following are found:
- Taras Terrapins LLC
- Tara’s Terrapin Inc.
- Taras Terrapin, L.C.
Want to watch a video tutorial instead?
The video below shows you how to search LLC names in Maryland.
The video starts with LLC name rules in Maryland. Then at the 8 minute mark, you can see LLC searches being completed.
What if my Maryland business name is rejected?
If you file your Maryland Articles of Organization (the document that creates your Maryland LLC) and the business name is not available, don’t panic. The state will notify you and tell you why your filing was rejected.
You will just need to file again with a variation of your LLC name or a different LLC name.
Maryland Business Name FAQs
No, a name reservation isn’t required to form an LLC in Maryland. It’s an unnecessary step and a waste of money.
You can just file your LLC’s Articles of Organization with your desired LLC name.
Yes. Your Maryland LLC name must contain one of the allowable designators at the end. The most commonly used designators are:
- LLC
- Limited Liability Company
- Ltd. Liability Co.
No, you’re not required to file a DBA (“Doing Business As”) for your business entity in Maryland.
A DBA (known as a Trade Name in Maryland) lets your LLC conduct business under a name which is different from its true and legal name (the name on your Articles of Organization).
If you want your LLC to do business under a name that’s different from its true and legal name, you have to file a Trade Name Application online or by mail and pay an additional fee of $25 to the SDAT.
If you are going to file a Trade Name Application for your Maryland LLC, it must also be distinguishable from existing business names in the state.
There is no limit to the number of Trade Names an LLC can have.
For more information, please see Does my LLC need a DBA?
When would my LLC use a DBA?
Let’s say you form an LLC called Kent Island Cruise Lines LLC, but you also want to use a friendlier, catchy name, like Kent Cruises. In this case, your LLC would need to file a Trade Name Application to use the name Kent Cruises.
If you don’t file a Trade Name Application for a different name, you can only use your legal entity name of Kent Island Cruise Lines LLC.
Similarly, if you want to do business under the name Kent Island Cruise Lines, just without the letters “LLC” in the name, you will need to file a Trade Name Application for Kent Island Cruise Lines.
Once you’ve found a business name that you like, it’s a good idea to check if your domain name is available before forming your LLC.
You can search for available domain names with GoDaddy:
Find a domain name
Each business entity name must be “distinguishable upon the records” of the SDAT.
This means that no two businesses can operate with the same exact name. Said another way, if a business already exists with your desired LLC name, you can’t register your LLC with that name.
For example, let’s say you want to form an LLC called Oriole Landscapers LLC. But there is already a business in another town called Oriole Landscapers, Inc. Because your desired LLC name is the same as that existing Maryland Corporation, it is not distinguishable. You can’t use it and must choose another name.
Business names are important for branding and recognition. The name of your Maryland LLC can be your company’s brand name, but it doesn’t have to be (please see the FAQ about DBAs above). Either way, picking a good LLC name is an important decision.
Here are some quick tips for coming up with business names:
- First, write down the features of your company and things that you want to be associated with.
- Then list out as many business names as you can think of. Don’t edit or analyze them. Just get as many names on the page as you can.
- Now go back and read through them. Write down any variations that come to mind.
- Next, set the list aside. Do something else, like go for a walk or get groceries, or sleep on it for the night. Then come back and review the list of names. As you go through it, write down additional ideas and variations.
- Read the whole list out loud. If you want, get input from friends, business partners, and family.
- Repeat the process: sleep on the ideas, write down new variations, read them out loud again.
- The best business name will often “rise off the page” and present itself. If it doesn’t, you can try this trick: Close your eyes and count to 10. When you get to 10, you must choose a name. When you open your eyes, force yourself to make a decision. Sometimes we know the best name deep in our subconscious, and this trick can help it come out. Trust yourself and go with what feels best.
For more tips, please see How to Choose an LLC Name.
No. You can’t use the same name as another Maryland business.
And it doesn’t matter what entity type it is – your LLC can’t have the same entity name as another corporation, LLC, or any other entity type.
You can’t use another business’s name even if the entity is in “delinquent” status on the Maryland SDAT website.
But if a business is dissolved, they no longer have rights to that name. This means you can form an LLC with the same name.
You can change your LLC’s name later by filing an Amendment form with the SDAT.
We have step-by-step instructions on how to change an LLC name in Maryland.
Here are the steps to starting an LLC in Maryland:
- Choose an LLC name and make sure it’s available
- Choose who will be your Maryland Registered Agent
- File the Maryland LLC Articles of Organization
- Complete and sign an LLC Operating Agreement
- Get a Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS
- Open an LLC bank account
- Check whether you need a business or sales tax license in Maryland
References
Maryland Business Express: Select a Name
Maryland Corporations Code: Section 1-502
Maryland Corporations Code: Section 1-504
Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.
Maryland LLC Guide
Looking for an overview? See Maryland LLC
Ì am checking to verify my LLC is still current and active.
Thanks,
Jerry H Bedsworth Jr
Hi Jerry, your LLC isn’t in good standing. The most common reason is for not filing a Maryland LLC Annual Report. However, there could be other reasons too. Please see Maryland SDAT: What does it mean that a business entity is not in good standing or forfeited (PDF). You can also call Maryland SDAT to get the full picture at 410-767-1330. They open at 8:30am. Hope that helps.