Checking company registration in USA is crucial when seeking for a reliable partner or contractor (or making sure your own business is registered properly). There are various ways to check company registration in USA.
In this article, you will get to know some strategies that work best. So, let’s discuss them one by one.
State Business Department
States register most businesses. First, verify the state’s business registry on their website. The entity name verification should always be done in the state where the business was incorporated, not where it is operational.
The State Department or Secretary of State usually hosts this incorporated company search. Searching Google generally finds the proper site.
National Directories Online
To check company registration in USA, try a national search in an internet directory. It’s unlikely a business will register nationally without a cause, but it’s worth a try. National Corporation Directory is good for a quick search but doesn’t ensure accuracy. If you need specialized registration for certification or accreditation, start with the organization that provides it, such as the National Roofing Contractors Association.
Consult Other Governments If Needed
To check company registration in USA, start with a foreign business’s country of origin to verify registration. Most nations offer free business name search like states: Start with their government websites. NZCO is an example.
Check the USPTO.
To check company registration in USA, the USPTO is your first stop for patent and trademark searches. They feature a “Find It Fast” patent and trademark directory. If you want to file a patent or think someone has infringed on your trademark or work, we recommend engaging a patent attorney.
Use SEC EDGAR.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has its own business registration lookup for foreign and local public businesses that have filed to do business in the US. EDGAR searches. You can take help from SEC EDGAR to check company registration in USA.
EDGAR has 20 years of public company registration statements, reports, and other paperwork. This isn’t good for double-checking a possible partner or contractor, but it can be useful for examining a public firm’s history or finding a single public company among several with similar names.
Not All Businesses Register
Not all businesses are registered. New firms may still be registering. Some people prefer to operate as themselves rather than as a sole proprietorship or LLC, but they lose tax and liability benefits. However, absence of registration can still indicate a shady enterprise and warrant additional investigation.
You are allowed to register your company unless you are fully aware of what state you will choose for registration, but before that, you have to do a thorough research and would have to check the state’s records to check if they have already registered the company with this name. Since many companies with same name in the different states. However, they should register in Louisiana and Pennsylvania as a domestic or foreign business if they have a physical presence there. If not, this company’s structure is flawed.
Every jurisdiction mandates that the name of a new corporation, LLC, or non-profit be different from any other name on their record. Each jurisdiction enforces name differences differently.
Choosing a company name
If your new firm is a subsidiary of a foreign parent, you can use the same name or add “USA”.
You need a new name for your independent US Company. The founders must think carefully about naming their new company. If necessary, a name can be changed by submitting an amendment, alerting vendors and customers, and updating stationery, websites, and advertising.
Name your company creatively. Be imaginative and innovative when naming your firm. There are many names, therefore you must submit more than one (your first or second pick may not be available). Brainstorm names and pick 3–5 favourites.
Corporate indicators
Understand company signs before choosing a name. Every US jurisdiction has a list of phrases to identify a company as a corporation, LLC, PLLC, or non-profit corporation. Potential consumers, partners, and investors need these signs to understand your business’s legal structure.
The most prevalent corporate indicators for each business organization are:
- Commercial firms
- Corporation, Incorporated, Limited
- Professional Corporation (P.C.) or Professional Association (P.A.)
- Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC or Professional LLC)
- Non-Profit Corporation
- Corporation, Incorporated, Limited, and Foundation (if the organization is a foundation)
US businesses must use corporate indicators. Without one, your company may be a sole proprietorship, making you individually liable for corporate obligations and legal concerns.
Corporate name availability search
After understanding corporate indications, search for company names. Before filing your business entity with the state, be sure your name is unique and available in your state. To avoid legal complications, perform a thorough search because each jurisdiction has distinct enforcement criteria.
To ensure national consistency, check your US Company’s name in each state where it will do business. The state’s business entity filing office or a third-party service provider can search corporate name availability online.
Choosing a company name
After confirming that your business name is distinctive and available, choose the best name for your US Company. Remember these guidelines:
Must Haves:
- Cannot imply a product or service that is not offered • cannot be vulgar, offensive, or detrimental to public policy
- Cannot use a non-company name, even for historical figures, depending on the state.
Corporate indication required.
Must Haves
- Easy to spell but memorable
- A good element—let others look at it before you choose to be sure it doesn’t have an unintended connotation.
- Company description. This may damage your trademark application but will help potential customers know who you are and why they should use you.
- Be brief. Long names are hard to remember, especially if you include a descriptive word or phrase.
Filing a corporate entity requires a corporate name availability search. If your firm will be registered in many states, check the name in each state to ensure consistency.
Check company registration in USA to make it legitimate. Business structure and location determine how and where to register.