Texas Secretary of State Business Name Search

2023-09-03

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Are you planning to start a business in Texas or want to ensure that your business name is available? If so, you'll need to conduct a business name search through the Texas Secretary of State's office. This search will help you determine if the name you want to use is already in use by another business or if it is available for your use.

The Texas Secretary of State's office offers a free online search tool that allows you to search for business names. You can also conduct a search by mail or in person at the Secretary of State's office in Austin.

Once you have conducted a business name search and found that the name you want to use is available, you can reserve the name by filing an Application for Reservation of Name with the Secretary of State's office. This application will hold the name for 120 days, giving you time to file the paperwork to form your business.

texas secretary of state business name search

Essential details for Texas business naming process:

Free online search tool
Mail-in or in-person search
Reserve name for 120 days
File Application for Reservation of Name
Check name availability
Avoid similar or identical names
Follow state naming guidelines
Protect intellectual property
Consider DBA (Doing Business As) name
Renew name reservation if needed

Following these steps will help you choose and secure a unique and appropriate name for your Texas business.

Free online search tool

The Texas Secretary of State's office offers a free online search tool that allows you to search for business names. This tool is available 24/7 and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. To use the online search tool, simply follow these steps:

Go to the Texas Secretary of State's website.
Click on the "Business Services" tab.
Select "Business Name Search" from the drop-down menu.
Enter the business name you want to search for in the search box.
Click on the "Search" button.

The search results will display a list of all businesses in Texas that have a name similar to the one you searched for. The results will include the business name, the type of business entity, the date the business was filed, and the status of the business. You can also click on the business name to view more detailed information about the business.

The online search tool is a valuable resource for entrepreneurs who are starting a business in Texas. It allows you to quickly and easily determine if the name you want to use is available. If the name you want to use is already in use, you can use the online search tool to find other similar names that may be available.

Once you have found a business name that is available, you can reserve the name by filing an Application for Reservation of Name with the Secretary of State's office. This application will hold the name for 120 days, giving you time to file the paperwork to form your business.

Mail-in or in-person search

If you do not have access to the internet or prefer to conduct a business name search by mail or in person, you can do so at the Texas Secretary of State's office in Austin.

Mail-in search:
To conduct a mail-in search, you will need to submit a Business Name Search Request Form to the Secretary of State's office. The form can be downloaded from the Secretary of State's website or obtained by calling the office. You will need to include a check or money order for the search fee, which is currently $10.
In-person search:
To conduct an in-person search, you can visit the Secretary of State's office in Austin during regular business hours. You will need to bring a valid form of identification and the search fee, which is currently $10. You can also conduct a name search at one of the Secretary of State's regional offices.
Search results:
Whether you conduct a mail-in or in-person search, the results will be the same as the results you would get from the online search tool. The search results will display a list of all businesses in Texas that have a name similar to the one you searched for. The results will include the business name, the type of business entity, the date the business was filed, and the status of the business. You can also view more detailed information about each business by clicking on the business name.
Timeframe:
Mail-in searches typically take 5-7 business days to process. In-person searches are processed immediately.

Whether you choose to conduct a business name search online, by mail, or in person, it is important to do so before you file any paperwork to form your business. This will help you avoid any potential problems or delays.

Reserve name for 120 days

Once you have found a business name that is available, you can reserve the name by filing an Application for Reservation of Name with the Texas Secretary of State's office. This application will hold the name for 120 days, giving you time to file the paperwork to form your business.

To file an Application for Reservation of Name, you will need to submit the following information to the Secretary of State's office:

The proposed business name
The type of business entity you are forming
The name and address of the person or entity that is reserving the name
The filing fee, which is currently $25

You can file an Application for Reservation of Name online, by mail, or in person at the Secretary of State's office in Austin. The application will be processed within 24 hours, and you will receive a confirmation notice from the Secretary of State's office.

The name reservation will hold the name for 120 days. During this time, you will need to file the paperwork to form your business. Once you have filed the paperwork, you will need to submit a copy of the filed documents to the Secretary of State's office. This will complete the business name reservation process.

Reserving a business name is a good way to protect your intellectual property and ensure that no one else can use the name you have chosen for your business.

It is important to note that reserving a business name does not give you the exclusive right to use the name. You will still need to comply with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

File Application for Reservation of Name

To reserve a business name in Texas, you will need to file an Application for Reservation of Name with the Texas Secretary of State's office. This application can be filed online, by mail, or in person.

Online filing:
To file the application online, you will need to create an account on the Secretary of State's website. Once you have created an account, you can log in and begin the application process. You will need to provide information such as the proposed business name, the type of business entity you are forming, and the name and address of the person or entity that is reserving the name. You will also need to pay the filing fee, which is currently $25.
Mail-in filing:
To file the application by mail, you will need to download and complete the Application for Reservation of Name form. You can find the form on the Secretary of State's website. Once you have completed the form, you will need to mail it to the Secretary of State's office along with the filing fee.
In-person filing:
To file the application in person, you can visit the Secretary of State's office in Austin during regular business hours. You will need to bring the completed Application for Reservation of Name form and the filing fee with you.
Processing time:
The Secretary of State's office will process the application within 24 hours. Once the application has been processed, you will receive a confirmation notice from the Secretary of State's office.

Check name availability

Before you file any paperwork to form your business, it is important to check the availability of your business name. This will help you avoid any potential problems or delays.

You can check the availability of your business name by using the Texas Secretary of State's online business name search tool. The search tool is available 24/7 and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.

To use the online search tool, simply follow these steps:

Go to the Texas Secretary of State's website.
Click on the "Business Services" tab.
Select "Business Name Search" from the drop-down menu.
Enter the business name you want to search for in the search box.
Click on the "Search" button.

If the business name you want to use is already in use, you will need to choose a different name. You can use the online search tool to find other similar names that may be available.

It is also important to check the availability of your business name with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The USPTO is responsible for issuing trademarks and service marks. If you use a business name that is too similar to a registered trademark or service mark, you could be sued for trademark infringement.

Avoid similar or identical names

When choosing a business name, it is important to avoid using a name that is similar or identical to the name of an existing business. This is especially important if the other business is in the same industry as your business. Using a similar or identical name could lead to confusion among customers and potential customers, and it could also lead to legal problems.

In Texas, there are a few rules that you need to follow when choosing a business name:

Your business name must be distinguishable from the names of other businesses that are registered with the Texas Secretary of State.
Your business name cannot be misleading or deceptive.
Your business name cannot violate any trademark or service mark rights.

To avoid any problems, it is best to choose a business name that is unique and original. You can use the Texas Secretary of State's online business name search tool to check the availability of your business name before you file any paperwork to form your business.

If you do choose to use a business name that is similar to the name of an existing business, you should take steps to distinguish your business from the other business. This could include using a different logo, branding, and marketing materials.

It is also important to be aware of the laws regarding trademarks and service marks. A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol, or design that identifies and distinguishes the goods or services of one company from those of other companies. A service mark is similar to a trademark, but it is used for services instead of goods. If you use a business name that is too similar to a registered trademark or service mark, you could be sued for trademark infringement.

Follow state naming guidelines

In addition to checking the availability of your business name and avoiding similar or identical names, you also need to make sure that your business name complies with the state naming guidelines. These guidelines are in place to protect consumers and businesses from confusion and fraud.

The Texas Secretary of State has a few general guidelines for business names:

Your business name must be distinguishable from the names of other businesses that are registered with the Texas Secretary of State.
Your business name cannot be misleading or deceptive.
Your business name cannot violate any trademark or service mark rights.
Your business name cannot contain certain restricted words or phrases, such as "bank," "trust," or "insurance." These words can only be used if you have the proper licenses and approvals.

In addition to these general guidelines, there are also specific naming requirements for certain types of businesses. For example, professional corporations must use the words "Professional Corporation" or "P.C." in their name. Limited liability companies must use the words "Limited Liability Company" or "L.L.C." in their name.

You can find more information about the Texas Secretary of State's naming guidelines on the Secretary of State's website.

It is important to follow the state naming guidelines when choosing a business name. If you do not follow the guidelines, your business name could be rejected by the Secretary of State's office. You could also face legal problems if your business name violates any trademark or service mark rights.

Protect intellectual property

One of the most important things you can do to protect your business is to protect your intellectual property. Intellectual property includes things like your business name, logo, trademarks, and copyrights. By protecting your intellectual property, you can prevent others from using it without your permission.

Register your business name:
The first step to protecting your business name is to register it with the Texas Secretary of State. This will give you the exclusive right to use your business name in Texas. You can also register your business name with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to protect your name nationwide.
Trademark your business name and logo:
A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol, or design that identifies and distinguishes your business from other businesses. You can trademark your business name, logo, or both. To register a trademark, you will need to file an application with the USPTO.
Copyright your creative works:
A copyright protects original works of authorship, such as literary works, musical works, and artistic works. If you create any original works for your business, you can copyright them to protect your ownership rights.
Use non-disclosure agreements:
A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is a contract that prevents someone from disclosing confidential information. NDAs can be used to protect your trade secrets, customer lists, and other confidential information.

By taking these steps, you can protect your intellectual property and prevent others from using it without your permission. This will help you to maintain your competitive advantage and grow your business.

Consider DBA (Doing Business As) name

In addition to your business's legal name, you may also want to consider using a DBA (Doing Business As) name. A DBA name is a name that your business uses to conduct business other than its legal name. For example, you might use a DBA name if you want to operate your business under a different name or if you want to offer a specific product or service under a different name.

Benefits of using a DBA name:
There are several benefits to using a DBA name, including:
- Increased flexibility: A DBA name gives you the flexibility to operate your business under different names.
- Brand recognition: You can use a DBA name to create a unique brand identity for your business.
- Legal protection: A DBA name can help you protect your legal name from being used by other businesses.
Requirements for using a DBA name:
In Texas, there are a few requirements that you need to meet in order to use a DBA name:
- You must file a DBA certificate with the county clerk in the county where your business is located.
- Your DBA name cannot be the same as or similar to the legal name of another business.
- Your DBA name cannot be misleading or deceptive.
How to choose a DBA name:
When choosing a DBA name, you should keep the following factors in mind:
- The name should be relevant to your business.
- The name should be easy to remember and pronounce.
- The name should be available for use in your state.
Filing a DBA certificate:
To file a DBA certificate in Texas, you will need to submit the following information to the county clerk's office:
- Your business's legal name
- Your DBA name
- The address of your business
- The name and address of the person or entity that is filing the certificate

Once you have filed a DBA certificate, you will be able to use your DBA name to conduct business in Texas.

Renew name reservation if needed

The name reservation period in Texas is 120 days. This means that you have 120 days from the date you file your Application for Reservation of Name to file the paperwork to form your business. If you do not file the paperwork within 120 days, your name reservation will expire.

You can renew your name reservation for an additional 120 days by filing a Renewal Application for Reservation of Name with the Texas Secretary of State's office. You can file the renewal application online, by mail, or in person. The filing fee for a renewal application is $25.

You can renew your name reservation as many times as you need to, but each renewal period is only for 120 days. This means that you will need to file a new renewal application every 120 days if you need to hold the name for a longer period of time.

It is important to renew your name reservation if you need to hold the name for a longer period of time. If you do not renew your name reservation, the name will become available for other businesses to use.

Once you have filed the paperwork to form your business, you will need to submit a copy of the filed documents to the Secretary of State's office. This will complete the business name reservation process.

FAQ

Do you have questions about business names in Texas? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers:

Question 1: How do I check if a business name is available in Texas?
Answer 1: You can check the availability of a business name in Texas by using the Texas Secretary of State's online business name search tool. The search tool is available 24/7 and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.

Question 2: What are the requirements for choosing a business name in Texas?
Answer 2: Your business name must be distinguishable from the names of other businesses that are registered with the Texas Secretary of State. Your business name cannot be misleading or deceptive. Your business name cannot violate any trademark or service mark rights. Your business name cannot contain certain restricted words or phrases, such as "bank," "trust," or "insurance."

Question 3: How do I reserve a business name in Texas?
Answer 3: To reserve a business name in Texas, you will need to file an Application for Reservation of Name with the Texas Secretary of State's office. The application can be filed online, by mail, or in person. The filing fee is $25.

Question 4: How long does a name reservation last in Texas?
Answer 4: The name reservation period in Texas is 120 days. This means that you have 120 days from the date you file your Application for Reservation of Name to file the paperwork to form your business.

Question 5: Can I renew my name reservation in Texas?
Answer 5: Yes, you can renew your name reservation for an additional 120 days by filing a Renewal Application for Reservation of Name with the Texas Secretary of State's office. The filing fee for a renewal application is $25.

Question 6: What should I do if I want to use a DBA (Doing Business As) name in Texas?
Answer 6: To use a DBA name in Texas, you will need to file a DBA certificate with the county clerk in the county where your business is located. The filing fee for a DBA certificate varies from county to county.

Question 7: Where can I get more information about business names in Texas?
Answer 7: You can find more information about business names in Texas on the Texas Secretary of State's website.

Got other questions? Feel free to ask below.

Once you have chosen a business name, you can protect it by following these tips:

Tips

Here are some tips for choosing and protecting your business name in Texas:

Tip 1: Choose a name that is unique and memorable.
Your business name is one of the most important marketing tools you have. It should be easy to remember and pronounce, and it should reflect the nature of your business.

Tip 2: Check the availability of your business name before you file any paperwork.
You can check the availability of your business name by using the Texas Secretary of State's online business name search tool. This will help you avoid any potential problems or delays.

Tip 3: Reserve your business name as soon as possible.
Once you have chosen a business name that is available, you should reserve the name by filing an Application for Reservation of Name with the Texas Secretary of State's office. This will give you the exclusive right to use the name for 120 days.

Tip 4: Protect your business name by registering it with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Registering your business name with the USPTO will give you nationwide protection for your name. This will prevent other businesses from using your name without your permission.

By following these tips, you can choose and protect a business name that will help you succeed in Texas.

Now that you know how to choose and protect a business name in Texas, you can start the process of forming your business.

Conclusion

Choosing and protecting a business name is an important step in starting a business in Texas. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can choose a name that is available, unique, and memorable. You can also protect your name by reserving it with the Texas Secretary of State's office and by registering it with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Here are the main points to remember:

Check the availability of your business name before you file any paperwork.
Reserve your business name as soon as possible.
Follow the state naming guidelines.
Protect your intellectual property.
Consider using a DBA (Doing Business As) name.
Renew your name reservation if needed.