One of the first and most important steps of any new business is finding the perfect name for your New Mexico LLC.
Checking the LLC name availability in New Mexico is an important step in the business formation process. It ensures your business name is distinguishable from the names of other New Mexico businesses so that you do not violate anyone’s intellectual property rights.
Our New Mexico LLC Name Search guide will show you how you can find available business names in New Mexico, and how to reserve and register your business name.
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How to Search for a New Mexico LLC Name
Below are the four steps that you need to follow in order to conduct an LLC name search in New Mexico.
Step 1: Follow the New Mexico LLC Naming Guidelines
To comply with New Mexico’s LLC naming guidelines, ensure that your chosen name meets the requirements listed below:
- Your chosen name has to contain “limited liability company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C”
- Your chosen name cannot contain anything which might be confused with a government agency (e.g., FBI, CIA, State Department, etc.).
- Your chosen name can only contain restricted words (e.g., “attorney,” “university,” or “bank”) if the business qualifies or employs the requisite professional(s).
Selecting a name is just one of the several requirements when forming an LLC. To avoid improper or incomplete LLC formation documents, we recommend using the assistance of an LLC formation service.
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More than 84% of our readers form their LLC through a specialized LLC formation service in order to save time and avoid potential penalties.
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Step 2: Look Up New Mexico LLC Name Search Availability
The next step is to conduct a New Mexico LLC name search. Below are a few ways to do a business name search in New Mexico.
- LLC Name Search: Search the New Mexico Business Search tool to check if your chosen business name is available. There is no fee for searching. You may also try typing your business or trademark on any search engine to check businesses with similar names. This will also ensure your trademark is unique, meets the state’s requirements, and frees you from any legal hassles in the future.
- Domain Name Search: If your business name is still available, you must register for a domain name. Having a URL that matches your business name is important since this is how your potential and existing clients can find your business.
To determine the availability of your chosen URL, use a domain registrar, such as GoDaddy.
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Note: While you can use social media to search for business names to determine your desired name, the search results might not give you useful insight if your desired business name is available and exclusive for use.
Step 3: Reserve Your New Mexico LLC Name
You can reserve a business name before filing the LLC-forming Articles of Organization. The application to reserve a business name has a $20 filing fee.
To reserve the name, submit the Application for a Reservation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company Name. The registration is good for 120 days. There isn’t a way to submit the form online.
Should you take more than 120 days to file formation documents, you can renew the LLC name reservation. Do so by filing the same form again. Each extension has a $20 fee, and lasts for another 120 days.
Using a New Mexico DBA for Your LLC
New Mexico is one of three states that do not allow DBAs. A DBA (“doing business as”) lets businesses use a name other than their official one when conducting business. New Mexico doesn’t do this.
Your New Mexico business will have to operate under its official LLC name. (Kansas and South Carolina are the other states that don’t allow DBAs).
LLC owners sometimes choose to brand their businesses with a DBA. Most sole proprietors and general partnerships use a DBA to create a brand other than their surnames.
Step 4: Register a New Mexico LLC Trade or Service Mark
You can further research your chosen name by conducting a federal trademark database search. This will let you know if the name is already “marked” by someone else or another business.
After verifying your name’s availability, you can optionally apply for a trade or service mark with New Mexico. While optional, obtaining a New Mexico trade/service mark will notify other businesses in the state that the name shouldn’t be used for marketing purposes.
To register a trade or service mark in New Mexico, complete and submit the Application for Registration of Trademark/Service Mark. The form can’t be submitted online.
The filing fee for a trademark is $50 for the first class code, and $25 for each class code thereafter. Class refers to a category of goods and services. A full list of the state’s classes is available from the New Mexico Secretary of State.
Registering a trade or service mark is not the same as filing a formation document. If you’re registering a business in New Mexico, check out the steps on how to form a New Mexico LLC.
Recommended: More than 84% of our readers form their LLC through a specialized LLC formation service in order to save time and avoid being caught up in procedural rigmarole.
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New Mexico Secretary of State Contact Information
Mailing Address
New Mexico Secretary of State Business Services Division
New Mexico Capitol Annex North
325 Don Gaspar, Suite 300
Santa Fe, NM 87501
Physical Address
New Mexico Secretary of State
New Mexico Capitol Annex North
325 Don Gaspar, Suite 300
Santa Fe, NM 87501
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Email: Business.Services@sos.nm.gov
Phone: (502) 827-3600/(800) 477-3632
New Mexico LLC Name Search FAQ
What do I need to do a New Mexico LLC name search?
When forming a New Mexico LLC, you will be required to choose a name. This name must be unique and available for use, and should not already be registered with the New Mexico Secretary of State. To search for available LLC names, you can use the New Mexico Business Search tool provided by the Secretary of State. The search is free.
How do I check if an LLC name is taken in New Mexico?
You can use the New Mexico Business Search to check if your business name is available. You may also contact the New Mexico Secretary of State via phone at (800) 477-3632 or (502) 827-3600, or email Business.Services@sos.nm.gov if you have questions about the search or shown results.
Can I renew a New Mexico LLC name reservation?
Yes. You can renew a reserved business name for 120 days at a time. Submit the Application for a Reservation of a Domestic Limited liability Company Name, along with the $20 fee.
Is the New Mexico Secretary of State LLC name search tool free to use?
Yes. While you can search business names online for free using the New Mexico Business Search tool, a name can only be reserved by submitting the application via hardcopy. There’s a $20 filing fee for the application.