Register Your Business Name: State Resources
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last updated June 11, 2018
If you're considering opening a small business, there are a number of different issues you will need to consider, including choosing the proper business name for your new venture. Each state has its own requirements for choosing, registering, and doing business under a particular business name. With the differing rules and regulations in each state, it's important to make sure you research the laws and know the requirements.
FindLaw has done the legwork for you. We've put together a handy state resources chart for registering your business name in 50 states, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Here you'll find links to the different Secretary of State offices throughout the country and more.
Alabama |
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Alaska |
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Arizona |
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Arkansas |
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California |
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Colorado |
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Connecticut |
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Delaware |
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District of Columbia |
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Florida |
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Georgia |
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Hawaii |
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Idaho |
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Illinois |
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Indiana |
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Iowa |
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Kansas |
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Kentucky |
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Louisiana |
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Maine |
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Maryland |
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Massachusetts |
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Michigan |
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Minnesota |
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Mississippi |
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Missouri |
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Montana |
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Nebraska |
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Nevada |
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New Hampshire |
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New Jersey |
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New Mexico |
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New York |
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North Carolina |
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North Dakota |
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Ohio |
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Oklahoma |
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Oregon |
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Pennsylvania |
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Puerto Rico |
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Rhode Island |
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South Carolina |
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South Dakota |
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Tennessee |
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Texas |
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U.S. Virgin Islands |
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Utah |
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Vermont |
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Virginia |
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Washington |
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West Virginia |
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Wisconsin |
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Wyoming |
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Hiring a Business and Commercial Law Expert
State business name laws are constantly changing and require intensive legal research. Contacting a business and commercial lawyer is your best course of action, as well as conducting exhaustive legal research to verify that you are following all the procedures to register your business name. A local attorney can help protect you and your business interests.
Related Resources
For more information, see our Starting a Business section.
Next Steps
Contact a qualified business attorney to help you navigate the process of starting a business.