Did you know that New Hampshire’s economy is ranked number seven in the nation? Not only that, but it’s also ranked 10th for opportunity, which makes it an appealing state to both live and work in.
You don’t necessarily have to be present in New Hampshire to grab business opportunities though. If you’re an entrepreneur and want to start your company from afar, that’s possible. However, you must first check that the name you want is free.
This article shows you several ways to do a New Hampshire business entity search to ensure your company’s chosen name is unique and available.
New Hampshire Secretary of State Business Entity Search
The first place anyone should start is with the Secretary of State. This is because this official is responsible for the state’s business records, including the registrations. Keep this in mind, as you’ll have to return to this authority later on to get your business up and running if you choose to handle the formation yourself.
In any case, on the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s site is a section labeled “Featured Services,” and under it is “Business Search.” Click on this, and you’ll load a page with various search functions.
At the top, you can select:
- Starts with
- Exact match
- Contains
- All words
The best option would probably be “contains,” as it’ll have broader search parameters. Remember that not only are you searching for identical names, but similar ones as well. For instance, if your chosen business name is “Burger Queen,” then it’ll be close enough to “Burger King” that you’re at risk of lawsuits.
Next, you can fill out the business name, business ID, or filing number; go for the first option. You can check “Show me similar sounding business names,” but do note that you can only use that with “Starts with” or “Exact match.” There’s also a blank spot for registered agent name, but you won’t need that for a business search.
The Results
Click on “Search,” and the next page will display all possible hits. The information show is:
- Business name
- Business ID
- Homestate name
- Previous name (if applicable)
- Business type
- Principal office address
- Registered agent name
- Status
To see more information about a business, click on its name. This brings up additional data, such as:
- Business creation date
- Mailing address
- Last annual report year
- Next report year
- Duration
- Business email
- Notification email
- Phone number
- Fiscal year end date
The next box shows the principal purpose. It’ll display the NAICS code with the NAICS subcode.
Then you have the principals information. Each line show the name and title, and the business address.
You’ll also see the registered agent’s information, such as:
- Name
- Registered office address
- Registered mailing address
Other relevant information on the page include trade name information, trade name owned by, and trademark information.
Search Engines
You can also do a state of New Hampshire business entity search by using search engines. It doesn’t matter which one, as long as you use smart search queries.
Type in the company name with “New Hampshire,” and if you can throw in particular city names, that’s good too. Don’t be afraid to do multiple searches, as that’ll be more thorough anyway.
Scour the pages and check if there are any identical or similar hits. It’s also the optimal time to see if the matching domain name and social media handles are free. Do yourself a favor and reserve them now rather than later, as this will make consistent branding much easier for your company.
Business Anywhere Search Tool
We at Business Anywhere provide a free business registration service where you only pay the state fee. On top of that, you can go through our list of other services with transparent pricing and add them to your order if you want. This allows you to get customized services with no hidden fees.
This is all listed on our website, so feel free to browse through your options. When you’re done, you can scroll back up to the top, where you can do a New Hampshire business search.
In the blank, you can enter your desired company name. Then, select either LLC, PLLC, or corporation. Lastly, click on “Check availability.”
You’ll know immediately on the next page if you can use that name. If it turns out that it’s already taken, then you can go back and keep trying until you’re successful.
Keep in mind that there are no obligations to use our NH business entity search tool, and that it’s completely free. You don’t have to use our services, but if you’d like to, you can fill out your contact details on the results page. We’ll then get in touch with you within a few business days.
Make Sure to Do a New Hampshire Business Entity Search
Before officially registering your company, you should make sure to do a New Hampshire business entity search first. The methods we’ve provided you with are all free to do, so you can do a comprehensive business search in NH without spending a dime.
By doing your due diligence, you’ll ensure that you aren’t treading on any toes regarding already established brand names. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that there’s a smooth road ahead.
Sign up with Business Anywhere to use our free business registration service now. We also offer virtual mailbox and registered agent services.
