New Mexico Business Entity Search

Rick Mak

• March 20, 2025

2025 LLC Guides:

Home » New Mexico LLC » LLC Name Search

New Mexico’s thriving economy presents incredible opportunities for entrepreneurs and established businesses alike. Whether you’re forming a new LLC, researching competitors, or verifying a business partner, the New Mexico business entity search is a critical tool in your business toolkit.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to use the New Mexico Secretary of State’s business search portal, with detailed screenshots, step-by-step instructions, and insider tips specific to New Mexico’s system that you won’t find elsewhere. We’ll also cover what to do after confirming your business name availability and the next steps in the business formation process.

What is the New Mexico Business Entity Search?

The New Mexico Business Entity Search is the official database maintained by the New Mexico Secretary of State that contains records of all registered business entities in the state. This includes:

Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
Corporations
Nonprofit organizations
Limited partnerships
Professional corporations
Trade names
And other registered business structures

This searchable database allows you to verify if your desired business name is available or already in use by another company in New Mexico.

Why Conducting a New Mexico Business Name Search is Essential

Before registering your business in New Mexico, conducting a thorough business entity search is crucial for several reasons:

Legal Protection: Using a name already registered by another business could result in trademark infringement claims and costly legal battles.
Registration Approval: The New Mexico Secretary of State will reject your business registration if your chosen name is too similar to an existing business.
Brand Consistency: Ensuring your business name is unique helps establish a distinct brand identity in the New Mexico market.
Online Presence: Finding an available business name makes it more likely you’ll secure matching domain names and social media handles.
Avoiding Wasted Resources: Discovering name conflicts early prevents wasting money on marketing materials and branding that might need to be changed later.

How to Use the New Mexico Secretary of State Business Entity Search

The New Mexico Secretary of State offers a powerful business search tool through their Corporations and Business Services Division. Here’s a detailed walkthrough of how to use it:

Step 1: Access the Official Search Portal

Navigate to the New Mexico Secretary of State’s official business search portal at https://portal.sos.nm.gov/business-search/.

The portal was recently redesigned in late 2024 with improved functionality and user experience compared to the previous system.

Step 2: Choose Your Search Method

The New Mexico business search portal offers several search methods:

Business Name Search: The most common method for checking name availability
Business ID Search: If you know the specific business ID number
Filing Number Search: For locating businesses by document filing numbers
Registered Agent Search: To find businesses represented by a specific registered agent

For most users checking name availability, the Business Name Search option is ideal.

Step 3: Enter Your Search Criteria

In the search field, enter the business name you want to check. The New Mexico system provides several helpful search filters:

Contains: Shows all businesses with your search term anywhere in their name
Starts With: Shows businesses that begin with your search term
Exact Match: Shows only businesses with names identical to your search term
Name Availability: Specifically checks if your exact business name is available

New Mexico Tip: The search is not case-sensitive, so “Albuquerque Services” and “albuquerque services” will return the same results.

Step 4: Apply Advanced Filters (Optional)

Click the “Advanced Search” button to access additional filtering options:

Pro Tip: When checking name availability, it’s best to use broad search terms first (like the main word in your business name) to catch similar names that might cause conflicts.

Step 5: Review Search Results

After clicking “Search,” the system will display results in a table format showing:

Business Name: The registered name of the entity
Business ID: The unique identifier assigned by the state
Entity Type: Whether it’s an LLC, corporation, etc.
Status: Current standing (Active, Inactive, Revoked, etc.)
Formation Date: When the business was registered

Step 6: View Detailed Business Information

Click on any business name in the results to view comprehensive details about that entity:

Business Name and ID: Official registered name and identification number
Status: Current standing with the Secretary of State
Formation Date: When the business was officially registered
Entity Type and Subtype: Detailed business structure information
Principal Address: Main business location
Registered Agent Information: Name and address of the company’s registered agent
Filing History: Access to public documents filed with the state
Principals/Members: Information about officers, directors, or members (when available)

New Mexico Specific Note: Unlike some states, New Mexico’s business search does provide names of LLC members and corporate officers in many cases, making it particularly useful for competitive research.

Sample Business Entity Search Simulation

Let’s simulate a search for “Enchantment Technology Solutions” in the New Mexico database:

Enter “Enchantment Technology” in the search field
Select “Contains” from the dropdown menu
Click “Search”

Sample Results:

Enchantment Technology Group, LLC (Active)
Enchantment Technologies, Inc. (Active)
Northern New Mexico Enchantment Technology Services, LLC (Inactive)

When we click on “Enchantment Technology Group, LLC,” we see:

Business ID: 6782931
Status: Active
Formation Date: 03/12/2023
Entity Type: Domestic Limited Liability Company
Principal Address: 123 Copper Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Registered Agent: John A. Martinez, 123 Copper Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Members: Available in filed documents (requires document purchase)

Based on these results, “Enchantment Technology Solutions, LLC” might be too similar to existing names, potentially causing rejection during registration.

Understanding New Mexico Business Entity Status Indicators

When reviewing search results, you’ll encounter various status indicators. Here’s what each means in New Mexico:

Active: Business is in good standing with current filings and fees
Inactive: Business is no longer operating but records are maintained
Revoked: Business authorization has been revoked for non-compliance
Voluntarily Dissolved: Business has chosen to formally end operations
Administratively Dissolved: Business was dissolved by the state for failing to meet requirements

New Mexico Specific: In New Mexico, businesses showing “Revoked” status for over 2 years may have their names become available for new registrations, but this is at the discretion of the Secretary of State.

How to Reserve a Business Name in New Mexico

If you find your desired business name is available but you’re not ready to form your business immediately, New Mexico allows you to reserve the name for a limited period:

Access the Reservation Form: Visit the New Mexico Secretary of State business forms page
Complete the Name Reservation Request Form: Download and complete Form DNR (Domestic Name Reservation) or FNR (Foreign Name Reservation)
Submit Your Reservation: File online through the eFilings portal or mail the completed form to: New Mexico Secretary of State Business Services Division 325 Don Gaspar, Suite 300 Santa Fe, NM 87501
Pay the Fee: The current fee for name reservation in New Mexico is $20

Important New Mexico Note: Name reservations in New Mexico are valid for 120 days, which is longer than many other states that typically offer only 90 days. This reservation cannot be renewed after expiration.

What to Do After Your New Mexico Business Name Search

Once you’ve confirmed your business name availability, here are the next steps to form your business in New Mexico:

1. Secure Your Online Presence

Before proceeding with state registration, secure your online identity:

Register your domain name (ideally .com)
Reserve relevant social media handles
Check trademark databases through the USPTO

2. Choose Your Business Structure

Decide on the most appropriate business structure for your needs:

LLC: Offers liability protection with simpler management requirements
Corporation: Ideal for businesses planning to issue stock or seek significant investment
Sole Proprietorship: Simplest structure with no liability protection
Partnership: Suitable for multiple owners with shared management

3. Prepare and File Formation Documents

Depending on your chosen structure, prepare and file the appropriate documents:

For LLCs: Articles of Organization ($50 filing fee)
For Corporations: Articles of Incorporation ($100 filing fee)
For Nonprofit Corporations: Articles of Incorporation for Nonprofit ($25 filing fee)

All filings can be completed through the New Mexico Secretary of State eFilings portal.

4. Designate a Registered Agent

Every registered business in New Mexico must maintain a registered agent with a physical address in the state. This person or company receives legal documents and official state correspondence on behalf of your business.

You can:

Serve as your own registered agent (if you have a physical New Mexico address)
Designate another person in New Mexico
Hire a professional registered agent service

5. Obtain Required Licenses and Permits

After forming your business, you’ll need various licenses and permits depending on your industry and location:

New Mexico Business License: Required for most businesses, obtained through the Regulation and Licensing Department
Local Permits: Check with your city/county government for local requirements
Industry-Specific Licenses: Varies by profession (healthcare, food service, construction, etc.)
Tax Registration: Register with the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department

6. Create Operating Documents

Depending on your business structure, create internal governing documents:

LLC: Operating Agreement
Corporation: Bylaws, Shareholder Agreements
Partnership: Partnership Agreement

Alternative Methods for New Mexico Business Entity Searches

While the Secretary of State database is the most authoritative source, there are additional ways to research New Mexico businesses:

1. New Mexico Sunshine Portal

The New Mexico Sunshine Portal provides transparency into state government, including some business information and state contracts.

2. New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department

The NM Taxation and Revenue Department can provide information about businesses registered for state taxes.

3. County Clerk Records

For businesses operating under trade names (DBAs), check with individual county clerk offices where the business operates.

4. Industry-Specific Licensing Boards

For regulated professions, check licensing boards such as the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, which maintains separate databases for licensed professionals.

5. Business Anywhere Search Tool

Business Anywhere offers a convenient alternative search tool that can quickly check name availability across multiple states, including New Mexico. Our tool simplifies the process with:

One-click name availability checks
Business registration services
Free registered agent service for one year

New Mexico Business Entity Search FAQs

How much does it cost to search for a business in New Mexico?

Searching the New Mexico business database is completely free. The Secretary of State does not charge any fees to look up business information through their online portal.

How long does a name reservation last in New Mexico?

A business name reservation in New Mexico lasts for 120 days from the date of filing. The current fee for reserving a business name is $20. Unlike some states, New Mexico does not allow extensions of this reservation period.

What does “Administratively Dissolved” status mean in New Mexico?

“Administratively Dissolved” means the Secretary of State has dissolved the business for non-compliance, typically for failing to file annual reports or pay required fees. In New Mexico, businesses have two years to reinstate after administrative dissolution before potentially losing their name to new registrations.

Can I register a business name that’s similar but not identical to an existing one?

The New Mexico Secretary of State reviews name availability based on substantial similarity, not just exact matches. Names that are “deceptively similar” to existing businesses will be rejected. Generally, adding a location identifier (like “Albuquerque”) or a descriptive term may not be sufficient differentiation.

What are the specific naming requirements for businesses in New Mexico?

New Mexico has several naming requirements:

LLCs must contain “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.”
Corporations must include “Corporation,” “Incorporated,” “Company,” “Corp.,” “Inc.,” or “Co.”
Professional corporations must include “Professional Corporation” or “P.C.”
Cannot include words implying government affiliation without proper authorization
Certain restricted words (Bank, Trust, Engineering, etc.) require additional licensing proof

How can I find the owner of a New Mexico LLC?

Unlike some states, New Mexico does provide member/manager information for LLCs through their business search portal. However, some information may require purchasing specific filed documents. For the most current ownership information, you can:

What if my desired business name is taken in New Mexico?

If your preferred name is unavailable, you have several options:

Choose a more distinctive name with different key words
Use a different business identifier (LLC vs. Inc.)
Add geographic terms specific to your location within New Mexico
Consider a DBA (doing business as) name for marketing while registering under a different legal name
Form an anonymous LLC in New Mexico with a different name

How often is the New Mexico business entity database updated?

The New Mexico Secretary of State business database is updated in real-time as new filings are processed. New businesses typically appear in the system within 1-2 business days of successful registration.

Conclusion: Successfully Navigating the New Mexico Business Entity Search

Conducting a thorough New Mexico business entity search is a crucial first step in establishing your business. The process helps ensure legal compliance, protects your brand identity, and sets the foundation for your business success in the Land of Enchantment.

By following this comprehensive guide, you now have all the information needed to effectively search for business entities in New Mexico, understand the results, and take the appropriate next steps toward business formation.

Remember that while online searching is convenient, business formation involves important legal considerations. For complex situations or specific questions about your business structure, consulting with a business attorney familiar with New Mexico law is always recommended.

Ready to start your business in New Mexico? Sign up with Business Anywhere today and receive a free year of registered agent service with your business formation package. Our experienced team can handle all the paperwork and ensure your business is properly registered with the New Mexico Secretary of State.

Additional New Mexico Business Resources

Step-by-Step Guide to
Forming a New Mexico LLC

New Mexico LLC Starter Guide

A step-by-step guide to forming an LLC in New Mexico, covering all legal and operational requirements.

1. New Mexico Name Search

Learn how to check the availability of your desired LLC name and ensure compliance with New Mexico naming rules.

2. New Mexico Registered Agent

Understand the role of a registered agent and how to choose one for your New Mexico.

3. New Mexico Articles of Organization

Find out how to file the Certificate of Formation, the official document that establishes your LLC.

4. New Mexico Operating Agreement

Discover why an Operating Agreement is crucial for defining the structure and management of your LLC.

5. New Mexico EIN Number

Learn how to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for tax and banking purposes.

6. New Mexico Business License

Get information on the required business licenses and permits for operating legally in New Mexico.

7. New Mexico Certificate of Good Standing

Find out how to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing to prove your LLC is compliant and active.