Georgia Business Name Search

When you start your own business, you need a memorable and catchy business name to impress consumers. You will need to come up with a business name idea, and then you will need to register the name and check that it is available with a Georgia business name search. 

This process can be pretty tricky, but luckily, we have designed this guide to help you come up with a business name and register it and ensure your business is legitimate. Keep reading for all the information you need to create a business name and register it in your state, including the policies, price, and registration office contact details. You will have a snappy registered business name in no time!

Generate Business Name Ideas

How To Prepare Before You Search For Georgia Business Name Availability

To register your business with the state, you will need a business name first. Coming up with a business name can be difficult without the right resources. There are plenty of online resources, like the business name generator, that can help you find a business name suited to your specific business. When using the business name generator, there are some best practices to keep in mind to ensure your business name is memorable:

• Keep it punchy – keeping your business name limited to one or two words can make it easier for consumers to remember. If your business name is any longer, it could be a bit of a snooze-fest.

• Be original – when it comes to business names, the more authentic, the better. Try combining words to create a new and unique word for your business name, as consumers will be curious to find out what your business is about.

• Use alliteration – the business name generator has a rhyming function that can help you create an alliterative business name with two words. If your business name is alliterative, it will bring two words together and create a more cohesive business name that rolls off the tongue.

When using the business name generator, it’s best to have a few name ideas lined up before performing a Georgia business name search, as the name you like best may already be in use. Once you have your business name, the next step is to register it. Keep reading to learn how.

How To Search For An Available Georgia Business Name

You can perform your Georgia business name search using the Georgia Corporations Division website, a business search function. You can type in your proposed business name to see if there are any results. If another business uses the name you wish to use, it might be best to go back to the drawing board. 

Suppose you wish to check if there are any available domain names for your business name. In that case, there is a built-in domain name availability checker on the business name generator that can help you to streamline the process.

How To Register Your Georgia Business Name

If you register your business name, you must first perform a Georgia business name search to ensure the name isn’t taken. Once you have done this, you must also decide whether you want to register your business as an LLC or whether another structure would be better suited to your business identity.

Then, you should determine whether your business is a foreign or domestic entity. If your business is domestic, you first started it in the state of Georgia. Or, if you started it in another country, it would be foreign.

You must also select a registered agent for your business. This will be the person that is the recipient of any documentation or official communication regarding the business. The registered agent of your business must reside in Georgia.

Procedures And Policies For Registering Your Georgia Business Name

If you do not wish to register your business yet, but want to ensure that no other entity can use your business name, the Georgia Secretary of State allows you to reserve a business name so that your name is secured.

You can decide to register your business as an LLC, an LP, or another business structure. It is essential to be clear about which business structure you will be using to create your business, as there are different registration processes for each business structure.

If you’re registering an LLC, you will need to have some things ready for the process:

• The name of your LLC or a valid LLC name reservation number.
• The name and address of the person filing for the LLC business name.
• A valid personal or business email address.
• The principal office mailing address.
• Your registered agent’s name and address.
• Your business organizers’ names and addresses.
• The optional provisions you wish to add to your articles of organization.
• Payment can be via credit card, check cashier’s check, or money order.

Get these things together before you start the registration process, as being prepared will help to speed up the process.

Georgia Business Registration Office

To begin registering your business name, you’ll need to know the details of the Georgia Secretary Of State. Luckily, we have provided all the information you need below:

How To Register Your Business In The Georgia Online Portal

Registering your LLC with the Georgia Secretary of State can be done online, and the process is relatively straightforward. To begin, you will need to visit the online services page on the Georgia Secretary of State website. Then, you will need to create your user account.

Once your account is set up, you will need to select the ‘create or register a business’ button. You will need to select the type of business you would like to register, most likely a domestic LLC. 

If you have all the necessary information we covered earlier, filling out the registration forms with your business entity details should be relatively straightforward.

After filling out the registration forms, you must make a payment.

How Much Does It Cost To Register A Business Name In Georgia?

When you register a business name in Georgia, you must pay a registration fee. The usual registration fee costs $100. The Secretary of State will process your registration in 7 business days if you pay this amount.

Should you wish for your registration processed within 2 business days, this will cost you an additional $100. Or, if you want your registration processed on the same day, this will cost you an additional $250.

Why Should You Register A Business Name In Georgia?

Registering your business with the Georgia Secretary of State can help you to reduce your liability for any legal issues your business encounters. Additionally, if you register your business name, you can ensure no confusion because of other business entities holding the same name.

When you become a registered business in Georgia, you open yourself up to tax and investment benefits. If you have a registered business name and build a reputable brand, it will be much easier to receive loans from the capital. If you are not quite ready to register your business, it is always helpful to reserve the name to ensure another business doesn’t snap it up in the meantime. 

Support For Registering Your Business Name

If you are having difficulties with the registration process, you need to know where you can get assistance. Whether you’re having technical difficulties, have any queries, or struggle using the online portal, you can call the Georgia Secretary of State helpline to get some assistance.

Or, if your query isn’t urgent, you may prefer to use the email or chat function on their website. At the bottom of the page, email and chat functions will allow you to leave a message with your query.

If your query is urgent and you need help completing the form, you can call the Georgia Secretary of State support line at 1-800-436-7442.

Conclusion

When you register your business with the Georgia Secretary of State, you reduce your liability for any legal issues regarding the company. If you don’t register your business, you are more vulnerable to personal liability and could encounter some serious problems down the line.

By registering your business in this simple process, you can ensure your business is listed as a registered entity, which means there will be no confusion if another company wishes to hold the same name. Each state’s business registration rules are different, so check out the registration process for your specific state.