# New York business search

Source: https://joinopenfile.com/business-search/new-york
Index: https://joinopenfile.com/llms.txt

New York's official business search is Corporation and Business Entity Database, run by the New York Department of State, Division of Corporations. It's free, and you can search by name or file number.

[Search New York records](https://apps.dos.ny.gov/publicInquiry/)

## How to check if a name is taken in New York

1. Type the main words of the name into the search. Leave off endings like LLC or Inc.
2. Look for exact matches and close ones. States usually refuse a name that only differs by punctuation, spacing or the ending.
3. If nothing close comes up, run a [free trademark search](https://joinopenfile.com/trademark-search). A state accepting your name doesn't give you the right to use it as a brand.

## LLC name endings in New York

An LLC's name has to end with one of these: LLC, L.L.C., Limited Liability Company.

## Once the name is clear

New York charges $200 to form an LLC and $125 to form a corporation. See [how to start an LLC in New York](https://joinopenfile.com/llc/new-york), or a [New York DBA](https://joinopenfile.com/dba/new-york) if you only need a trade name.

## New York business search questions

Is the New York business search free?

Yes. The New York Department of State, Division of Corporations doesn't charge to search its records.

Does searching reserve a name in New York?

No. A search only shows what's on record today. The name is yours once your filing is accepted, and most states also let you pay to hold a name for a set time.

Can I see who owns a New York LLC?

The record shows what New York requires a company to file, which is often its registered agent and sometimes its managers or members. Many states don't list owners at all.

[Start my New York LLC](https://joinopenfile.com/start?state=NY&entity=llc&pkg=basic)