# North Dakota business search

Source: https://joinopenfile.com/business-search/north-dakota
Index: https://joinopenfile.com/llms.txt

North Dakota's official business search is FirstStop Business Search, run by the North Dakota Secretary of State. It's free, and you can search by name or file number.

[Search North Dakota records](https://firststop.sos.nd.gov/search/business)

## How to check if a name is taken in North Dakota

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 North Dakota

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

## Once the name is clear

North Dakota charges $135 to form an LLC and $100 to form a corporation. See [how to start an LLC in North Dakota](https://joinopenfile.com/llc/north-dakota), or a [North Dakota DBA](https://joinopenfile.com/dba/north-dakota) if you only need a trade name.

## North Dakota business search questions

Is the North Dakota business search free?

Yes. The North Dakota Secretary of State doesn't charge to search its records.

Does searching reserve a name in North Dakota?

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 North Dakota LLC?

The record shows what North Dakota 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 North Dakota LLC](https://joinopenfile.com/start?state=ND&entity=llc&pkg=basic)