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New Jersey · Name search and rules

New Jersey LLC name search

How to check if your name is free in New Jersey, the words you must use, the words you can't, and how to hold a name while you prepare.

Last verified 2026-11-01 against official New Jersey sources

Short answer: Must contain an LLC designator. Restricted words universally include regulated industry terms such as bank, trust, insurance, and university, which require additional agency approval.

We've pulled these figures from the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (DORES)'s own pages. If something's changed since our last check, the state's portal wins, so it's worth a quick look before you pay.

New Jersey naming rules

Must contain an LLC designator. Restricted words universally include regulated industry terms such as bank, trust, insurance, and university, which require additional agency approval.

Open the official New Jersey name search

Reserving a name

New Jersey lets you reserve a name for $50, which holds it for Not specified.

Doing business under another name

New Jersey DBAs are filed with: state. Fee: $50.

How New Jersey compares

New Jersey's name reservation fee is $50. That's the 7th highest of 50 jurisdictions we track. The national median is $25, so New Jersey runs $25 above it.

New Jersey and nearby states, name reservation fee. See all 50 jurisdictions.
StateFeeNational rank (1 = highest)
New Jersey$507 of 50
Connecticut$604 of 50
Maryland$2518 of 50
New York$2033 of 50
Pennsylvania$703 of 50
Delaware$752 of 50

New Jersey fees that apply here

Source: New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (DORES), checked November 1, 2026.
FilingState feeNotes
Public Records Filing for New Business Entity (Certificate of Formation)$100Flat $100 for both online and paper submissions (reduced from $125 effective July 1, 2026).
Name reservation (optional)$50Not specified
Amendment$100
DBA / assumed name$50state

Name search and rules: New Jersey questions

How do I check if an LLC name is available in New Jersey?

Use the official New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (DORES) business search. A name that's distinguishable from existing records can usually be registered.

What words must a New Jersey LLC name include?

Must contain an LLC designator. Restricted words universally include regulated industry terms such as bank, trust, insurance, and university, which require additional agency approval.

Can I reserve an LLC name in New Jersey?

Yes. Reservation costs $50 and holds the name for Not specified.

Do I need a DBA in New Jersey?

Only if you'll do business under a name other than your exact LLC name. DBAs are filed with: state. Fee: $50.

Sources and verification

Last checked against official state sources on . States change fees with little notice, so confirm on the filing portal before you pay. How we verify.

Still being confirmed with the state: name reservation.duration.