New Mexico Business Name Search (LLC lookup) – 2024 Guide

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LLC names
A unique business name is important for branding, but it’s easy to get lost in all the New Mexico business name rules.

This page will teach you how to look up your LLC name and make sure it’s available to use.

New Mexico LLC name

If you file your New Mexico LLC paperwork with a name that is already used by another New Mexico business entity – or that doesn’t meet the New Mexico name rules – your filing may be rejected.

The first step to checking if your LLC name passes is to make sure your name is not already taken by another business.

You can do this using the Business Entity Search. And you need to do this because two business entities in the state can’t have the same name or be too similar.

The second step is to make sure your LLC name follows the New Mexico Secretary of State’s rules, which we’ve broken down below.

How do I search the New Mexico business entity name database?

You can use the business entity search to search your business name against the existing business entities registered in New Mexico.

Note: This tool is sometimes called the New Mexico Business Name Search or the New Mexico Business Entity Search. They both refer to the same website and get you the same search records.

Visit the New Mexico Business Search page:

New Mexico Secretary of State: Business Search

It’s simple to use:

  1. Select “Contains” for the search type.
  2. Then enter your desired LLC name in the “Entity Name” field.
  3. Complete the captcha challenge and click Search.

Screenshot with instructions on how to use the New Mexico Business Entity Search

Why use “Contains”? If you select “Starts With” you might miss a similar name which adds a filler word. For example, if you searched “Gopher Guy” using the “Starts With” setting, you’d miss the existing business called The Gopher Guy Inc. You can’t name your company “Gopher Guy LLC” if The Gopher Guy Inc. already exists.

Search tips:

  • Leave out “LLC”, “L.L.C.”, “Limited Liability Company”, etc., when doing your searches.
  • Leave out any commas, periods, apostrophes, etc.
  • You can search using uppercase or lowercase letters.


How to interpret the New Mexico LLC search results

If the results show names that are not too similar to yours (meaning yours is distinguishable), then your Limited Liability Company name is available for use.

  • Let’s keep using the example above. If your desired name is Riverwalk Studios LLC, and the only similar names you saw were “Riverwalk Rentals” and “Riverwalk Studio Starters”, then your name should be available.
Screenshot of sample results from the New Mexico Business Entity Search
Example of New Mexico Business Entity Search results

If no results show up, that means your LLC name is unique and it should be available for use. To be safe, run your search again using only part of your LLC name (to double-check that there are no similar names).

  • For example, search just the word “Riverwalk” instead of Riverwalk Studios.

If your exact LLC name appears in the list of search records, your LLC name is not available for use because another New Mexico business entity is already using it.

If the results show a name that is very similar to yours, your LLC name may not be available for use.

  • If your desired name is Riverwalk Studios LLC, and the search results show a “Riverwalk Studio”, then your name is not available.

What if my desired LLC name isn’t available?

If your name is not unique, you’ll need to come up with a variation or a different name for your LLC.

Tip: Wait until your LLC is approved before you apply for your LLC EIN Number or purchase any other marketing materials. This way you don’t spend money on business supplies you can’t use because your business name isn’t available.

New Mexico Secretary of State Contact Information

You can call the New Mexico Secretary of State to ask questions about whether your LLC name is available.

Representatives at the New Mexico Secretary of State can help you use the New Mexico Business Name Search. They can’t guarantee that your LLC name will be available when you file, however.

Their phone number is 505-827-3600. Their hours are Monday through Friday, from 8am to 5pm Mountain Time.

New Mexico Limited Liability Company Name Requirements

As per Section 53-19-3 of the New Mexico LLC Act, there are a few rules and requirements for naming a New Mexico business entity that you need to know.

Do I have to use a comma in my LLC name?

No, you don’t have to. You can file your LLC name with or without a comma. Both versions are accepted by the Secretary of State.

For example: If your desired business name is Grandpa Joe’s, you can file it as:

  • Grandpa Joe’s LLC
  • Grandpa Joe’s, LLC

Or, instead of having “LLC” as your designator (ending), there are a few other options in New Mexico.

What designators (endings) can I use in my LLC name?

Your New Mexico LLC name must contain one of the following designators at the end:

  • LLC
  • L.L.C.
  • Limited Liability Co.
  • Limited Liability Company
  • LC
  • L.C.
  • Limited Company
  • Limited Co.
  • Ltd. Liability Co.
  • Ltd. Liability Company

The following designators are not allowed

Your New Mexico LLC can’t make itself sound like a New Mexico Corporation or any other business entity besides an LLC.

The following words and designators can’t be used anywhere in your LLC name:

  • Inc.
  • Corp.
  • Incorporated
  • Corporation

What words are not allowed in my New Mexico LLC name?

Your New Mexico LLC name can’t contain words and abbreviations that are restricted by law.

For example, you can’t make your LLC name sound like it’s a bank, part of the government or a government agency, or anything else that misleads the public.

You also can’t use words that are reserved for licensed professionals. These vary by state, but some common examples are accountants, architects, attorneys, dentists, and engineers.

Your New Mexico business name must be distinguishable (unique)

When you use the New Mexico Secretary of State Business Search, you will compare your desired LLC name to existing businesses in the state.

If your name is not unique, you’ll need to come up with a variation or a different business name.

Below are rules and examples of LLC names that are not distinguishable.

Designators

Differences in designators (endings) don’t create distinguishability.

If your desired LLC name is Yucca Flower Company LLC, it’s not available to use if any of the following are found in the New Mexico Business Name Search results:

  • Yucca Flower Company, Inc.
  • Yucca Flower Company, Corp.
  • Yucca Flower Company, L.L.C.

Filler Words

Adding non-meaningful or filler words (the, a, an, and, &, of, or) won’t create distinguishability.

If your desired LLC name is Turquoise Styles LLC, it’s not available to use if any of the following are found:

  • The Turquoise Styles LLC
  • A Turquoise Style Inc.
  • Turquoise and Style L.L.C.
  • Turquoise & Styles Corp

Plural or Singular Words and Possessive Words

Adding a letter “s” to make a word plural or possessive doesn’t create distinguishability.

If your desired LLC name is Pinto’s Balloons LLC, it’s not available to use if any of the following are found:

  • Pintos Balloons LLC
  • Pinto’s Balloon Inc.
  • Pintos Balloon, L.L.C.

Numerals or Spelled Out Numbers

Using numerals (like 5 or 101) instead of spelling out the number (like “five” or “one hundred and one”) doesn’t create distinguishability.

If your desired LLC name is 25 Pines LLC, it’s not available to use if any of the following are found:

  • Twenty-Five Pines LLC
  • Twenty 5 Pines Inc.

What if my New Mexico business name is rejected?

If you file your New Mexico Articles of Organization (the document that creates your New Mexico LLC) and the business name is not available, don’t panic. The state will notify you and tell you why your filing was rejected.

You will just need to file again with a variation of your LLC name or a different LLC name.

New Mexico Business Name FAQs

Do I need a name reservation in New Mexico?

No, a name reservation isn’t required to form an LLC in New Mexico. It’s an unnecessary step and a waste of money.

You can just file your LLC’s Articles of Organization with your desired LLC name.

Does New Mexico require LLC in the name?

Yes. Your New Mexico LLC name must contain one of the allowable designators at the end. The most commonly used designators are:

  • LLC
  • Limited Liability Company
  • Ltd. Liability Co.
Does my New Mexico LLC need a DBA?

No, you’re not required to file a DBA (“Doing Business As”) for your business entity in New Mexico.

A DBA lets your LLC conduct business under a name which is different from its true and legal name (the name on your Articles of Organization).

However, New Mexico doesn’t register DBAs at the state or county level. There are no forms to fill out or fees to pay.

How do I get a business domain name?

Once you’ve found a business name that you like, it’s a good idea to check if your domain name is available before forming your LLC.

You can search for available domain names with GoDaddy:

What does “distinguishability” mean?

Each business entity name must be “distinguishable upon the records” of the Secretary of State.

This means that no two businesses can operate with the same exact name. Said another way, if a business already exists with your desired LLC name, you can’t register your LLC with that name.

For example, let’s say you want to form an LLC called Pinon Pine Landscapers LLC. But there is already a business in another town called Pinon Pine Landscapers, Inc. Because your desired LLC name is the same as that existing New Mexico Corporation, it is not distinguishable. You can’t use it and must choose another name.

How do I come up with a business name?

Business names are important for branding and recognition. The name of your New Mexico LLC can be your company’s brand name, but it doesn’t have to be (please see the FAQ about DBAs above). Either way, picking a good LLC name is an important decision.

Here are some quick tips for coming up with business names:

  1. First, write down the features of your company and things that you want to be associated with.
  2. Then list out as many business names as you can think of. Don’t edit or analyze them. Just get as many names on the page as you can.
  3. Now go back and read through them. Write down any variations that come to mind.
  4. Next, set the list aside. Do something else, like go for a walk or get groceries, or sleep on it for the night. Then come back and review the list of names. As you go through it, write down additional ideas and variations.
  5. Read the whole list out loud. If you want, get input from friends, business partners, and family.
  6. Repeat the process: sleep on the ideas, write down new variations, read them out loud again.
  7. The best business name will often “rise off the page” and present itself. If it doesn’t, you can try this trick: Close your eyes and count to 10. When you get to 10, you must choose a name. When you open your eyes, force yourself to make a decision. Sometimes we know the best name deep in our subconscious, and this trick can help it come out. Trust yourself and go with what feels best.

For more tips, please see How to Choose a Business Name or check out TRUIC’s Business Name Generator.

Can I use the name of another New Mexico entity?

No. You can’t use the same name as another New Mexico business.

And it doesn’t matter what entity type it is – your LLC can’t have the same entity name as another corporation, LLC, or any other entity type.

You can’t use another business’s name even if the entity is in “suspended” status on the New Mexico Secretary of State website.

But if a business is “dissolved,” “withdrawn,” or “revoked,” they no longer have rights to that name. This means you can form an LLC with the same name.

How do I change my LLC name?

You can change your LLC’s name later by filing an Amendment form with the Secretary of State.

We have step-by-step instructions on how to change an LLC name in New Mexico.

How to start an LLC in New Mexico?

Here are the steps to starting an LLC in New Mexico:

  1. Choose an LLC name and make sure it’s available
  2. Choose who will be your New Mexico Registered Agent
  3. File the New Mexico LLC Articles of Organization
  4. Complete and sign an LLC Operating Agreement
  5. Get a Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS
  6. Open an LLC bank account
  7. Check whether you need a business or sales tax license in New Mexico

Matt Horwitz
Matt Horwitz
Matt Horwitz has been the leading expert on LLC education for the past decade. He founded LLC University in 2010 after realizing people needed simple and actionable instructions to start an LLC that other companies weren't offering. He's cited by Entrepreneur Magazine, Yahoo Finance, and the US Chamber of Commerce, and was featured by CNBC and InventRight.
 
Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.

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19 comments on “New Mexico Name Search”

Disclaimer: Nothing on this page shall be interpreted as legal or tax advice. Rules and regulations vary by location. They also change over time and are specific to your situation. Furthermore, this comment section is provided so people can share their thoughts and experience. Please consult a licensed professional if you have legal or tax questions.

  1. Hello Matt:

    I am interested to use New Mexico LLC’s to function as holding companies for several Real Estate properties that I own free-and-clear in Oregon. The goal is to protect privacy and also shield one property from the other as far as liability is concerned.

    Is this a feasible approach? And is your firm able to advise on the procedure for transferring property from personal ownership to the LLC?

    Thanks!

    Norm

    • Hi Norm, yes, this is a feasible approach and common among more sophisticated investors. You’ll form the Parent LLC first and then the Child LLCs. Regarding transferring title, you can work with a local title company or a real estate attorney. After title is transferred, you’ll also want to change insurance policies and utilities and anything else that was registered in your name. Hope that helps.

      • Thanks Matt!

        You mention Parent and Child LLCs.

        In the case of my question above, would these all (Parent and Children) be New Mexico LLCs?

        Norm

        • Hi Norm, I forget to specify. The Parent LLC would be in New Mexico and the Child LLC(s) would be formed  in the state where the property is located because that is where the Child LLCs will be doing business.

  2. Trying to find if it’s possible to register a “doing business as” (or tradename or whatever it’s called) in New Mexico.

    It seems not…can you confirm?

    • Hi Nick, you are correct. New Mexico doesn’t require the registration of DBA (Doing Business As) names. If your LLC wants to operate under a DBA in New Mexico, it simply can. However, you’ll want to disclose that, such as “ABC Company LLC dba ABC Shipping” and include that on your website and in any contracts or agreements.

    • It works while using a proxy/VPN. You should probably mention that in your article since many of your readers are non-resident aliens

      • Hi Nick, the link works and is up to date. You’ll need to use a VPN to access.

    • Hi Nick, great point! We just updated the page and added a “tip” right above the search link. Because of server caching, you may need to view the page in a private/incognito browser window to see the change. Thanks :)

  3. Matt first off love your site! I did a search for the name I want in the New Mexico llc search link you provided above. The name that I want says (Process of Appeal) next to it. Can I still get that name? I even punched it in on legal zoom: the (name that I wanted) and (New Mexico) and It says It’s Available (on legal zoom).
    Thanks buddy can’t wait to hear from you!

    • Hey Michael, thanks so much! You’ll want to stay away from names that are in the appeal process. That’s an open court case. Details on which… who knows. I also wouldn’t rely on any non-Secretary of State searches either. Hope that helps.

  4. Hi,

    Thanks for the lifesaving methods of streamlining this stuff for us!
    Question: I see we cannot use a PO box as a registered agent, however, if the location allows us to use a street address plus a number , such as 1234 elm street #12, city, state, zip, can we use it in this form as the registered agent?

    If yes, can we also use the same address for a separate mailing location on the same application?

    • Hi Virginia, you’re very welcome :) At this time, the New Mexico LLC Act (see section 53-19-5) is silent on the matter, as in most states. Many people use a street address of a mailbox rental. There are a handful of states which specifically don’t allow it, but again, most statutes are silent. Word on the street is that’s it’s okay in New Mexico, as New Mexico is a bit more progressive on its LLC stance. The address is fine to use as the mailing address, too. Hope that helps.

  5. if I have co. name as sole proprietor how do I change to llc and keep name? in new mexico.

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