New Hampshire lesson 1 of 6
Name your New Hampshire LLC
NH QuickStart checks name availability automatically when you start a filing, but confirming the name is free and clear before you begin saves you from re-entering the whole application.
Required wording
A New Hampshire LLC name must contain the words limited liability company, or the abbreviation L.L.C. or LLC. A professional LLC organized under RSA 304-D instead uses professional limited liability company or PLLC.
- Acceptable: Granite State Fabrication LLC, Granite State Fabrication L.L.C.
- The name must be distinguishable from every other business name already on file with the Secretary of State
- Certain words implying a bank, insurance company or government affiliation need separate approval before use
Checking availability and reserving a name
Use the Secretary of State's business name lookup, linked from NH QuickStart, before you start your formation filing. New Hampshire law also allows you to reserve the exclusive right to a name with the Secretary of State ahead of filing your Certificate of Formation.
Check NH QuickStart's current fee schedule for the exact reservation fee and reservation period at the time you file, since QuickStart's fee page is the authoritative source and is updated directly by the Secretary of State.
If you plan to do business under a name different from your LLC's legal name, that is a trade name, registered separately with the Secretary of State rather than assumed automatically.
🇺🇸 Check United States company name availability
Search the official United States state registry before you file. Opens the government portal in a new tab.
Tip: also confirm the .com domain and matching social handles are free before you commit.
Key takeaways
- End the name with LLC, L.L.C., or PLLC for a professional LLC.
- Search the Secretary of State's business name database before starting your NH QuickStart filing.
- A name reservation is available if you are not ready to file immediately.
Official sources
Or let us file your New Hampshire LLC for you
Everything above is yours to use for free. If you would rather hand it over, we prepare and file the Certificate of Formation, act as your registered agent, and track your ongoing deadlines.
Last reviewed: September 2026 - reviewed by Gullia Filing Legal & Formation Team