Quick Answer
To run a New Jersey business entity search, use the official Business Entity Name Search portal managed by the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. You can search by business name, keyword, or entity ID. For name availability checks, input your proposed name into the query box, select your preferred lookup method, and review the matching registered names to check for potential conflicts. New Jersey LLCs must file an annual report by the last day of their anniversary month of formation, carrying a state filing fee of $75.
How to Search New Jersey Business Entity Records
New Jersey business registrations are administered by the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (DORES). The division provides a free name search portal to check name availability and search public records for registered business entities.
Access the New Jersey Business Entity Search
Go to the official New Jersey Business Entity Name Search page to begin.
Select a Search Pathway
The portal features two main sections depending on your goals: use Search Registered Businesses on the left for general queries, or use Search for Available Names on the right to check if a specific name is available for registration. Click on Business Name or Business Name Availability to open the corresponding search form.
Define Your Search Criteria
Enter the name of your target business into the Business Name search criteria text box. You can use the percent sign (%) as a wildcard to represent unknown characters in the name. Once you have entered the criteria, click the Search button.
Review the Search Results
The system displays results in a five-column table. You can sort the data in each column in either ascending or descending order by clicking the arrows in the column headings:
- Business Name
- Entity ID
- City
- Type
- Incorporated Date
If the search results return no matches for New Jersey, your desired business name is likely available. If it is available, you can proceed with the formation of your company under this name.
If the search results return no matches for New Jersey, your desired business name is likely available. If it is available, you can proceed with the formation of your company under this name.
How to Interpret New Jersey Results
A New Jersey business search helps you verify registration details or determine name availability:
- Active: The business is registered and in good standing with the state, holding the exclusive right to use its name.
- Inactive / Dissolved / Voided: The business registration has ended, typically due to voluntary dissolution or administrative termination for failing to file annual reports. These names may eventually become available for registration depending on hold periods.
- Name Availability & Distinguishability: New Jersey law requires a proposed business name to be distinguishable from all other active registered names, including LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and reserved names. Spacing, punctuation, capitalization, and entity designators (like LLC, L.L.C., Inc., or Corp.) are ignored when determining distinguishability.
New Jersey Business Name and Filing Notes
Review the following compliance requirements, costs, and guidelines for New Jersey business registrations:
- LLC Filing Fees: Filing the Certificate of Formation online for a domestic New Jersey LLC costs $125.
- Name Reservation: You can reserve a business name for 120 days by filing an Application for Reservation of Name. The fee is $50.
- Annual Reports: Every domestic and foreign New Jersey LLC must file an annual report online each year. The report is due by the last day of the anniversary month of formation. The filing fee is $75.
- Foreign LLCs: To register an out-of-state LLC to do business in New Jersey, the initial filing fee is $125.
Common Mistakes
- Searching Only for the Exact Proposed Name: Always run broad searches using just the core keyword of your proposed name. If you only search for the exact phrase, you might miss closely matching active names that the state will reject as indistinguishable.
- Including LLC Suffixes in Search Queries: Do not type designators like “LLC” or “L.L.C.” into the search form. The system ignores suffixes, and adding them can restrict results or return false matches.
- Missing the Annual Report Renewal Deadline: New Jersey LLCs must file annual reports by the end of their anniversary month. Failing to file for two consecutive years will lead to administrative revocation of the LLC’s charter and loss of name protection.
- Assuming Availability Equals Official Approval: A search showing no matching results is a preliminary indicator of availability, but only the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services can officially approve your name when they process your filing.