For those looking to become their own boss, starting a business in Idaho might seem like an attractive option. However, to ensure that you aren’t going to get hidden, you need to create a good brand, niche, product/service, and ensure you’re unique. One of the biggest challenges is making sure your name is unique, which can be done with an Idaho Business Name Search.

In this article, we will detail how you can complete an Idaho business name search and why you should start a business in Idaho.

Idaho Business Name Search

Why Start a Business in Idaho?

There are numerous reasons why you might want to start a business in Idaho. The state is known to be very business-friendly, with low taxes, limited regulations, and efficient and reliable infrastructure.

There is lots of access to great markets on the major rail lines, access to key seaports, and lots of access to major air hubs.

The state also boasts an active community of support services for businesses and their owners. Allowing those who want to start a business in the state the information, tools, and resources they need to make a good start in their business. The state is also very welcoming to those businesses already established, but want to locate a satellite operation or new office in the state or want to relocate their entire business.

Idaho Business Name Search

Details for the State Business Office

Every state has an official department to handle the requests, tax, and other regulations of businesses within their boundaries. If you need to contact them, you can use these details.

Website https://sos.idaho.gov/
Phone (208) 334-2301
Email [email protected]
Hours 8 am – 5 pm, Monday – Friday

Idaho Business Name Search

Why Complete an Idaho Business Name Search

For many, it is confusing why you would need to complete a business name search. However, the reason for the need is that you can’t, in many cases, create a name that is already in use, not that you would want to anyway.

If a business name is already in existence and registered with the state, then you can get taken to court or shut down if you use it.

In addition, a name that is too similar to another business can lead to customer confusion. So many of your potential customers might end up going to the other brand. If they’re established, then the SEO rank is going to be better, therefore, you will lose out as Google prefers more established brands. It is very rare for a new brand to outrank an established brand.

Another problem is that if the existing brand has a bad reputation with audiences, you don’t want to be associated with that, as it could ruin your business.

How to Check Business Name Availability and Register an Idaho Business Name

There are several steps to checking business name availability in the state and then registering your Idaho business name. In this section, we look at the steps required for this to happen.

Step 1 – Potential Names for your Business

The first thing that you need to do is to come up with a list of potential names that you would like to use for your business. While some people go into this part of the process with just one or two names, it is important to remember that these might be taken, especially if they are rather generic.

We recommend having between ten and twenty potential names that you would like to use.

When generating potential business names, you need to think about what you offer that other brands cannot offer. At the same time, you can use a business name generator to help you build a more effective list of potential names. Remember that a business name generator won’t be able to check whether the names have been taken or not, but they will be able to give hundreds of options where you can choose your favorite selection for future checking.

Step 2 – Check Business Name Availability in an Idaho Business Name Search

Now you need to take your list of shortlisted names and check that they’re not being used by another brand. You start this process by going to the Secretary of State’s website and you can find their business search page.

Enter your potential business name and it will provide you with a list of businesses that have the same or similar names. They will also tell you whether the business is currently active, dissolved, or inactive.

Those names from businesses that are dissolved might be available, however, there is always the risk that their reputation and consumer perception will be transferred to you.

In addition to this check, it is advisable that you run several key searches on Google, social media, and domain searches. Just because the state doesn’t have the name, doesn’t mean that someone isn’t already using it.

Idaho Business Name Search

Step 3 – Register an Idaho Business Name

Now you need to register an Idaho business name to prevent it from being taken by another person. This is a relatively simple process that you can do through the secretary of state’s website. Be sure that you’ve read all policies and procedures before submitting your name.

In addition, it is highly recommended that you register your business’ domain name while you’re registering your business name. The last thing that you want is for someone to see your name is registered with the state and then take your domain to charge you a higher price to get access to that domain, which is a common tactic.

Need Help Registering an Idaho Business Name?

If you need help with the registration process, you can contact Bizee or ZenBusiness. They can help with the business name search as well as the registration process. Not only do they cover Idaho, but they also cover every state in the US at a relatively cost-effective price.

Idaho Business Name Search

Final Word: Idaho Business Name Search

An Idaho business name search is the first step to starting your business in a very business-friendly state. This step is the first of many to ensure that your business can be profitable and successful in the future. And there is support from lots of organizations and businesses that can ensure you have everything you need to achieve the success you dream of.

FAQs
Idaho is known as one of the most business-friendly states. It has the tools, resources, and support to ensure businesses can achieve great success. And it is also very tax-friendly and has links across the world.
Technically you don’t need to complete a business name search, there is no legal obligation. However, it helps to prevent using a name that is already registered and therefore, not legally allowed to be used.
Technically these can be done at the same time. Registering a domain takes less than a couple of minutes and registering a business does take longer, but once the registration is in, you have the priority of the name as long as someone else doesn’t have it first.
The Idaho business name search takes just a few seconds to complete. You just need to complete the process a few times for all the names on your list.
Searching for a business name in Idaho is free. You can do as many business name searches as you would like as well.
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