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How to Change Your New York Business Name
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How to Get a New Business Name in New York
Your business’s name has an impactful first impression. It’s important to choose one that represents your brand and entices consumers. If your current business name isn’t getting the job done, you may need to change it.
Whether you have a limited liability company (LLC) or corporation, you need to file a Certificate of Amendment to change a business name in New York. Submitting this document to the Department of State is required by law and part of keeping your business legally compliant. With our Amendment Filing Service, we can change your business name for you! Let us take this task off your plate so you can get back to running your company.
In this article, we’ll explain how to change a business name in New York.
How to Get a New Business Name
Making a business name change in New York requires three simple steps.
1.) Choose a new business name
Your company’s new name must comply with New York’s business name rules. For both LLCs and corporations, a business name must:
- Be distinguishable from the names of both domestic and foreign entities registered with the state
- Include a word or abbreviation that shows the type of business (e.g., corporation, LLC, etc.)
- Not contain any word, phrase, or abbreviation that the law prohibits (e.g., board of trade, urban development, etc.)
Depending on the word or phrase, you may be able to get approval to use it in your business name.
To know if the name you want is distinguishable from other names and available, use our Business Name Checker.
2.) Gather information for filing your amendment
To complete a Certificate of Amendment for your LLC or corporation, you should have some information on hand. Here’s a list of the general business information you may need:
- The current business name
- Any previous business names
- The date of filing the formation documents (Articles of Organization or Certificate of Incorporation)
- The new business name
- Method of adopting the amendment (e.g., vote of the board of directors)
- The name and signature of an authorized person
The Department of State emphasizes that the business name and date of formation you provide on the certificate must exactly match their records. Your certificate also needs to include the appropriate filing fee.
3.) File your New York amendment
You must file the Certificate of Amendment with the New York Department of State, Division of Corporations. The paperwork can be sent via mail, or you can file online. All accompanying fees must be paid by cash, check, money order, or credit card.
If you want to make a business name change in New York, we can help. With our Amendment Filing Service, we’ll do the work for you.
After You Change Your Business Name
Once you change your business name, it’s essential to update any legal documents and marketing materials. This includes things like employment contracts and your company website.
We can help
Learning how to change a business name in New York isn’t difficult, but following the process does require some leg work. Let us take care of this for you with our Amendment Filing Service. If you’re in the beginning stages of starting a company, we can help you set up a New York LLC or corporation with our Formation Services. In just minutes, you can become an entrepreneur!
We also offer our Worry-Free Compliance Service to help keep your business running smoothly. We can store your business documents on a personalized dashboard and send reminders about upcoming filing deadlines. With all of our products, services, and resources, you can start your dream business today!
Disclaimer: The content on this page is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.
FAQs
- What's the difference between a doing-business-as (DBA) name and business name?
A business name is your company’s official, legal name on record with the state. A DBA name (also known as a fictitious, trade, or assumed name) is an alternative name that businesses typically use to market their products or services.
- Do I have to change my business name if I have a DBA name?
No, you can keep your business name and also have a DBA name. The whole purpose of a DBA name is so that you don’t have to change your business name.
- How do I register my business name in New York?
All business names are registered with the Department of State, Division of Corporations. If you’re just starting your company, you register the business name when you file your formation documents. If you’re changing the business name, you file a Certificate of Amendment. All filings must include a filing fee.
- How many amendments can I make to my business?
There’s no limit on the number of amendments you can make to your business. Just check that you’re using the correct form to make the amendment. For example, in New York, there’s a specific form just for making name changes.
New York Business Resources
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