How to Conduct a Nebraska Secretary of State Business Search
Are you going to start a business in Nebraska? You need to check if your business name is available. Here is how to conduct a Nebraska SOS Business Search.
Why Business Searches Matter for New Entrepreneurs
Every Nebraska business name must differ from existing entities on file. If you submit documents with a name that is already taken, your filing will be rejected, and your business launch will be delayed. The Secretary of State reviews every proposed name against its entity database to avoid confusion and protect businesses from name infringement.
The search tool also shows details about current businesses in your industry, the status of potential partners or vendors, and whether dissolved entities have released names. You can claim the names of expired businesses that have not renewed.
Accessing the Nebraska Business Search Portal
The Nebraska Secretary of State offers free public business database access at sos.nebraska.gov. Go to "Business Services" and click "Search for a Business" to access the portal. The system operates 24/7, except during scheduled maintenance periods.
The search interface provides several search methods. You can search by exact business name, keywords, phonetic similarities, or partial name strings. Each option suits different needs based on what information you have.
Search Methods and Techniques
Name-Based Searches
The "Name Exact Match" option requires you to enter the complete business name as registered with the state. This method works best when you know the entity's precise legal name.
Use "Name Starts With" to see all businesses whose names begin with your input. This shows similar names that could conflict with your business name.
Use "Name Sounds Like" to find businesses with names pronounced similarly, regardless of spelling. This helps you find names that sound the same and could cause confusion.
Use "Name Keyword" to find any business containing your search terms. This is helpful when you only know part of a business name or want to identify competitors.
Account Number Searches
Every Nebraska business receives a unique account number upon registration. The fastest way to find exact information on any entity is to search for this number. You can find it in the Secretary of State correspondence and certificates of good standing. This search eliminates confusion caused by similar names and provides precise results instantly.
Understanding the Search Results
The results page lists each entity, including its legal name, account number, type (LLC, corporation, or partnership), and status. The status indicates whether the registration is active or if the business has been dissolved, withdrawn, or is inactive due to non-compliance with the relevant regulations.
Click "Details" for a full profile, including office address, registered agent, business type, formation date, and filing history. Corporate records typically show authorized shares and par value; LLCs, on the other hand, display their management structure and term duration as needed.
Name Availability and Reservation Process
If your business name isn't an exact match in the search, it still might be unavailable. To obtain an official response, submit a written request to the Secretary of State. You can send your request by email, fax, or mail. Only the Secretary of State can confirm if a name meets requirements.
Nebraska applies name rules stricter than exact matches. Names that only differ by designator or spelling may still be rejected. The state also prohibits names that could mislead the public or appear to be affiliated with government agencies.
Once you have name approval, you can reserve it for 120 days by filing a name reservation form. Pay the $30 fee to hold the name. Name reservations can't be renewed, so file your formation documents within 120 days to keep the name.
Special Naming Considerations
Certain words in your business name, like "bank," "insurance," "trust," or "credit union," need approval from regulatory agencies before the Secretary of State will file your documents. Professional service corporations must use designators like "P.C." or "Professional Corporation."
Foreign businesses must follow different naming rules in the state of Nebraska. If a name is already taken, you must use a fictitious name. Use the search tool to spot conflicts before registering as a foreign business.
Common Search Problems and Solutions
The search system ignores special characters and punctuation. Remove symbols like apostrophes and ampersands for better results. Try searching both "and" and "&."
Case doesn't matter, but spacing does. "SmithEnterprises" and "Smith Enterprises" give different results. Try multiple spacing options for best results.
Additional Research Steps
The Secretary of State's database is only for Nebraska-level registrations. You should also check the United States Patent and Trademark Office for federal trademarks that might conflict with your name, as a Nebraska-available name may not be usable in commerce if a federal trademark exists.
Check with local city and county clerks about separate business licenses or fictitious name registrations. Regulations vary by municipality. Some cities and counties maintain their own business name databases, which are separate from the state's system.
Next Steps After Your Search
Once you have finished your business search, you can begin forming your business. Confirm your name with the Secretary of State, then file the necessary documents to secure your name. Filings are processed in the order they are received, so delays can result in losing your chosen name.
Download formation documents for your entity type from the Secretary of State's website. Each document includes instructions and fee schedules. Most businesses can file online in two to three business days. For example, an LLC costs $100 online or $110 by mail. Nebraska offers free expedited processing for in-person filings, but not for online or mail submissions.
Contact Information for Assistance
Call the Nebraska Secretary of State's Business Services Division at (402) 471-2554 for general help or (402) 471-4079 for corporate questions. Office hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time, Monday through Friday, except state holidays. Mail written questions to P.O. Box 94608, Lincoln, NE 68509-4608.
For in-person help, visit 1201 N Street, Suite 120, Lincoln, NE 68508. Staff can assist with searches, explain name rules, and guide you through the formation process. They do not provide legal advice, but will clarify requirements and direct you to the proper resources. In-person filing includes free expedited processing.