So I went to reserve my business name with the state, thinking it would be a simple online form and a small fee. Turns out there's a whole separate process if you're a sole proprietor vs an LLC, and the site kept timing out. Anyone else find this way more confusing than it should be? I'm just trying to sell handmade candles, not decode government jargon.
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The name reservation process is different from what I expected
Oh yeah, the name reservation is a whole diffrent beast from actually registering the business. I spent two hours thinking I was done and then realized I’d only reserved a name that expires in 120 days. Fun times.
Wait, you can reserve a name without forming the entity? I just filed my articles and hoped for the best.
GrumpySquirrel yep, at least in my state. It’s like holding a parking spot but you still have to pay for the actual garage.
Have you checked if your county requires a separate fictitious name filing? That tripped me up when I opened my bakery. The state name reservation didn’t cover the DBA.
MidnightDiner oh great, another layer. No, I haven’t even looked at county stuff yet. I just wanted to make sure nobody else was using the name.
This is why I just went with a domain name and called it a day. If someone steals my business name, I’ll pivot to selling seashells by the seashore.
The name reservation portal is notoriously buggy in a lot of states. Try a different browsre or do it at like 2am. That’s the only way I got mine through.
Also, double-check the ‘entity type’ dropdown. I accidentally selected ‘corporation’ and it asked for a bunch of info I didn’t have. Almost gave up.
Honestly, I just called the secretary of state office. The person on the phone was surprisingly helpful and walked me through the exact steps. Way faster than the website.
CrimsonTide that’s a good tip. I spent 45 minutes on hold hut once I got someone they cleared up the sole prop vs LLC thing in two minutes.
The whole system is designed to make you pay a registered agent. I’m convinced.
Or a lawyer. I’m waiting for the day they add a ‘convenience fee’ for breathing.
Has anyone actually used a name reservation and then let it expire? I’m curious if they send a reminder or just silently release it.