Nebraska Secretary of State business entity search

How the Nebraska Corporate and Business Search works

The Corporate and Business Search is free and needs no login, but it asks you to pass a reCAPTCHA check first. You can search by name or by account number. Name searches offer options including name starts with, match all words, match any word, name sounds like and name exact match.

The search covers entities, trade names, trademarks and service marks. It does not decide whether a name can be used. Availability is checked by written request, sent by e-mail, fax or mail to the Secretary of State's office.

The state says it is anticipating a new business search and filing system, expected to be live before the end of 2026. Record batches in CSV format cost $15 per 1,000 records, according to the state's corporate and business page.

Name rules for a Nebraska LLC

Under Neb. Rev. Stat. 21-108, an LLC name must not be the same as, or deceptively similar to, a name in the Secretary of State's records. The same rule covers a reserved name.

The statute allows short forms. Limited may be written as Ltd., and company may be written as Co.

Words with extra restrictions in Nebraska

The name procedures list words with additional restrictions. They are Bank and its derivatives, Geologist, Trust and Olympic. They also include Engineer, Architect, Land Surveyor, Cooperative and Barber, along with their derivatives and abbreviations. The name procedures say additional restrictions apply to these words. Before you choose one, ask the Secretary of State's office what the restriction requires for your filing.

Reserving a Nebraska name and reporting after formation

An Application for Reserved Name costs $30. Under Neb. Rev. Stat. 21-109, a reserved name is held for the applicant's exclusive use for a 120-day period. The reservation is a separate application from the Certificate of Organization, with its own fee.

After formation, an LLC has a biennial report to file. A report filed late can lead to administrative dissolution or revocation, the state says.

Checking and claiming a name in Nebraska

1. Search the Corporate and Business Search by name with name starts with and name sounds like, so close spellings show up.
2. Review trade name and trademark results too, since the same search covers them.
3. Send a written request by e-mail, fax or mail to check the name. The state calls its check a courtesy and not a guarantee of acceptance.
4. Reserve the name for $30 if you need the 120 days. Then file the Certificate of Organization for $100 online or $110 in the office, using the LLC cost calculator to add up the rest.
5. If the state refuses the name, you may request a review in writing with the reasons you believe justify approval.