What is an Application for Reservation of Corporate Name?

Whether you are a small business owner or heading a corporate start-up, there are several important steps required to formally register your business with the state and government agencies. One of the first steps in establishing your business is to determine whether the selected name of the corporation currently is being used by another corporation and available for reservation and use.

Before completing the Application for Reservation of Corporate Name, it is important to carefully consider the name of your corporation. The selected corporate name cannot be similar to another corporation name. Also keep in mind you will be required to attach “Corporation”, “Company” or “Incorporated” into your corporate name. If you establish a limited liability corporation / company or partnership, the corporate name would designate as such, i.e. LLC or LLP.

The Application for Reservation of Corporate Name is a written document specifying the desire of the corporation to reserve a corporate name. This document is filed with the Secretary of State for the purpose of determining if the requested corporate name is available.

The Application for Reservation of Corporate Name document will typically specify the following:

• Secretary of State where the corporation wishes to register the corporate name.
• Address of the Secretary of State.
• Desired corporate name.
• Additional desired corporate names (second and third choices should the first choice be unavailable).
• Date filed.
• Signature of requestor(s).

You should receive written notification from the Secretary of State as to the availability of the corporate name. If any of the corporate names are available, they will be held for a period of 120 days.

You should follow the Application for Reservation of Corporate Name with Articles of Incorporation.

Article by Melissa A. Tyson
Melissa Tyson is a freelance writer from northern Alabama.
Melissa can be reached at melissa@melissatyson.com