North Dakota Name Reservation Requirements
North Dakota allows businesses to reserve entity names for 12 months before formation through the Secretary of State's office. The name reservation process uses form SFN 13015 and applies to corporations, limited liability companies, and entities organized under North Dakota's Corporate or Limited Liability Company Farming Act.
Name reservations serve as a placeholder while preparing formation documents or coordinating multi-state entity establishment. The reservation prevents other entities from using the same name during the hold period but does not authorize business operations or establish the legal entity.
Before submitting a reservation application, verify name availability through North Dakota's FirstStop Portal Business Search. The Secretary of State makes the final determination on name availability based on distinguishable name standards outlined in North Dakota Administrative Code chapter 72-03-02.
SFN 13015 Form Completion Steps
Form SFN 13015 requires specific information about the proposed entity and the applicant. Complete all sections accurately to avoid processing delays or rejections.
Entity type selection: Check the appropriate box indicating whether the entity will be organized under North Dakota laws, qualified as a foreign entity, or established under the Farming Act provisions.
Name information: Enter the exact proposed name as it should appear in official records. The name must comply with North Dakota naming requirements for the selected entity type, including appropriate designators such as "Corporation," "LLC," or "Limited Liability Company."
Applicant details: Provide the name, complete mailing address, and telephone number of the person or organization requesting the reservation. This information becomes part of the public record and will be used for official correspondence.
Signature and date: Sign and date the form. Electronic signatures are not accepted for mailed submissions, requiring original ink signatures on paper forms.
Submission Methods and Processing Times
North Dakota accepts name reservation applications through mail and fax submission methods. The filing fee is $10, payable to the North Dakota Secretary of State.
Mail submission: Send completed form SFN 13015 with payment to Secretary of State, 600 E Boulevard Ave, Dept 108, Bismarck, ND 58505-0500. Include a check or money order for the filing fee.
Fax submission: Fax the completed form to (701) 328-2992. When submitting by fax, provide credit card information for payment processing or follow up with mailed payment as directed by the Secretary of State's office.
Processing typically takes up to four weeks from receipt of the complete application. The 12-month reservation period begins after approval, not from the submission date. Contact the Secretary of State at (701) 328-2900 for status updates on pending applications.
Reservation Duration and Renewals
Initial name reservations remain valid for 12 months from the approval date. The reservation period provides sufficient time to prepare and file formation documents or complete qualification procedures for foreign entities.
Renewal process: Extend reservations for successive 12-month periods by filing a new SFN 13015 form with the $10 renewal fee before the current reservation expires. There is no limit on the number of renewals, allowing long-term name protection for complex formation projects.
Amendments and cancellations: Modify reservation details or cancel reservations early by filing appropriate forms with a $10 processing fee. Amendments may be necessary to correct applicant information or adjust the reserved name spelling.
Reservations automatically expire at the end of the 12-month period if not renewed. Expired reservations cannot be reinstated, requiring a new application if name protection is still needed.
Name Availability Verification Process
Conduct thorough name availability research before submitting reservation applications to avoid conflicts with existing entities. North Dakota maintains searchable databases through the FirstStop Portal for business entities and trademark records.
Business entity search: Use the Secretary of State's online database to search existing corporations, LLCs, and other registered entities. Search variations of the proposed name, including different designators and abbreviations.
Trademark considerations: Check North Dakota's trademark database for registered marks that might conflict with the proposed entity name. Federal trademark searches may also be necessary for comprehensive clearance.
Conflicting names: If a similar name exists, obtain written consent from the existing entity owner using the Consent to Use Business Name form, along with a $10 filing fee. Alternatively, secure a court judgment authorizing use of the similar name.
Professional verification workflows benefit from accessing multiple state databases efficiently. Platforms like Proof of Good Standing provide streamlined access to North Dakota's records alongside other state databases, supporting comprehensive name clearance across jurisdictions.
Integration with Entity Formation Workflows
Name reservations integrate with broader entity formation and compliance processes, particularly for multi-state business establishment. Understanding how reservations fit into formation timelines helps coordinate legal and operational requirements.
Formation coordination: Reserve names early in the formation process to secure preferred naming while preparing Articles of Organization or Incorporation. The 12-month window accommodates complex formation projects involving multiple advisors or regulatory approvals.
Multi-state considerations: When establishing entities in multiple states, coordinate name reservations to ensure consistent naming across jurisdictions. Some states may have different availability or naming requirements that affect the overall naming strategy.
Compliance integration: Name reservations create public records that appear in Secretary of State databases. Lenders and compliance teams conducting entity verification should account for reserved names when assessing business relationships and entity status. Review common entity status labels to understand how reservations appear in official records.
Verify current form requirements, fees, and processing procedures on the official North Dakota Secretary of State website at firststop.sos.nd.gov, as administrative details may change. The Secretary of State's office provides additional guidance for complex naming situations or multi-entity formation projects.