--- title: Common Naming Rules for Formations & Foreign Qualifications description: Common Naming Rules for Formations & Foreign Qualifications image: https://resources.clasinfo.com/hubfs/Clasinfo-Jan2017/Images/Blog-Banner.png --- [![CLAS Information Services](https://resources.clasinfo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Clasinfo-Jan2017/Images/CLAS-WW-LOGOW-e1453408877443.png?width=400&height=103&name=CLAS-WW-LOGOW-e1453408877443.png "CLAS Information Services")](http://clasinfo.com/) - [Place Order](https://cip.clasinfo.com/order) - [Log In](https://cip.clasinfo.com/) (800) 952-5696 - [Our Clients](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-clients/) - [Solutions for Corporations](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-clients/corporations/) - [Solutions for Financial Institutions](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-clients/solutions-for-financial-institutions/) - [Solutions for Legal Professionals](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-clients/solutions-for-legal-professionals/) - [Solutions for Entrepreneurs](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-clients/solutions-for-entrepreneurs/) - [Our Services](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/) - [Corporate Services](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/) - [Name Availability/Reservation](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#CorpFilings) - [Entity Formation/Qualification](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#CorpFilings) - [Amendment/Merger/Conversion](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#CorpFilings) - [Annual/Biennial Report](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#CorpFilings) - [Annual Report Management](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#AnnualReport) - [Entity Revivor](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/) - [Dissolution/Withdrawal](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#CorpResearch) - [Fictitious Business Name](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#CorpResearch) - [Trademark/Service Mark](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#CorpResearch) - [Apostille/Legalization/Authentication](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#InternationalCorp) - [Good Standing/Status Certificate](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#CorpResearch) - [Corporate Document Retrieval](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#CorpResearch) - [Tax Status](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#CorpResearch) - [Corporate and LLC Kits/Minute Books](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#BussManagement) - [Annual Corporate Minutes](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#BussManagement) - Call for Additional Services - [UCC, Lien & Litigation Services](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/ucc-lien-litigation-services/) - [State Level UCC and Lien Search](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/ucc-lien-litigation-services/#UCCLien) - [Online DIY Search System](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/ucc-lien-litigation-services/#UCCLien) - [UCC Filing](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/ucc-lien-litigation-services/#UCCFiling) - [Online UCC eZFILE System](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/ucc-lien-litigation-services/#UCCeZFILE) - [Patriot Act Search](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/ucc-lien-litigation-services/#OnlineDIY) - [Fixture Filing Search](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/ucc-lien-litigation-services/#UCCLien) - [Federal/State Tax Lien & Judgment Search](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/ucc-lien-litigation-services/#UCCLien) - [State Court Search/Retrieval](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/ucc-lien-litigation-services/#UCCLien) - [U.S. District Court Search/Retrieval](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/ucc-lien-litigation-services/#UCCLien) - [U.S. Bankruptcy Court Search/Retrieval](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/ucc-lien-litigation-services/#UCCLien) - [Call for Additional Services](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/ucc-lien-litigation-services/#UCCLien) - [Registered Agent Services](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/registered-agent-services/) - [Registered Agent Representation](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/registered-agent-services/) - [Service of Process](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/registered-agent-services/) - [Free Change of Agent](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/registered-agent-services/) - [Entity Monitoring](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/registered-agent-services/) - [Online Client Services Portal](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/registered-agent-services/) - [Independent Director/Manger](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/registered-agent-services/) - [Springing Director/Manager](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/registered-agent-services/) - [Contract Agency Appointment](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/registered-agent-services/) - [Special Representation](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/registered-agent-services/) - Call for Additional Services - [Real Property Services](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/real-property-services/) - [Ownership and Encumbrance Report](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/real-property-services/#RealProperty) - [Chain of Title Research](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/real-property-services/#RealProperty) - [Open Mortgage Search](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/real-property-services/#RealProperty) - [Owner Verification](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/real-property-services/#RealProperty) - [Environmental Lien Search](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/real-property-services/#RealProperty) - [Deed Retrieval](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/real-property-services/#RealProperty) - [Document Recording and Publishing](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/real-property-services/#DocumentRecording) - Call for Additional Services - [International Corporate Services](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#InternationalCorp) - [International/Offshore Formation](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#InternationalCorp) - [Registered Office](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#InternationalCorp) - [Company Secretarial Services](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#InternationalCorp) - [Company Information Reports](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#InternationalCorp) - [Our Technology](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-technology/) - [CLAS InfoPro™](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/index.php/our-technology/#cip) - [DIY Search System™](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/index.php/our-technology/#diy) - [Online Patriot Act Search](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/index.php/our-technology/#ofac) - [UCC eZFILE® System](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/index.php/our-technology/#ezfile) - [Resources](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/clas-blog/) - [CLASNotes Blog](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/clas-blog/) - [Webinar Schedule](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/webinar-schedule/) - [Frequently Asked Questions](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/frequently-asked-questions/) - [Glossary of Terms](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/glossary-of-terms/) - [State Links and Corporate Forms](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/corporate-forms/) - [UCC Forms and Instructions](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/ucc-forms-and-instructions/) - [California SOS Dates](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/california-sos-working-on-dates/) - [Delaware SOS Dates](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/delaware-doc-dates-2/) - [About](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/about/) - [Why Choose CLAS?](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/about/#why) - [Our CEO](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/about/#ceo) - [Our Philosophy](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/about/#philosophy) - [Our Management Team](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/about/#management) - CLAS Holiday Schedule - [Contact](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/contact/) # Common Naming Rules for Formations & Foreign Qualifications - [Home](http://clasinfo.com/) - Common Naming Rules for Formations & Foreign Qualifications ![Blog-Banner.png](https://resources.clasinfo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Clasinfo-Jan2017/Images/Blog-Banner.png?width=960&name=Blog-Banner.png "Blog-Banner.png") Posted on June 28, 2016 by [Kacy Flowers](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/author/kacy-flowers) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![Corporate Qualification Filings](https://resources.clasinfo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Banners/19.png?width=838&height=350&name=19.png) When a formation or foreign qualification document is submitted for filing, the filing office will perform a thorough review of the document before accepting it into the state’s records. One of the first things the state looks at is the business name listed on the document.  The business name must strictly comply with all of the naming rules in that state or the filing will be rejected. Every state has its own specific requirements for what constitutes an acceptable name, but there are common criteria that most (if not all) states check for when evaluating a business name. To help guard against costly rejections, it is important to have a general understanding of common naming rules as you prepare and submit business formation and [foreign qualification](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/) documents. **Language to Indicate Business Structure** Nearly every state requires that an entity’s name include an ending word or phrase to indicate its business structure. For example, a corporation would need to end their name with Corporation, Incorporated or an approved abbreviation such as Corp. or Inc. If a name is otherwise acceptable but fails to include proper notation as to its business structure, the filing officer will refuse to file the document. [\>\> Learn the Top 5 Reasons for Rejected Formation, Qualification Filings](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/index.php/2015/10/16/top-five-reasons-for-rejected-formation-qualification-filings) In addition to words that a business entity *must* include in its name, states also have rules regarding words that a business *cannot* include. These are restricted words that can only be used with authorization from a certain government or regulatory agency. Unsurprisingly, many states restrict the use of words such as “banking,” “credit union,” “insurance” and “trust.” Some restricted words are less obvious, though. For example New Hampshire restricts the use of “farmers’ market” and both Missouri and Virginia have restrictions on the use of “redevelopment.” **False Implication of Government Affiliation** It is also common for states to have rules that prohibit a business from selecting a name that implies a false government affiliation. In these cases, a state would have to carefully consider a proposed name like “The United States Cattle Company,” for example, to ensure that the public would not assume the entity has a connection to or endorsement from the U.S. government. **Use of Obscene or Indecent Language** Also, several states including Oregon, Georgia and New York have adopted rules prohibiting the use of words that they have deemed to be obscene or indecent. **Similarity to Existing Entities** In addition to checking the *acceptability* of a name, the state will also check its *availability*. A business name must be unique, or what is referred to as “distinguishable on the record.” When a document is submitted, the filing office will check the proposed business name against their database of existing entities in that state.  If the name is too similar to that of an existing entity, the state will not accept the document for filing. To avoid rejection of a critical [business formation](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/) or foreign qualification document due to naming concerns, work with your service provider to perform a name availability check and reservation prior to submitting your client’s document for filing. [\>\> Watch our FREE on-demand webinar, Pitfalls of Foreign Qualification Projects and How to Avoid Them](https://resources.clasinfo.com/register-to-view-on-demand-foreign-qualification-webinar) CLAS Information Services can help! Trust CLAS with even your most complex business filing projects. Our highly trained staff of corporate experts can reserve your preferred business name for your exclusive use and will perform a thorough review of your document prior to submission to help guard against rejection. To learn more about our corporate services, contact CLAS today at 800.952.5696 or [connect@clasinfo.com](mailto:connect@clasinfo.com). Or, simply click on [Contact CLAS](https://resources.clasinfo.com/get-in-touch) below and a CLAS representative will get back to you shortly. [![Contact CLAS](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/2756598/6f0bebec-c87c-4499-9c42-ce6dfefcb040.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/2756598/6f0bebec-c87c-4499-9c42-ce6dfefcb040) *For informational purposes only; content does not constitute legal advice.* [3 Good Reasons to Include Similar Names With Your UCC Searches](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/index.php/2016/06/13/3-good-reasons-to-include-similar-names-with-your-ucc-searches) [July 2016 Legislation Alerts](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/index.php/2016/07/07/july-2016-legislation-alerts) ### Related posts [Special Purpose Entities and Independent Directors Explained](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/special-purpose-entities-and-independent-directors-explained) For commercial real estate and other high-value transactions, lenders often require a Special... [Quick Reference Guide: California Future File Date & Future Effective Date](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/quick-reference-guide-california-future-file-date-future-effective-date) The California Secretary of State's office has issued guidelines for what filing types are eligible... [A Simple 4-Part Plan for Returning an Entity to Good Standing](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/a-simple-4-part-plan-for-returning-an-entity-to-good-standing) It’s important for a business entity (Corporation, LLC, etc.) to maintain its good standing status... [MYTHBUSTERS: Don't Get Fooled by These Common Entity Management System Myths!](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/mythbusters-dont-get-fooled-by-these-common-entity-management-system-myths) Managing multiple business entities across a variety of jurisdictions can be a challenge. An [Entity...](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/clas-launches-entitytrak-online-entity-management-system) Search ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Recent Posts ### Archives - [November 2023 (7)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/archive/2023/11) - [July 2017 (6)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/archive/2017/07) - [April 2018 (6)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/archive/2018/04) - [September 2024 (6)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/archive/2024/09) - [October 2017 (5)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/archive/2017/10) - [March 2018 (5)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/archive/2018/03) - [June 2019 (5)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/archive/2019/06) - [October 2019 (5)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/archive/2019/10) - [September 2015 (4)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/archive/2015/09) - [May 2016 (4)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/archive/2016/05) - [November 2016 (4)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/archive/2016/11) - [February 2018 (4)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/archive/2018/02) - [September 2018 (4)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/archive/2018/09) - [April 2019 (4)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/archive/2019/04) - [July 2019 (4)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/archive/2019/07) ### Categories - [Jurisdictional Updates (180)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/topic/juris-updates) - [CLAS News & Alerts (55)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/topic/clas-news-alerts) - [Latest Posts (39)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/topic/latest-posts) - [Corporate (22)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/topic/corp) - [Latest from the Blog (22)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/topic/latest-from-the-blog) - [UCC and Lien (20)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/topic/ucc-and-lien) - [Corporate Transparency Act (10)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/topic/corporate-transparency-act) - [Registered Agent (6)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/topic/registered-agent) - [Annual Reports (4)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/topic/annual-reports) - [International (1)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/topic/international) - 1545 River Park Dr., Suite 330 Sacramento, CA 95815 - (800) 952-5696 - [connect@clasinfo.com](mailto:connect@clasinfo.com) - - - - OUR CLIENTS - [Corporations](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-clients/corporations/) - [Financial Institutions](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-clients/solutions-for-financial-institutions/) - [Legal Professionals](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-clients/solutions-for-legal-professionals/) - [Entrepreneurs](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-clients/solutions-for-entrepreneurs/) - OUR SERVICES - [Corporate Services](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/) - [UCC, Lien and Litigation](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/ucc-lien-litigation-services/) - [Registered Agent](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/registered-agent-services/) - [Real Property Services](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/real-property-services/) - OUR TECHNOLOGY - [CLAS InfoPro™](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-technology/#cip) - [DIY Search System™](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-technology/#diy) - [Online Patriot Act Search](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-technology/#ofac) - [UCC eZFILE System®](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-technology/#ezfile) - RESOURCES - [CLAS Notes Blog](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/clas-blog/) - [Frequently Asked Questions](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/frequently-asked-questions/) - [Glossary of Terms](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/glossary-of-terms/) - [State Links and Corporate Forms](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/corporate-forms/) - [CA State Working on Dates](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/california-sos-working-on-dates/) - CLAS Information Services © 2016 - [Disclaimer](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/disclaimer/) - [Privacy Policy](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/privacy-policy/) - [Terms of Use](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/terms-of-use/)