Blank Georgia Name Reservation Form

1. What is the purpose of the Georgia Name Reservation form?

   The Georgia Name Reservation form allows individuals or entities to reserve a business name for a limited period. This ensures that the desired name is not taken by another entity while you prepare to file for incorporation or other business activities.

2. How much does it cost to reserve a name in Georgia?

   The nonrefundable filing fee for reserving a name is $25.00. This fee is applicable regardless of whether your name reservation is approved or rejected.

3. What payment methods are accepted for the name reservation?

   You can pay the reservation fee via several methods:

   • Check
   • Cashier’s check
   • Money order made payable to the Office of Secretary of State
   • Credit card (MasterCard, Visa, Discover, or AMEX) for online submissions
   • ACH transfer for online submissions

4. How long is the name reservation valid?

   Once your name reservation is approved, it is valid for 30 days. During this period, you can use the reserved name to incorporate your business.

5. Can I renew my name reservation?

   No, name reservations cannot be renewed. However, you can reserve the same name again for another $25.00 if it remains available.

6. What happens if my requested name is not available?

   If the name you requested is unavailable, you will receive a rejection notice via telephone, email, or U.S. mail. This notice will provide instructions on how to submit a new request without incurring an additional fee, as long as you do so within 10 days.

7. How do I submit the name reservation request?

   You can submit your name reservation request by mailing the completed form along with your payment to the following address:

   OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE
   Corporations Division
   Name Reservation Request
   313 West Tower, #2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
   Atlanta, Georgia 30334

8. What are the requirements for the name I want to reserve?

   The name you wish to reserve must include specific words or abbreviations that indicate its business structure. Acceptable terms include:

   • Corporation
   • Incorporated
   • Company
   • Limited
   • Limited Liability Company
   • Limited Company
   • LTD
   • LLC
   • L.C.
   • Limited Partnership
   • L.P.
   • LTD. Partnership

9. What should I do after I receive my name reservation number?

   After receiving your name reservation number, you must act within 30 days to incorporate your business using that name. This can be done online through the Georgia Corporations website.

Filling out the Georgia Name Reservation form can be straightforward, but mistakes can easily occur. One common error is not providing the exact name of the organization. The name must include specific terms such as 'Corporation,' 'Incorporated,' or 'LLC.' Omitting these terms can lead to a rejection of the request.

Another frequent mistake involves the order of preferences. Applicants often list their name preferences without clearly indicating which is their first, second, and third choice. This can create confusion and may result in the application being processed incorrectly.

Many people forget to include their contact information accurately. Providing an incorrect email address or phone number can hinder communication. If there is an issue with the name reservation, you may miss important notifications.

Additionally, applicants sometimes neglect to review the payment method. The form specifies that the filing fee is $25.00, and payment must be made via check, cashier’s check, or money order. Using an unapproved payment method can delay the processing of your request.

Some individuals fail to understand the 30-day validity period of the name reservation. If you do not incorporate within this timeframe, the reservation will expire. It is crucial to be aware of this deadline to avoid losing the name you wish to use.

There is also a misunderstanding regarding the availability check. While the online system performs a preliminary search, it does not guarantee that the name is available. An in-house examiner will conduct a thorough review. Relying solely on the online search can lead to disappointment if the name is not ultimately approved.

Moreover, applicants sometimes overlook the rejection notice process. If the name is not available, the office will send a rejection notice via telephone, email, or U.S. mail. It is essential to pay attention to this communication, as it will provide instructions for submitting another request.

Finally, many fail to recognize the option for resubmission without additional charges. If your name is rejected, you can submit a new choice within 10 days without incurring another fee. Being aware of this can save both time and money in the name reservation process.

When reserving a name for a business in Georgia, several additional forms and documents may be required to complete the process. Understanding these documents can help streamline your business formation. Below are some commonly used forms alongside the Georgia Name Reservation form.

• Articles of Incorporation: This document officially establishes your corporation in Georgia. It includes essential information such as the company name, purpose, and registered agent.
• Operating Agreement: For LLCs, this internal document outlines the management structure and operating procedures. It’s not required by the state, but it’s highly recommended for clarity among members.
• Bylaws: These are the rules that govern the internal management of your corporation. Bylaws define the roles of officers, the process for meetings, and voting procedures.
• Registered Agent Consent Form: If you choose a registered agent to receive legal documents on behalf of your business, this form confirms their acceptance of the role.
• Business License Application: Depending on your business type and location, you may need to apply for a local business license. This document ensures compliance with local regulations.
• Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) Application: This form is necessary for tax purposes. An EIN is required for hiring employees and opening a business bank account.

Having these documents prepared can significantly ease the transition from name reservation to active business status. Make sure to review each form carefully to ensure compliance with Georgia's regulations.

• Business License Application: Similar to the Georgia Name Reservation form, a business license application requires the applicant to provide specific information about their business, including the desired name and business structure. Both documents aim to secure a legal identity for the business before it begins operations.
• Trademark Application: A trademark application is used to reserve a brand name or logo. Like the name reservation form, it requires the applicant to specify the name they wish to protect and confirms that the name is not already in use, ensuring the uniqueness of the brand.
• DBA Registration (Doing Business As): A DBA registration allows a business to operate under a name different from its legal name. Similar to the name reservation form, it involves submitting a request to confirm that the desired name is available and complies with state regulations.
• Articles of Incorporation: This document is filed to formally create a corporation. The Articles require the proposed name of the corporation, mirroring the name reservation process that ensures the name is available for use.
• Partnership Agreement: A partnership agreement outlines the terms of a partnership, including the business name. Similar to the name reservation form, it requires clarity on the chosen name to avoid conflicts with existing entities.
• LLC Formation Documents: When forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC), applicants must provide a name that adheres to state requirements. This process parallels the name reservation form, which serves to confirm the availability of the desired name before filing.
• Nonprofit Organization Application: Nonprofit organizations must submit an application that includes their proposed name. This is akin to the name reservation form, as both documents ensure the name is not already taken and meets legal standards.
• State Business Registration: Registering a business with the state involves submitting a form that includes the business name. This process is similar to the name reservation form, as both require verification of name availability.
• Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) Application: When applying for an EIN, businesses must provide their legal name. The process is similar to the name reservation form in that it confirms the business identity for tax purposes.
• Certificate of Good Standing: A Certificate of Good Standing verifies that a business is legally registered and compliant with state regulations. Similar to the name reservation form, it requires the business name to ensure accurate identification of the entity.

When filling out the Georgia Name Reservation form, there are several important things to keep in mind. Here’s a list of what you should and shouldn’t do:

• Do provide accurate information in all required fields, including your name, address, and contact details.
• Do ensure that your desired name meets the state’s naming requirements, such as including words like 'Corporation' or 'LLC'.
• Do submit your payment correctly, whether by check or online, to avoid delays.
• Do double-check your name preferences before submitting the form to ensure they are your top choices.
• Do keep track of your submission date, as the name reservation is only valid for 30 days.

• Don't forget to include the nonrefundable $25.00 fee with your application.
• Don't use a name that is already taken; the system performs a preliminary search, but a detailed search will confirm availability.
• Don't assume your name is reserved until you receive official notification from the Secretary of State's office.
• Don't wait until the last minute to submit your application, as processing can take time.
• Don't ignore the instructions provided in case your name request is rejected; you have options to resubmit without additional charges.

Misconceptions about the Georgia Name Reservation form can lead to confusion. Here are four common misunderstandings:

• Misconception 1: The name is automatically reserved once the form is submitted.

This is not true. Your name is not confirmed and reserved until you receive official notification from the Office of Secretary of State.

• Misconception 2: You can renew your name reservation.

Name reservations cannot be renewed. They expire after 30 days. However, you can reserve the name again for another $25.00 if it is still available.

• Misconception 3: The online search guarantees name availability.

The online system only performs a preliminary search. An in-house examiner will conduct a detailed search to confirm if the name is truly available.

• Misconception 4: The $25.00 fee is refundable.

The filing fee is nonrefundable. Even if your name request is rejected, the fee still applies.

Filling out and using the Georgia Name Reservation form involves several important steps and considerations. Here are key takeaways:

• Nonrefundable Fee: A fee of $25.00 is required to submit the name reservation request. This fee is nonrefundable, regardless of the outcome.
• Payment Methods: Payments can be made via check, cashier’s check, or money order. Online submissions allow for credit card payments or ACH transactions.
• Reservation Duration: Once approved, the name reservation is valid for 30 days. It cannot be renewed but can be re-requested for the same fee if the name remains available.
• Rejection Notification: If the requested name is unavailable, a rejection notice will be sent via telephone, email, or U.S. mail, along with instructions for submitting a new request without additional charges within 10 days.
• Preliminary Search Limitations: The online system conducts only a preliminary search. A detailed examination by an in-house examiner is necessary to confirm name availability.
• Required Name Format: The name must include specific terms such as 'Corporation', 'Incorporated', or 'LLC', among others, to meet legal requirements.

Following these guidelines can help ensure a smoother process when reserving a name in Georgia.