Nevada Company Name Restrictions: Restricted Words, Rules & State Board Approvals

Understanding Nevada company name restrictions is an important step before you file your business formation documents. Nevada’s naming rules, including requirements found in Title 7 of the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS), make some names unavailable and subject others to additional review or approval. Choosing a name that does not meet these requirements can prevent your filing from being accepted and delay the formation process. Knowing which words are restricted and which naming rules apply can help you avoid problems before you submit your documents. This guide explains Nevada company name restrictions in more detail, including which names and words may be restricted, when additional approval may be required, and how to register your name with the Nevada Secretary of State.

Quick Reference: Nevada Business Naming Rules at a Glance

Here’s a quick view of the naming terms that can put your filing through an additional review.

Restriction Category	Restricted Terms	Regulatory Agency
Accounting and auditing	“CPA,” “Auditing,” “Accountancy,” “Auditor,” “Accounting,” “Accountant”	Nevada State Board of Accountancy
Architecture, interior design, and engineering	“Professional Engineer,” “Engineered,” “Registered Engineer,” “Engineering,” “Engineer,” “Licensed Engineer,” “Registered Architect,” “Licensed Architect,” “Architecture,” “Architect,” “Registered Interior Design,” “Registered Residential Designer,” “Residential Design,” “Residential Designer”	State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors; State Board of Architecture, Interior Design and Residential Design
Banking and trust	“Trustee,” “Interbanking,” “Banker,” “Trust,” “Banking,” “Bank”	Nevada Commissioner of Financial Institutions
Insurance, bail and surety	“Underwriter,” “Bail Bondsman/Men,” “Surety,” “Reinsurance,” “Bail Bonds,” “Insurance”	Commissioner of Insurance
Real estate and homeowners associations	“Realtor,” “Property Owners,” “Master Association,” “HOA,” “Common-Interest Community,” “Home Owners Association,” “Community Association”	Nevada Real Estate Division; Nevada Ombudsman
Higher education	“College,” “University”	Commission on Postsecondary Education
Mortgage lending	“Financial,” “Mortgage Banking,” “Mortgage”	Commissioner of Mortgage Lending

Core Nevada Entity Naming Restrictions (NRS Title 7)

Before you put a Nevada company name on paper, there are a few lines you need to stay within. Title 7 of the NRS sets those limits, and knowing them before you file can keep you from having to retrace your steps later.

Name distinguishability rules (NRS 78.039; NAC 78.010–78.100)

First, make sure your proposed corporation name is distinguishable from names already on file with the Nevada Secretary of State. Under NRS 78.039, a corporate name must be distinguishable on the Secretary of State’s records from other entity names on file and from names that have already been reserved. If your proposed name is not distinguishable, the Secretary of State will return the articles of incorporation unless you provide the written, acknowledged consent of the holder of the existing or reserved name. Nevada’s administrative regulations provide more detail about what does and does not make one name distinguishable from another.

For example, simply changing the font, capitalization, spacing, punctuation, symbols, or similar formatting is not enough. Say there is already a corporation named Meadow Melody Inc. Changing the name to Meadow Melody, Inc., MEADOW MELODY INC., or MeadowMelody Inc. would not make it distinguishable. However, Nevada’s rules recognize several types of changes that may make a proposed name distinguishable:

A difference in spelling may be enough, even when the names sound similar. Nevada’s regulations, for example, treat “Capital Cleaner” and “Capitol Cleaners” as distinguishable.
Writing a number as a numeral instead of spelling it out, or vice versa, may make a name distinguishable. For example, “8 Ball, Inc.” and “Eight-Ball, Inc.” are considered distinguishable.
Changing the beginning or ending of a root word may also work. Nevada’s regulations distinguish, for example, between “Window Wash” and “Window Washing.”
Adding, removing, or changing a preposition may make a difference. “Kids for Tomorrow” and “Kids of Tomorrow,” for example, are considered distinguishable.
Using a word from another language may also make a name distinguishable, even when the foreign-language word has the same meaning as, or similar spelling to, an English word.

These rules determine whether a name is distinguishable in the Secretary of State’s records. They do not necessarily determine whether you have the right to use the name under trademark or other laws.

Entity name indicators

Once you have a name that meets Nevada’s distinguishability rules, check whether your business structure requires particular words or abbreviations in the name. The requirements differ depending on whether you are forming an LLC, corporation, or another type of entity. If you are forming an LLC, Nevada law requires the company name to contain “Limited-Liability Company,” “Limited Liability Company,” “Limited Company,” or “Limited,” or one of the abbreviations “Ltd.,” “L.L.C.,” “L.C.,” “LLC,” or “LC.” The word “Company” may also be abbreviated as “Co.”

Nevada corporations have a different rule. A corporate designator such as “Inc.” or “Corporation” is not required for every corporate name. However, if the proposed name appears to be the name of a natural person and contains a given name or initials, it must include an additional word or words showing that it is a business rather than an individual. Examples include “Incorporated,” “Limited,” “Inc.,” “Ltd.,” “Company,” “Co.,” “Corporation,” and “Corp.”

Prohibited and misleading name terminology

Some wording can put your company name under a different set of rules. Nevada requires official clearance for certain language linked to regulated industries. “Bank,” “Banking,” “Trust,” “Engineer,” and “Accountant”, “College”, “University” all fall into the restricted group, so you need the related agency’s go-ahead before using them. Also, the law does not allow a corporation to be formed for an illegal purpose or to hide business activity through fraud.

Complete List of Restricted Words in Nevada and Required Agency Approvals

Here’s where you can see which terms are restricted outright or can add an extra step to your filing in Nevada:

Accounting and auditing terms

If your company name uses accounting or auditing language, you need to check the rules before filing.
Restricted terms: Nevada specifically lists “accountant,” “accounting,” “accountancy,” “auditor,” “CPA,” and “auditing” as restricted terms.
Regulatory agency: Nevada State Board of Accountancy.
What you need:

If your corporation will practice accounting in the state, the Nevada State Board of Accountancy must certify that it is registered under Chapter 628.
If you will not provide an accounting service, you can take the other route by filing a statement under penalty of perjury acknowledging that you do not practice or offer to practice accounting in Nevada.

Architecture, interior design, and engineering terms

Nevada places additional requirements on company names that contain certain words associated with engineering, architecture, interior design, or residential design. Depending on the term and the type of entity, the appropriate professional board may need to certify that the business or its principals meet Nevada’s licensing or registration requirements. Restricted terms:

Engineering: “Engineer,” “Engineered,” “Engineering,” “Professional Engineer,” “Registered Engineer,” and “Licensed Engineer.”
Architecture: “Architect,” “Architecture,” “Registered Architect,” and “Licensed Architect.”
Interior design: “Registered Interior Designer” and “Registered Interior Design.”
Residential design: “Residential Designer,” “Residential Design,” “Registered Residential Designer,” and “Licensed Residential Designer.”

Regulatory agency:
For engineering terms, it is the “State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.” For Architecture, residential design, and interior design terms, it’s the “State Board of Architecture and Interior Design and Residential Design.”

What you need:

For engineering terms: The State authority must certify that the people who run your corporation are licensed to practice engineering in Nevada. Or if your company qualifies for an exemption under NRS 625.520, the Board can certify that instead.
For Architecture, residential design, and interior design usage terms: The authorities must confirm that your business has the required Nevada registration to provide those services. NRS 623.349 provides another way to meet this requirement.

Under this option, the people who own and control your company must hold the required Nevada professional license or registration and own at least two-thirds of the company. You also need to register with the Board, pay the required fee, and meet the other rules to qualify.

Banking and trust terms

Nevada places additional restrictions on company names associated with banking, trust services, and other regulated financial activities. The exact requirement depends on the wording of the name and the business the company plans to conduct.

Restricted terms:

Banking and trust: “Bank,” “Banking,” “Banker,” “Interbanking,” “Trust,” and “Trustee.”
Other regulated financial activities: A filing may also require approval if the articles indicate that the corporation will conduct a business supervised by the Nevada Commissioner of Financial Institutions.

Regulatory agency: Nevada Commissioner of Financial Institutions.
What you need:Nevada law has a specific rule for a corporation whose name contains the word “bank” or “trust.” The Secretary of State will not accept the articles of incorporation or an amendment using either word unless the filing shows that the corporation proposes to operate as a banking or trust company as permitted by Nevada law and the Commissioner of Financial Institutions has approved the filing. A separate approval requirement applies when the business described in the articles is subject to supervision by the Commissioner of Financial Institutions. In that situation, the Commissioner must approve the articles or amendment before the Secretary of State can accept it.

Insurance, bail and surety terms

If your company name points to insurance, bail, or surety services, the filing can require approval from the applicable authority. The exact requirement depends on the type of business involved.
Restricted terms: ”Bail bonds”, “Insurance”, “Reinsurance”, “Surety”, “Underwriter”, “Bail Bondsman/Men”.
Regulatory agency: Commissioner of Insurance
What you need:You need prior approval from the Commissioner of Insurance before using any of these terms in your entity’s name or purpose. To request it, send your proposed business name to [email protected].

Real estate and homeowners association terms

You’ll find two categories here, with each one requiring clearance from the agency that oversees it.
Restricted terms:

Real estate: “Realtor”.
Homeowners associations: “HOA,” “Community Association,” “Unit-Owners Association,” “Master Association,” “Home Owners Association,” “Property Owners,” and “Common-Interest Community.”

Regulatory agency:

Real estate: Nevada Real Estate Division
Homeowners associations: Nevada Ombudsman

What you need: You’ll need the relevant agency’s sign-off before any of these terms can be used.

Higher education and educational terms

If your proposed name uses wording that makes the business you start in Nevada look like a college or university, you need authorization before you use it. The rule also covers terms or abbreviations that give people the impression that your company offers higher education.
Restricted terms: “University” and “College”
Regulatory agency: Commission on Postsecondary Education.
What you need: You must apply to the Commission on the forms it provides before using the restricted words or similar wording. You should also meet its rules for accreditation or transferable credits and check the box on the requirements for the type of degree program you offer.

Mortgage lending terms

Mortgage-related wording can trigger a separate review before you can use it in your entity name.
Restricted terms: “Mortgage,” “Mortgage Banking,” “Financial.”
Regulatory agency: Commissioner of Mortgage Lending.
What you need: You need an approval letter from the Division of Mortgage Lending before the Secretary of State accepts your filing. Your request should include the filing purpose, proposed company name, business address, contact person’s name and phone number, plus a detailed description of the activities you plan to carry out in Nevada.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nevada Name Restrictions

Nevada’s naming rules can raise practical questions, especially when restricted terms or agency approvals are involved. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about choosing and registering a business name in the state.

What happens if I file a restricted name without board approval?

If you file before getting the required sign-off, the Secretary of State’s office can reject your paperwork. Nevada does not accept certain filings until the required agency approval or certification is in place.

How long does state agency approval usually take?

There is no one standard turnaround time for restricted-name approvals across all agencies. It can change depending on the authority and what your request involves.

Can I reserve a restricted Nevada name before getting board approval?

Nevada generally allows an available business name to be reserved for 90 days. However, reserving a name does not authorize you to use a word that is subject to professional, industry, or regulatory restrictions. If your proposed name contains a restricted term, check the requirements of the Nevada Secretary of State and the relevant regulatory agency before filing the reservation or formation documents. Any required agency approval, certification, or other documentation will still need to be provided when applicable.

How to Register a Restricted Name in Nevada?

Get agency approval: Contact the Nevada agency responsible for the restricted term and get the required approval before filing your formation documents.
File your formation documents: Submit the agency’s approval certificate along with your official entity formation documents to the Nevada Secretary of State.

IncParadise can check name availability for Nevada LLCs and corporations and help you reserve a name. Get your preferred name sorted before you file your formation documents.

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