Fill Out Your Georgia Name Reservation Form

What is the Georgia Name Reservation form?

The Georgia Name Reservation form is a document that individuals or businesses can submit to reserve a specific name for their corporation or business entity. By completing this form and submitting it, you can ensure that the name you desire is held for you while you prepare the incorporation paperwork. A name reservation is valid for 30 days from the time it’s approved.

What is the filing fee for the Name Reservation Request?

The nonrefundable filing fee to reserve a name in Georgia is $25.00. This fee covers the search and processing of your name reservation request. Payment can be made via check, cashier's check, or money order made out to the Office of Secretary of State. If you are filing online, you can pay with a credit card or ACH transfer.

How do I submit the name reservation form?

You can submit the Georgia Name Reservation form either online through the designated website or by mailing a completed paper form to the Office of Secretary of State. If you choose the online option, visit www.georgiacorporations.org. For mailed submissions, send your completed form along with payment to the address provided: OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE, Corporations Division, Name Reservation Request, 313 West Tower, #2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30334.

How long is the name reserved once approved?

Once your name reservation request is approved, it will be valid for 30 days. You have this time frame to go back online and incorporate your business using the reserved name. After 30 days, if you do not act, the reservation will expire.

What happens if my requested name is not available?

If the name you requested is unavailable, you will receive a rejection notice. This notification can be delivered via telephone, email, or US mail. Even if your request is rejected, the $25.00 fee is still applicable. The notice will include instructions for submitting a new name request at no additional cost, which must be done within 10 days of the rejection.

Can I renew my name reservation?

No, name reservations cannot be renewed. After the initial 30-day period, the reservation expires, but you do have the option to submit a new reservation request for the same name, provided that the name is still available. Each new request will require another $25.00 payment.

How is availability of a name confirmed?

The online system provides a preliminary search of the desired name. However, a detailed search will be conducted by an in-house examiner to confirm availability. Your name is not officially reserved until you receive written notification from the Office of Secretary of State confirming that your name is reserved.

Filling out the Georgia Name Reservation form can seem straightforward, but many people make common mistakes that could lead to delays or rejections. One frequent error is forgetting to include all required personal information. The form asks for details like your name, address, and contact number. If any fields are left blank, the application could be returned, causing frustration and extra work.

Another common mistake involves the name choices themselves. Applicants sometimes forget to include the necessary suffixes, such as "Corporation," "LLC," or "Limited." If these keywords are missing, the application may not be accepted. Always ensure your name options meet the specific requirements outlined in the form.

People also often overlook the deadline for submitting their name reservation. After you receive your name reservation number, you only have 30 days to use that name for incorporation. If you wait too long, the name will no longer be reserved, and you may have to start the process over again.

Inaccurate payment submission is another hurdle many encounter. Some individuals forget that the filing fee is nonrefundable. It’s vital to write a correct check or use valid credit card information if submitting online. An incorrect payment could lead to complications or a delayed response.

A misunderstanding about the preliminary search conducted by the online system is also common. While it allows you to check name availability, it’s important to know that it’s not the final say. A more detailed search is done by an in-house examiner. Therefore, assume your name is not officially reserved until you receive confirmation from the office.

Applicants need to arrange for the proper payment method according to their submission choice. If filing by mail, ensure you include a check or money order made out to the Office of Secretary of State without any errors. For online submissions, using the correct card type is necessary.

Sometimes, people do not provide an alternative name in case their first choice is unavailable. The form allows for three preferences, and having backups is wise. If your first choice is rejected and you don't have alternatives listed, you may miss out on the name you wanted most.

Failing to carefully read the instructions can lead to misunderstandings. Ensure you follow all directions precisely to avoid issues. Each step is laid out for a reason, and skipping steps or misinterpreting them can cause setbacks.

Lastly, keeping a copy of your submitted form for your records is often neglected. Having this on hand can be beneficial if you need to reference any information or if issues arise later on. Taking these simple precautions can save you time and allow a smoother experience when filing your name reservation.

When reserving a name in Georgia, several other forms and documents may accompany the Georgia Name Reservation form to ensure a smooth process. Below are four important documents often used together with the Name Reservation request.

• Articles of Incorporation: This document officially establishes a corporation. It contains essential information such as the corporation's name, purpose, and registered agent. Filing this document is necessary to legally form the corporation after the name has been reserved.
• Operating Agreement: For limited liability companies (LLCs), an operating agreement outlines the company's ownership and management structure. While not required, it is highly recommended to set clear guidelines and responsibilities among members.
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form SS-4: This form is used to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). An EIN is essential for tax purposes and is required for opening business bank accounts and hiring employees.
• Business License Application: Depending on the nature of the business, you may need to apply for a business license. This form varies by city and county and ensures that your business complies with local regulations.

Understanding these documents can help streamline the process of starting a business in Georgia. Being prepared will save time and reduce the risk of complications in your business formation journey.

• Georgia Articles of Incorporation: This document officially establishes a corporation in Georgia. Like the Name Reservation form, it requires the proposed name of the corporation and ensures that the name is unique and not already in use.
• Georgia LLC Articles of Organization: Similar to the Articles of Incorporation, this document is used to create a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Georgia. Both forms necessitate a unique business name, and a Name Reservation can help secure that name before filing.
• Georgia Trade Name Registration: If a business wants to operate under a name different from its legal name, it must register a trade name. The Name Reservation form can be used to ensure that the desired trade name is available and not currently registered by another entity.
• Georgia Business License Application: This application is necessary for many businesses to legally operate in Georgia. Like the Name Reservation form, it often requires a unique business name, and ensuring name availability at the reservation stage can prevent issues later in the licensing process.

Do:

• Provide accurate and complete information in all fields of the form.
• Select the desired name carefully, ensuring it meets the required name specifications.
• Include the nonrefundable fee of $25, either by check or through online payment options.
• Check the name availability online before submitting the form for a preliminary search.
• Submit the form to the correct address provided by the Office of Secretary of State.

Don't:

• Do not submit an incomplete form; all fields must be filled out.
• Do not use names that do not comply with the naming conventions listed in the instructions.
• Do not wait until the last minute, as the name reservation is only valid for 30 days.
• Do not send cash; use a check, money order, or online payment method.
• Do not assume your name is reserved until you receive official notification from the office.

There are several misconceptions regarding the Georgia Name Reservation form that can lead to confusion. Here are some of the most common misunderstandings:

1. The name reservation guarantees that the name can be used permanently. The reservation only lasts for 30 days and does not provide permanent rights to the name.
2. The application fee is refundable. The $25.00 fee is nonrefundable, regardless of whether the name is ultimately approved or rejected.
3. A name can be reserved more than once. While a name cannot be renewed after the initial reservation expires, you can reserve the name again if it remains available.
4. Using the online system guarantees the availability of the name. The online search is preliminary. A detailed examination will confirm availability after the application is submitted.
5. All names can be reserved without restrictions. The name must include specific identifiers such as "Corporation," "LLC," or other designated terms to be valid.
6. You have unlimited time to incorporate after name reservation. The name reservation is only valid for 30 days. Incorporation must occur within that timeframe.
7. The rejection notice is only sent via mail. Notifications regarding rejection may also be sent via telephone or email, providing multiple ways to be informed.
8. You cannot submit another request without payment if the first is rejected. You can submit another name choice within 10 days without incurring an additional fee.
9. The name is officially reserved upon submission of the form. Official confirmation comes only after you receive a notification from the Secretary of State's office.

Understanding these points can help streamline the process and manage expectations for applicants. Always review the guidelines carefully to avoid issues during the reservation process.

Here are the key takeaways for filling out and using the Georgia Name Reservation form:

• Nonrefundable Fee: The filing fee is $25.00, which you cannot recover once paid.
• Payment Options: Payments can be made via check, cashier's check, money order, or online with major credit cards and ACH.
• 30-Day Validity: Once your name is approved, it remains reserved for 30 days.
• Renewal Policy: Name reservations cannot be renewed after 30 days but can be requested again for $25.00 if still available.
• Rejection Notifications: If your requested name is unavailable, you will receive a rejection notice via phone, email, or US mail.
• Preliminary Search: The online system conducts a preliminary search. A detailed examination will follow to confirm name availability.
• Required Name Format: Your organization's name must include specific terms such as 'Corporation', 'LLC', 'Limited', etc., to be valid.