Register a New Business Name

Your next step is to register a new business name. Do some brainstorming and write down different possibilities that might be suitable given your products or services.
If you think you may do business online, check if your business names are available as domain names. Choose a domain name ending with .com or .net. Resist the temptation to choose a domain name ending with any other suffixes. They don’t connote business seriousness except for .org and .gov which are usually used by non-profits and governmental organizations. Do not register your domain name before going through the website help page! Once on that page, click on the link which describes your situation most closely.
If you use a business name different from your own name you are using a fictitious name. That name has to be registered in your county so that each name is only used once. Check with your county clerk for a list of fictitious names to make sure your name is not already taken. If it is not taken, you can register it. Depending on the county, you may be able to do this online.
If you are incorporating, you will also need to check on the available names with your state’s Secretary of State. Some advantages and disadvantages of incorporating are discussed on the Business Organization page.
Do a federal trademark search for your proposed names. This can be done online using the Trademark Electronic Search System. Register your business name as a federal or state trademark if you are going to be doing business state-wide or nationally and will be using your business name to identify your product or service.

Free Business Name Search

Choose a name and register it. Depending on your state, the procedures vary. Here's a free business name search to find available business names in your state.

Licenses and Permits

If you are planning on hiring employees you must obtain a federal employment identification number by filing IRS Form SS-4. This can now be done online.Obtain a resale permit from your state if you will be selling products. You may also need a state license if you will be working in certain professions.
Get a business license from your municipality. You will also need local permits in certain cases. These can include the following:

• a zoning variance, which is a requested deviation from the set of rules a municipality applies to land use known as a zoning ordinance, building code or municipal code, or• a conditional use permit. Conditional zoning allows for increased flexibility and permits municipalities to respond to the unique features of a particular land use application. Uses which might be disallowed under current zoning, such as a school or a community center, can be permitted via conditional use zoning.

Contact your municipality or county for the proper office to apply for local permits.