Register the Business

Register the Business

You’ve chosen your business idea and decided on the structure, now it’s time to make it official. Registering your business is the step that makes it real. It gives you legal recognition, the ability to open a bank account, sign contracts, and protect your brand. This guide walks you through the process clearly, whether you’re setting up a solo LLC or a Delaware C-Corp aiming for venture capital.

Step 1: Choose a Unique Business Name

Start with a name that is:

  • Not already in use in your state or country
  • Legally available (check your Secretary of State’s website or business registry)
  • Clear and relevant to your business or industry
  • Domain-available (check Namecheap or GoDaddy)
  • Trademark-safe (optional but highly recommended, search via USPTO)

Tip: Use Namecheckr to check availability across domain names and social media handles in one go.

Step 2: Register with Your State or Country

This depends on your location and business structure:

If you’re in the United States:

  • LLC or Corporation: Go to your state’s Secretary of State website and file formation documents.
    • For LLCs: File “Articles of Organization”
    • For Corporations: File “Articles of Incorporation”
  • Pay a filing fee (usually $50–$300)
  • Pick a Registered Agent (a person or service that receives legal documents on your behalf). Services like Northwest Registered Agent or ZenBusiness can help here.

If you’re forming a Delaware C-Corp:

  • Use a service like Clerky, Stripe Atlas, or Firstbase
  • These services include Delaware filing, registered agent, EIN, and stock issuance

Outside the U.S.?

Note: Use a formation service if legal paperwork makes you nervous. For U.S. founders, LegalZoom, Incfile, and Gust Launch are popular options.

Step 3: Get Your EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Even if you don’t plan to hire employees yet, you’ll need an EIN for taxes, bank accounts, and payment systems.

  • In the U.S., get it for free via the IRS here
  • International founders forming a U.S. company via Stripe Atlas or Firstbase usually get it included
  • For other countries, apply via your local tax authority

Warning: Don’t pay third-party sites for an EIN unless it’s bundled in a service package.

Step 4: Register for Any Required Licenses or Permits

Your registration isn’t complete until you’ve checked local and industry-specific compliance. Here’s what you may need:

  • City or County Business License: Required for most physical businesses
  • Home Occupation Permit: If running from home
  • Professional License: For regulated services (financial services, healthcare, legal, etc.)
  • Sales Tax Permit: If you’re selling physical goods
  • Food Service Permits: If you’re selling prepared food or beverages

Check with your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) or city hall website.

Resources:

Step 5: Open a Business Bank Account

Once you’re registered and have your EIN:

  • Bring your formation documents and EIN to a bank
  • Choose a business banking provider (Chase, Mercury, Brex, Novo)
  • Keep finances separate from personal accounts — this is critical for tax and liability protection

Mercury is a great digital option for startups, especially if you incorporated in Delaware.

Optional: File for a Trademark (If Brand is Core)

If you plan to build a brand-centric business (think software, ecommerce, or content):

  • File a trademark via the USPTO or use a service like Trademarkia
  • Costs around $250–$350 per class, takes 6–9 months

You don’t need to trademark everything early, but it’s smart to lock in your brand name if it’s central to your value.

Final Checklist

✅ Unique business name
✅ Entity registered with government
✅ EIN received
✅ Licenses and permits filed
✅ Business bank account opened
✅ Optional: Trademark filed

Tools & Resources

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