How to Check Availability Register My Business Name in Maryland

1. Click the 'Business entity listings' link in the 'Resources' section of this article to search for the business name you want to claim to ensure someone else has not registered it. Go to the page and enter the name in the text field labeled 'Name' and hit 'Enter.'

2. Complete the State of Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation Charter Division Trade Name Application, which you can find in PDF form using the link in the 'Resources' section of this article. Fill out the form and print it.

3. Mail the form and the application fee--paid by check made out to Department of Assessments and Taxation--to the address listed on the form. As of April 2010, the fee was $25 and the mailing address was:Charter Division

Department of Assessments and Taxation

301 W. Preston Street, Room 801

Baltimore, Maryland 21201You can also visit these offices Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. to file your application. If the fee or address changes, the new information should be listed on the form.