How long does it take to register a business in New Jersey?

Processing times vary: 5-7 business days. Online filings are typically faster than mail submissions. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee.

Do I need a business license in New Jersey?

Yes, most cities in New Jersey require a general business license. Requirements vary by location and industry. Contact your local city or county clerk's office for specific requirements.

Can I use my personal name as my business name?

Yes, you can use your personal name as your business name. For an LLC, you'll need to add "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" to the end. However, using a unique business name often provides better branding opportunities and legal protection.

What if my desired business name is already taken?

If your preferred name is unavailable, you have several options: 1) Choose a different name, 2) Add descriptive words to make it unique, 3) Use a different LLC suffix (LLC, L.L.C., etc.), or 4) Consider filing a "Doing Business As" (DBA) name while keeping a different legal name.

How much does it cost to start a business in New Jersey?

The LLC filing fee is $125. Annual fees are $75. Additional costs include business licenses ($50-500), registered agent fees ($50-300/year if using a service), and other startup expenses. Total first-year costs typically range from $350.

Do I need a trademark for my business name?

While not required, trademark registration provides nationwide protection for your business name. Registering your LLC with the state only protects your name within New Jersey. If you plan to expand beyond the state or want stronger legal protection, consider applying for a federal trademark with the USPTO.

Can I change my business name later?

Yes, you can change your LLC name by filing an amendment with the New Jersey Secretary of State. This typically costs $20-100 and takes a few weeks to process. However, changing your name can be expensive when you consider updating all your marketing materials, domain, signage, and legal documents.

New Jersey Business Name Generator

Generate unique business names for your New Jersey LLC or startup. Get AI-powered suggestions tailored to New Jersey businesses and local market.

Generate Business Names for New Jersey

Describe your business idea

Choose naming style

Professional & corporate

Why Start a Business in New Jersey?

$125

Filing Fee

5-7

Processing (days)

900K

Total Businesses

100K/yr

New Businesses

Access to NYC and Philadelphia markets

Major pharmaceutical and biotech hub

Strategic location for logistics

Highly educated workforce

Starting a Business in New Jersey

Top Cities for Business

Newark311,549
Jersey City292,449
Paterson159,732
Elizabeth137,298
Edison107,588

Popular Industries

Pharmaceuticals
Finance
Technology
Logistics
Healthcare

Cost to Start a Business in New Jersey

LLC Filing Fee$125

Annual Report Fee$75/year

Name Reservation (optional)$50 for 120 days

Business License (varies by city)$50-500

Estimated Total First Year$350

Processing time: 5-7 business days

New Jersey Tax Overview

New Jersey has income tax rates from 1.4-10.75%. Corporate tax is 9-11.5%. Sales tax is 6.625%.

New Jersey Business Name Requirements

Must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company"
Must be distinguishable

Restricted Words: The following words cannot be used without special approval:

Bank, Trust, Insurance

Business Name Ideas for New Jersey

Explore 30 pre-generated business name ideas across popular industries. Use these as inspiration or starting points for your own unique name.

restaurant

Jersey Table
Garden State Cuisine
Newark Eats
Local Dining
Garden State Kitchen
Fresh Flavors

barbershop

Jersey Cuts
Premium Grooming
Garden State Barbers
Classic Style
Newark Shave
Expert Service

construction

Jersey Builders
Quality Construction
Garden State Build
Building NJ
Newark Construction
Trusted Partners

consulting

Jersey Strategy
Business Growth
Garden State Advisors
Strategic Solutions
Newark Consulting
Expert Guidance

retail

Jersey Mercantile
Local Goods
Garden State Market
Quality Products
Newark Supply
Premium Retail

Home Services

Jersey Home Care
Complete Solutions
Garden State Services
Professional Care
Newark Home Pros
Expert Maintenance

technology

Jersey Tech Labs
Innovation
Garden State Digital
Tech Solutions
Newark Software
Custom Development

healthcare

Jersey Wellness
Quality Healthcare
Garden State Medical
Patient Care
Newark Health
Trusted Providers

Real Estate

Jersey Properties
Dream Homes
Garden State Realty
Expert Service
Newark Living
Premium Properties

fitness

Jersey Fitness
Peak Performance
Garden State Strong
Community Fitness
Newark Athletics
Elite Training

Official New Jersey Business Resources

NJ Division of Revenue

Business registration

NJ Division of Taxation

Tax information

NJ SBDC

Business counseling

How to Register a Business in New Jersey

Annual Compliance Requirements

After forming your New Jersey LLC, you'll need to maintain compliance with these ongoing requirements:

File Annual Report ($75)
Maintain registered agent
Pay state taxes
Obtain local licenses

Check Domain Availability

Enter your business name to search for available domains

Business name

Opens GoDaddy search in a new tab

Frequently Asked Questions

Useful Tools for New Jersey Business Owners

Self-Employment Tax

Calculate SE tax liability

Profit Margin Calculator

Calculate your profit margins

S-Corp Salary

Optimize salary vs distribution

Generate Names for Nearby States

Ready to Launch Your New Jersey Business?

Jupid AI Accountant handles everything from LLC formation to ongoing tax compliance. Focus on growing your business while we handle the paperwork.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Information is accurate as of 2026-01. Always verify current requirements with the New Jersey Secretary of State and consult with qualified professionals before making business decisions.