Names are distinguishable in the secretary of state's records and are therefore available for use if a comparison of the names reveals sufficient differences. Conditions that qualify as sufficient differences between names include:

1. There is a difference of at least one keyword.

2. The keywords are the same but are in a different order.

3. A keyword is abbreviated.

4. There is a different spelling of a proper name.

5. There is a unique or improper spelling of a keyword.

6. Although phonetically the same, a keyword is spelled differently.

7. The keywords are derived from the same root word.

8. The presence or absence of a contraction.

9. A keyword is singular in one name and plural in another name.

10. The use of roman numerals or number words in place of each other.

History: Effective January 1, 2026.

General Authority: NDCC 10-15-08.1(3), 10-19.1-13(2), 10-32.1-11(2), 10-33-10(2), 10-34-04(3)(a), 45-10.2-10(2), 45-11-01(4), 45-13-04.1(2), 45-22-04(2), 45-23-03(2), 47-25-03(2)

Law Implemented: NDCC 10-15-08(1)(d), 10-15-08(3), 10-19.1-13(1)(e), 10-19.1-13(2), 10-32.1-11(1)(e), 10-32.1-11(2), 10-33-10(1)(e), 10-33-10(2), 10-34-04(3), 45-10.2-10(1)(f), 45-10.2-10(f), 45-11-01(3)(c), 45-11-01(4), 45-13-04.1(1)(e), 45-13-04.1(2), 45-22-04(1)(e), 45-22-04(2), 45-23-03(1)(f), 45-23-03(2), 47-25-03(2), 47-25-03(3)(c)