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Choosing a name for your LLC can be tricky. Ensuring the name reflects your business’s products or services is essential. However, several other factors must be considered when selecting an LLC name.
First, you need to follow specific rules for naming your LLC. These rules and requirements vary depending on the state where your business operates.
Check out our LLC Name Search guide to do a proper name search. It covers LLC naming guidelines, how to conduct an LLC business name search in your state, and more. This guide will help you navigate the process and ensure your chosen name meets all necessary criteria.
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How to Search for an LLC Name
Almost any name will work as long as it isn’t already in use or too similar to another entity’s name in your state and complies with your state’s naming guidelines.
Here are common steps to search for an LLC name in your state:
1. Choose Your State
To see if your preferred LLC name is available, follow these steps to search your state business entity database.
2. Follow Naming Guidelines
The rules and requirements for naming an LLC vary depending on the state where your business operates. Generally, LLC names must follow this format: “business name LLC.”
While each state has specific statutes and regulations for LLC names, here are four common guidelines to follow:
- Use an LLC Designator: Your LLC’s name must include a designator like “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” or “Limited Liability Company.”
- Avoid Confusion with Other Business Types: Don’t use designators like “Corp,” “Inc.,” or “Nonprofit,” which could confuse your LLC with another business type.
- Avoid Government Agency Confusion: Your LLC’s name cannot use words that might make it sound like a government agency, such as the FBI, Secretary of State, Real Estate Commission, or Department of the Treasury.
- Restricted Words: Terms like “bank,” “university,” “law center,” “insurance agency,” and similar words are typically restricted. These words require specific charters or business licenses, such as lawyers, doctors, or insurance producers.
Your name must not be too similar to another business name to avoid confusing customers. Beyond adhering to these guidelines and confirming the availability of your LLC name in your state’s business name database, choose a name that reflects your business and brand when presenting yourself or your products and services to clients or investors.
A common reason LLC applications get denied is due to issues with the name. You should be in good shape if you follow the rules outlined above. However, if you’re unsure, consider working with an LLC formation service to ensure you get it right the first time.
Have a Professional Handle your Filing
Tailor Brands is an online service dedicated to helping businesses develop a professional and cohesive brand identity. They offer various branding packages that include logo design, business card design, and social media branding. Tailor Brands provides a suite of design tools and resources, allowing businesses to create and customize their own branded assets.
ZenBusiness is an online service that assists entrepreneurs and small business owners start and grow their companies. They offer affordable and comprehensive LLC formation packages that include registered agent services, annual report filing, and other features. ZenBusiness also provides ongoing support and resources to help businesses remain compliant and succeed.
BusinessRocket LLC is a consulting firm helping entrepreneurs and businesses incorporate their companies. They offer various services for new businesses, including LLC name clearance, preparation and filing of articles of organization, consultation services, compliance analysis, compliance guard alert, and lifetime customer support.
They also provide legal assistance, tax compliance, and business entity registration. BusinessRocket aims to offer competitive prices and provides free consultation services for aspiring LLC entrepreneurs. It features an easy 4-step process for forming an LLC.
2. Look up LLC Name Availability
A business name should be unique, memorable, and easy to pronounce. It should also stand out in search engine results. Before choosing an LLC name, conduct these searches:
- LLC Name Search: Your business’s name must be unique among all existing entities in the state where you will conduct business. Each state offers business name search databases, allowing you to check if your preferred name is available.
- Domain Name Search: Ensure your business name is available as a URL. You can register a domain name through a domain name registry or website builder. If someone already owns the domain name you want, adjust your name search until you find one that’s available.
>> Search & Secure Your LLC Name >>
3. Reserve an LLC Name
Once you pick a name that meets all the LLC naming guidelines in the state where you plan to establish your new business, you can reserve it by filing the appropriate paperwork with your state. You’ll then receive confirmation from your state that your business name is available for use. The name reservation filing fee varies by state, ranging from $10 to $75.
Reserving a business name, although typically optional (except in Alabama), is important even if you don’t plan to use it right away. Doing so establishes your intent to use the name in the future and prevents others from acquiring it.
For example, in California, you can reserve a business name for 60 days, while in Texas, you can reserve it for up to 120 days. It’s a good idea to check with your state’s filing office to confirm how long a business name reservation lasts in the state where you plan to do business. Some states offer reservation extensions, whereas others require you to file a new name reservation when it expires.
The state department responsible for overseeing LLC formation varies by state. For instance, Massachusetts has a “Secretary of the Commonwealth” instead of a “Secretary of State.” In Alaska, you must file your LLC formation documents with the State Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development.
4. Apply an LLC Trade or Service Mark
Conducting a name search on the federal trademark database will help you determine whether someone else is already using your desired business name. Once you confirm that your LLC name is available, you can apply to register a trade or service mark for your business.
Obtaining a trade or service mark (referred to as a “mark” when combined) makes your LLC name distinguishable in the records of the Secretary of State from any existing business entity, name reservation, or name registration.
A trade or service mark includes your brand name, logos, symbols, and slogans. This ensures that your trade or service mark is exclusive to you for use and is recognized in the state where you plan to conduct business.
>> Check & Claim Your Dream LLC Name >>
LLC Name Search – Buyer’s Guide
Why You Need to Do an LLC Name Search
Conducting an LLC name search helps you make informed decisions about what to name your LLC. By looking up an LLC name, you can find out if another business is already using your desired name, allowing you to choose a different one if necessary.
A unique, legally registered name builds credibility, encouraging people to do business with you. This also ensures you don’t infringe on other businesses’ legal names or any trademarks they may hold.
>> Check LLC Name Availability Now! >>
Best LLC Formation Services
The business registration process can be complex, time-consuming, and overwhelming. With many legal and administrative requirements to fulfill, it can be tough for entrepreneurs to navigate on their own.
Luckily, several online business registration services offer comprehensive solutions to help entrepreneurs and small business owners start and manage their companies. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the top business registration services available and guide on choosing the right one for your business needs.
Tailor Brands is an online branding and design service that assists businesses in creating a professional and cohesive brand identity. They offer a range of branding packages, including logo design, business card design, and social media branding. Tailor Brands also provides a suite of design tools and resources to help businesses create and customize their branded assets.
ZenBusiness is an online LLC formation service that helps entrepreneurs and small business owners start and grow their companies. They offer affordable and comprehensive LLC formation packages, including registered agent services, annual report filing, and other features. ZenBusiness also provides ongoing support and resources to help businesses stay compliant and succeed.
BusinessRocket LLC specializes in helping entrepreneurs and businesses incorporate their companies. They offer various services for new businesses, including LLC name clearance, preparation, and filing of articles of organization, consultation services, compliance analysis, compliance guard alert, and lifetime customer support.
They also provide legal assistance, tax compliance, and business entity registration. BusinessRocket aims to offer competitive prices and free consultation services for aspiring LLC entrepreneurs. They feature an easy 4-step process for forming an LLC.
Swyft Filings specializes in fast and easy LLC formation. They offer a wide range of LLC services, including incorporation, compliance, and registered agent services. Swyft Filings provides personalized support to help businesses navigate the LLC formation process and comply with state and federal regulations.
Bizee (Previously Incfile)
Bizee provides fast and affordable LLC formation services. They offer various packages that include registered agent services, compliance management, and document filing. Their platform is user-friendly and streamlined, making the LLC formation process easy and hassle-free.
They provide ongoing support and resources to help businesses stay compliant and succeed. With a focus on affordability and convenience, Bizee is an excellent option for LLC formation services.
How to Check If an LLC Name Is Taken?
You can check with your state regulator to see if your preferred business name is available. Most states offer a searchable online database of existing business names. Read our free state guides to find a link to your state’s search tool. This resource will help you easily navigate the process and ensure your chosen business name is unique and available for use.
What Words Can’t Be Used in a Company Name?
Restricted words for business names vary by state; some states have stricter naming rules than others.
However, business names can’t include words implying the company is a banking or financial institution or affiliated with a local, state, or federal government agency. It’s important to review your specific state’s guidelines to ensure compliance and avoid potential issues during the registration process.
LLC Name Search FAQ
>> Check & Claim Your Dream LLC Name >>
Bottom Line – LLC Name Search
Conducting a thorough LLC name search is crucial in the business formation process. Following the steps outlined in this guide ensures that your chosen business name is unique, available, and aligns with your brand identity.
It’s important to check specific requirements according to your state. Performing a comprehensive name search now can save you potential legal and branding headaches in the future, setting a strong foundation for your LLC. If you prefer to do only some steps yourself, you can use services like Tailor Brands or ZenBusiness.
>> Find Out If Your Favorite LLC Name Is Available >>
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Noah is an American copywriter on a mission to help clarify the nuances of the business world through unique insights stemming from backgrounds in both engineering and the medical field. When not working, you’ll likely find him running or traveling.