Tennessee LLC Name Search – How to Name Your LLC


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is Tennessee’s Secretary of State page includes a name availability checker. Check out LLC Name Search to learn more.

Meanwhile, if you’re interested in learning more about starting an LLC in Tennessee or forming an LLC in general, you can check out How to Start an LLC.

How to Name an LLC in Tennessee

Time needed: 5 minutes

There are guidelines to follow in doing a Tennessee LLC name search. To learn more, check out LLC Naming Guidelines or read Foreign LLC Application for Registration if you’re planning to register a foreign LLC.

  1. Check Name Availability

    Search the Business Entity Records in Tennessee’s Official Secretary of State page to check if your chosen business name is available. You may also try typing your trademark, business, or domain name on any search engine to generate businesses with similar names and to ensure your trademark is unique and meets the state’s requirements.

    Check out How to File a DBA to learn more about registering a DBA or trademark. For social media pages, use Social Searcher to avoid using similar page names.

  2. Check Domain Availability

    If your business name is still available, you must register for a domain name using Namecheap, Google Workspace, or other domain name sites. So customers can easily find your business over the Internet. Use the Kinsta app to manage your domains efficiently.

  3. File Name Reservation

    A Name Reservation Certificate is required along with a Certificate of Formation. You can reserve a name online, by mail, or in-person with a $20 filing fee (plus tax for online).

    File your Certificate of Formation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of Tennessee. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to the Secretary of State’s office at 6th FL – Snodgrass Tower ATTN: Corporate Filing, 312 Rosa L. Parks AVE, Nashville, TN 37243.

Check Name Availability
Download Reservation form

Guidelines to Follow in Naming LLC

  • Use a business name with the abbreviation “LLC” or the phrase “Limited Liability Company.”
  • Your decided business name must not coincide with any existing government entity. Otherwise, you might have to face legal lawsuits when filing your LLC.
  • Use the LLC name availability checker to ensure your business name is unique.
  • Get a license first if you plan on using restricted words to avoid any complications.

Note that you must put adequate effort into naming your LLC because this name will be with your business for a long time. Making your LLC name unique is vital as it would prevent people from confusing your business with others, not to mention it would be easier for them to recall your business, products, or services.

How to Do Tennessee LLC Online Name Search

Naming any business is a vital step in establishing an LLC. The name you wish to choose needs to adhere to the guidelines along with being appealing to the consumers. Tennessee LLC name search may prove helpful in searching for the name availability. Here are the steps you can follow to search for any business name if your LLC is based in Tennessee:

  • Step 1: Visit Tennessee’s Secretary of State’s website
  • Step 2: The webpage displays the list of Business Services available, like ‘Form or register a new business’, ‘Find and update a business record’, and so on. Click on the ‘Search business availability’ option.
  • Step 3: A business information search page will appear. You need to fill in the details in the search tabs provided. You can also provide the control number. ‘Starts with’ and ‘contains’ options may help you in refining your search.

F.A.Qs

What is a Trade Name?

A trade name (doing business as (DBA) name) is the official name under which a proprietor or company chooses to do business.

Is having a domain name necessary?

Having a domain isn’t necessary, but it is recommended. If you have a domain name, customers will find you more accessible through online means with your online website.

What if my name is unavailable?

For domestic LLC, you can simply brainstorm for another name if the one you pick is no longer available. For foreign LLC, you must think up a “fictitious name,” which you’ll use only in the state.

How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in Tennessee

To reserve an LLC name in Tennessee you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Tennessee Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $20.

The first step in reserving an LLC name in Tennessee is to conduct a thorough search to ensure that your desired name is not already in use by another company. The Tennessee Secretary of State’s website provides a convenient online database where you can check the availability of a name. It is important to consider variations in spelling or punctuation, as names that are too similar to existing companies may be rejected.

Once you have chosen a unique name, the next step is to file a Name Reservation Request with the Tennessee Secretary of State. This can be done online through their website or by mail. The form requires basic information about your proposed LLC name, as well as your contact information. There is a small fee associated with reserving a name, so be prepared to pay the required amount to secure your chosen name.

After submitting the Name Reservation Request, the Tennessee Secretary of State will review the application to ensure that the name complies with state regulations. If there are any issues with the proposed name, you will be notified and given the opportunity to make necessary amendments. Once approved, the name reservation is typically valid for 120 days, giving you ample time to complete the formal registration process for your LLC.

It is important to note that reserving a name does not officially register your LLC with the state. To fully establish your company, you will need to file Articles of Organization with the Tennessee Secretary of State’s office. However, by reserving a name, you can ensure that it is held for your use during the registration process. This can be particularly beneficial if you are not yet ready to fully commit to forming an LLC, but want to secure a specific name for future use.

In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in Tennessee is a relatively simple and important step in the process of establishing your business. By conducting a thorough name search, completing the necessary paperwork, and paying the required fee, you can secure your desired name and protect your brand from being used by others. Taking the time to reserve a name now can save you from potential headaches and legal issues down the road, ensuring that your business is set up for success from the start.

In Conclusion

LLC names are important as it is the main identity of your business. While naming your LLC make sure to choose the one that suits the nature of your business. Follow the naming guidelines before you start filing your LLC name

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