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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 Texas’ 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 Texas or forming an LLC in general, you can check out How to Start an LLC.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
How to Name an LLC in Texas
Time needed: 5 minutes
There are guidelines to follow in doing a Texas 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.
- Check Name Availability
Search the Business Entity Records in Texas’ 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. - 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.
- 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 $40 filing fee (plus tax for online).
File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of Texas. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to Secretary of State P.O. Box 13697 Austin, TX 78711.
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.
F.A.Qs
A trade name (doing business as (DBA) name) is the official name under which a proprietor or company chooses to do business.
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.
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 Texas
To reserve an LLC name in Texas you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Texas Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $40.
Reserving an LLC name in Texas can prevent others from using the same name for their business. This is important to protect your business’s brand, identity, and reputation. It is recommended that you reserve your chosen LLC name as soon as possible to secure it for your use.
To reserve an LLC name in Texas, you will need to file an Application for Reservation or Renewal of Reservation of an Entity Name form with the Texas Secretary of State. This form can be filed online, by mail, or in person. When filling out the form, you will need to provide the name you want to reserve, your name and address, and pay the required filing fee.
The filing fee for reserving an LLC name in Texas is typically between $40 – $120, depending on the method of submission and other factors. Keep in mind that the reservation of an LLC name is valid for 120 days, during which time you can take the necessary steps to form your LLC officially.
Once you have successfully reserved your LLC name in Texas, you can proceed with registering your business entity. This involves filing Articles of Organization with the Texas Secretary of State and paying the required filing fee. It is important to note that reserving an LLC name does not give you exclusive rights to use the name for your business. You will still need to comply with all state laws and regulations regarding business names and trademarks.
In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in Texas is a crucial step in the process of starting your business. By securing your chosen name, you can avoid potential conflicts with other businesses and establish a professional identity for your LLC. Take the time to complete the necessary paperwork and pay the filing fee to ensure that your LLC name is available when you are ready to form your business entity. Congratulations on taking the first steps towards building your own business in the Lone Star State!
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