Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is California’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 a California LLC 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 California
Time needed: 10 minutes
There are guidelines to follow in forming an LLC. 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 California’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. - 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 $10 filing fee (plus tax for online).
File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of California. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to Secretary of State Business Services P.O. Box 5616, Montgomery, California 36103-5616.
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 a California Name Search Online
LLC name is one crucial part of forming an LLC in California. To continue with the name you have decided for your LLC, you need to go to the Business Entity Search website to check for the business name availability.
There are three ways you can search for business entity names online while forming a California LLC. Here are the following ways,
Search by Corporation Name
The first option you will get is to Search by “Corporation Name”. In here, enter the corporation name you are looking for in the ‘Search Criteria’ box. You can select the ‘Exact’ option or ‘Keyword’ to find that particular name in California. Hit the ‘Search’ button to get the list of Entities with the same/similar names in California.
Search by LP/LLC Name
The next option to search business name is ‘LP/LLC Name’ search. Enter the LLC name you are searching for in the box given and hit the search button to get the list of entities with the same/similar names in the state. Like Corporation Name search, you can select whether to search by ‘Exact’ name, ‘Keyword’ or ‘Begin with’ the name you are looking for.
Search by Entity Number
Entity number is the unique identification number given to the formed entity in California. It is an alpha-numeric 8-digit number starting with the letter ‘C’. To search by Entity Number, you have to enter the exact number to search.
In these three ways, one can go for Business Entity Search in California. Once the name search is done, you can register your LLC name in California by getting the Name Reservation Request Form.
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 California
To reserve an LLC name in California you need to submit a name reservation request form to the California Secretary State by mail, in person or online by paying a filing fee of $10.
When it comes to reserving an LLC name in California, there are specific guidelines and procedures that must be followed to ensure that the name you choose is available and compliant with state regulations. The California Secretary of State has established a streamlined process for reserving an LLC name, which can be completed online through their website.
To reserve an LLC name in California, you must first conduct a name availability search to ensure that the name you want is not already taken by another business entity. This can be done through the California Secretary of State’s website, where you can search for existing business names to determine if your desired name is available.
Once you have confirmed that your desired LLC name is available, you can proceed with the reservation process by filing an application with the California Secretary of State. This application can be submitted online, along with the required filing fee, which is currently $20 as of the time of writing this editorial.
It is important to note that reserving an LLC name in California does not guarantee that the name will be approved for use when you later file for LLC formation. The name reservation is valid for a period of 60 days, during which time you must complete the LLC formation process and submit the necessary documentation to the California Secretary of State.
In addition to the name reservation process, it is crucial to ensure that the name you choose for your LLC complies with California’s naming guidelines. The name must include the words “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation thereof, such as “LLC” or “L.L.C.” Additionally, the name must not be misleading or falsely imply a connection with a government agency or other entity.
When choosing a name for your LLC, it is wise to select a name that is distinctive and memorable, as well as reflective of the nature of your business. Avoid generic or overly common names that may be confused with other businesses, as this could lead to potential legal disputes down the line.
Overall, reserving an LLC name in California is a critical step in the business formation process, and it is essential to follow the proper procedures and guidelines to ensure a smooth and successful registration. By investing the time and effort to research and reserve a unique and compliant name for your LLC, you can set a solid foundation for your business and establish a strong brand identity in the marketplace.
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