Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is Colorado’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 Colorado 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 Colorado
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 Colorado’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 $25 filing fee (plus tax for online).
File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of Colorado. 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, Colorado 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 Colorado Business Name Search Online
To search for an LLC business name online, one has to visit the official Colorado Secretary of State portal. There are several ways to search for a business name. Following are the ways to perform the task,
Business Database Search
Go to the option ‘Business Database Search’ and enter the Business Name, ID, Document Number, Trade Name, or Trademark in the search box and hit the ‘Search’ button.
Name Availability Search
In the name Availability Search, enter the exact name of the business you want to start in Colorado. Check the name is available or not by clicking on the ‘Search’ button.
If your name is available for business, then you can file a document online to file the name of your LLC.
Select the Limited Liability Company (LLC) from the list. You will get the form with 11 questions. Select as per your requirement. Type of business, name of your LLC, and some more queries should be answered to fill up the form online.
Advanced Search
Under this option, you can enter some more details to search for the business entity. Enter the details needed such as trademark, registered agent details, and such to search for the business entity.
Business Survey Information Search
Under this option, you can search about the personal details of the business like gender, race, disability, and so on.
Trademark Advanced Search
In this option, you can search for the Trademarks. With a number of options, you can narrow down the search. Enter the required information and select the proper option that is suitable for your LLC. Click on the search button to get the results.
Colorado business name search is easy when it comes to online search. Follow the steps to search for a business entity in Colorado before starting an LLC.
How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in Colorado
To reserve an LLC name in Colorado you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Colorado Secretary State by mail, in person or online by paying a filing fee of $25.
When starting a new business, one of the most important steps is choosing a name and registering it properly. In Colorado, the process for reserving an LLC name is relatively simple and straightforward, but there are still important steps that potential business owners should be aware of.
The first step in reserving an LLC name in Colorado is to make sure the desired name is available. A quick online search with the Colorado Secretary of State’s office can provide this information. If the name is already taken, it cannot be used. It is important to note that similar names may still be allowed, but this is ultimately up to the discretion of the state.
Once the name has been deemed available, the next step is to reserve it. This can be done online through the Secretary of State’s website, by mail, or in person. There is a fee associated with this process, and it is valid for a period of 120 days. During this time, the name will be reserved exclusively for the person or entity who applied for it.
It is important to note that reserving a name does not provide any legal protection for that name. To receive legal protection, a business must register for a trademark or service mark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Another important aspect to consider when reserving an LLC name is choosing a unique and memorable name. This can be key to success in marketing and branding efforts. While it may be tempting to choose a name that is similar to or includes keywords related to the products or services a business provides, creativity and unique branding can help set a business apart from competitors.
In addition to reserving a name, those starting a new business in Colorado will also need to register their LLC through the Secretary of State’s office. This process typically involves providing information about the business, including ownership and contact information. In most cases, there will be a fee associated with this registration process as well.
Once a business is registered with the Colorado Secretary of State’s office, it is important to stay in compliance with state regulations. This can include annual filings and periodic updates to registration information. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in fines or even the revocation of a business’s registration.
Overall, reserving an LLC name in Colorado is a relatively straightforward process, but there are important steps to be aware of. From ensuring the name is available to registering the business and staying in compliance with state regulations, taking the appropriate steps can set a business on the path to success. Choosing a unique and memorable name can also help set a business apart from competitors and build a strong brand identity.
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.
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
