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 Delaware’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 Delaware LLC or forming an LLC in general, you can check out How to Start an LLC.
How to Name an LLC in Delaware
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 Delaware’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 $75 filing fee (plus tax for online).
File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of Delaware. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to the Delaware Division of Corporations 401 Federal Street –Suite 4 Dover, DE 19901.
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 LLC Online Name Search
To search the LLC name online, one has to perform the task through the official State of Delaware website. There are a few steps to search for the name for LLC and reserve the online. Following are the steps to follow for online name search and reservation.
Searching for names
LLC names are crucial and they should be unique. Before you search for the name, you need to check if the name is available or if there is any business entity in Delaware that is present with the exact name or similar name. To perform the business entity search visit the Delaware Entity Search Website.
Click on the ‘Entity Search’ to go to the entity search page. On the next page, enter the name of your LLC or the file number. Hit the ‘Search’ button to get the information about the same/similar name entities in Delaware.
Reserving name
Step 1: To reserve a name for your Colorado LLC, start by visiting the Name Reservation official portal.
Step 2: There, check the terms and conditions box and enter the required information in the given boxes. Enter the type of business you have, i.e. Limited Liability Company. Next enter the entity ending such as LLC, L.L.C., or Limited Liability Company. Finally, add the name you want to reserve for your LLC. Hit the ‘Search’ button after providing the captcha.
Step 3: If the name you have entered is available then you can reserve the name immediately after making a payment of $75.
Step 4: Click on the ‘Yes’ button to get the details of your LLC name and get the Payment link.
Step 5: Click on the Payment button to start the payment process. To make the payment one has to register with the website. If you are already registered then sign in to the portal with your login ID and password. If not then register by clicking on the ‘New User’ button.
Step 6: Finally, after registering/logging in you will get the Payment page. Make the payment of $75 by using your VISA or MasterCard. The name search and reservation process will be completed. You will receive the name reservation certificate via email.
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 Delaware
To reserve an LLC name in Delaware you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Delaware Division of Corporations by mail, in person or online by paying a filing fee of $75.
Reserving an LLC name in Delaware is a straightforward process that can be done online through the Delaware Division of Corporations website. By reserving a name, you can ensure that no other entity in the state uses the same name as your business. This not only protects your brand’s identity but also gives you time to prepare and file your formal LLC documents without worrying about someone else snagging your desired name in the meantime.
To reserve an LLC name in Delaware, all you need to do is conduct a search on the Division of Corporations website to ensure that your desired name is available. If it is, you can then fill out a Name Reservation Request Form and submit it online along with the required fee. Once approved, your chosen name will be reserved for 120 days, giving you plenty of time to finalize your LLC paperwork and officially register your business.
It’s important to note that reserving a name does not officially register your LLC. To do so, you will need to file Articles of Organization with the Delaware Division of Corporations. However, reserving a name is a crucial first step in the process, as it gives you peace of mind knowing that your chosen name is safe and secure until you’re ready to move forward with the formal registration process.
Another benefit of reserving an LLC name in Delaware is that it allows you to start building your brand and marketing your business without the fear of someone else claiming your name. By securing your desired name early on, you can establish a strong online presence, create business cards and marketing materials, and start networking with potential clients and customers.
In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in Delaware is a simple yet important step in starting your business. By taking the time to secure your desired name early on, you can protect your brand, establish a strong identity, and set yourself up for success in the competitive business world. So if you’re thinking about starting an LLC in Delaware, don’t forget to reserve your name to ensure a smooth and successful business launch.
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