Fact Checked by Editorial Staff 
Naming your business is the most important step in forming it. Whether you start an LLC (limited liability company) or any other structure, business names should be the first thing you consider. When you name your LLC, you must go through a set of rules, irrespective of which state you’re in.
Before you decide on a name, you must search for it on the Secretary of State’s official site to make sure your name is available for use. On this page, the LLCBuddy editors came up with the ins and outs of LLC name search and how to name your LLC or any business.
How to Search Business Name for New LLC
Since having a unique name is essential for all limited partnership setups, you need to search for the perfect name that will describe your business’s goals and motto clearly and yet help you attract customers easily. Usually, you can use an LLC name generator to get suggestions on the names before you file for the same. Also, you can gain an assumed name certificate to form a fictitious name for your entity status. Check if your name is available in the state where you want to set up your LLC:
Reasons for Searching Business Name
Before you search for a unique business name, you must know why having a unique business name is important.
- A proper business entity type will help you establish the company’s presence in the market, thereby creating a new identity that will resemble your LLC only.
- With a properly chosen name for the Limited Liability Company, you will be able to perform the rest of the registration process swiftly.
- You will be able to get the EIN number against the business only when you have the name registration certificate with you.
The US government has set some strict rules regarding the naming of businesses. Hence, if you pick out a title randomly, it might violate the laws, and thus, your application will never get accepted by the Secretary of State. The main reasons to conduct a business name search are:
- To find out the availability of the name that you have thought about for your LLC business in the database.
- To determine the status of an existing business and get the basic information on the same.
- To reserve entity names, you have thought about
- To check whether any other LLC office from different profit corporations is present with the same name in your concerned state in the database.
- To carry out some of the essential administrative tasks for the business name.
LLC Naming Guidelines
Whenever one has to choose a name for the Limited Liability Company, several guidelines are available that one needs to follow properly, regardless of the type of business your LLC will be involved in. Here, we have explained the detailed rules for choosing the LLC name that will be accepted by the concerned Secretary of State.
Should have the world ‘LLC’
The first rule you need to comply with is the inclusion of the LLC abbreviations or the use of the full form: limited liability company. No matter what name you have chosen, this particular inclusion should be done as it sets your business apart from other companies, such as corporations, sole proprietorship businesses, and so on.
No confusion with a government entity name
There are several government entities with peculiar and common words in their names. When you decide on the potential names for the LLC, you need to make sure that your chosen title does not coincide with any existing and functional government entity. If you ignore this step, you will have to face legal lawsuits at the time of filing your LLC business name.
Unique name needed with no match
You also need to ensure that the name you have chosen for your business doesn’t match with other companies or LLCs established in your state. For this, you can use the LLC name generator online to know what kind of unique names are available within the state’s directory records that you can use.
Usage of restricted words requires a license
If you are planning to use some restricted words within your business name, you need to get the appropriate license for the same so that you can avoid any form of legal complications.
Legal Business Names vs Brand Names
When you search for a legal name, you must remember the differences between the legal and the brand names.
- Legal name: This name represents your company on legal documents, and hence, the above-mentioned guidelines will be applicable for the legal name only.
- Brand name: From the word itself, you can understand that a brand name is a title representing the product you sell or the service you offer.
Both the legal name and the brand name might be different from each other. But it is the former who needs more attention than the latter.
Mistakes to Avoid When Naming a Business
While choosing a name for the businesses, one needs to be very careful not to make silly mistakes that might cost them a legal lawsuit, or worse, rejection of the name registration filing. Be it a company title, a brand name, or a trademark title, one needs to avoid naming mistakes at any cost. So, to make you more aware, here we have explained some major errors you should look for while choosing the title.
Choosing a general name: If your chosen name is too blunt and generalized, you will not be able to set the perfect impression on the customers, and hence, your business plan might not work out in the expected manner. This is why you should always choose a unique name and immediately get the name reservation request form to prevent others from using the words you have selected.
Selecting a name that limits growth: When you are selecting an option from the list of domain names, many people make mistakes by choosing a word that limits the growth of their business. This will bring you more harm than good, and so, always keep an eye on your choice.
Using restricted words without any license: If you are using any form of restricted words for the ABC Limited Liability Company and do not have the license for the same, you will face problems in the legal and domain name registration process.
Not including the ‘LLC’ acronym: It is the LLC abbreviation that sets this company apart from other types of corporations and businesses in the market. Without this particular part, you wouldn’t be able to classify your business plan as that of an LLC.
Marketing Considerations for LLC Names
Now, there are some marketing considerations you have to keep in mind while choosing the business name for your LLC company, and these are typically considered for Doing Business As (DBA) names.
- First of all, the name should be crisp and clear without any clumsiness.
- Next, you need to ensure that a domain for the name you have decided on is available in the database. If not, you will have to make some tweaks to the chosen name to get the domain.
- Make sure the name defines the business and what it is about, as that will give a clear idea to your customers. If you have multiple businesses, the same is applicable to the entire list of entities.
FAQ
You can search for LLC name availability through your state’s Secretary of State website or business filing agency. Most states offer online business entity search tools where you can enter your desired name to see if it’s already taken. Some states also provide phone services for name availability checks. Always search for similar names as well, since many states prohibit names that are too similar to existing businesses.
No, the process varies by state. While most states have online search portals, the specific search functions, restrictions, and requirements differ. Some states allow partial name searches or filtering by business type, while others require exact matches. Additionally, each state has unique naming requirements and restrictions you’ll need to follow when registering your LLC.
While not always required, reserving your name is recommended. Most states offer name reservation services for a fee (typically $10-$50) that hold your desired name for 30-120 days, depending on the state. This gives you time to prepare and file your formation documents without worrying about someone else claiming your name in the meantime.
Generally, yes, as LLC name protections are primarily state-specific. You can use a name that’s registered in another state as long as it’s available in your filing state. However, be cautious about potential trademark infringement if the existing business operates nationally or in your region, as this could lead to legal complications regardless of state boundaries.
If your preferred name is unavailable, consider adding modifiers like geographic locations, additional descriptive words, or alternative spellings. For example, if “Smith Consulting LLC” is taken, try “Smith Dallas Consulting LLC” or “Smith Business Solutions LLC.” Just ensure your modified name still complies with your state’s naming requirements and doesn’t infringe on existing trademarks.
No, there are limitations and restrictions in place to ensure that business names are not misleading or confusing to consumers. When naming your LLC, it is important to follow the guidelines set forth by your state’s Secretary of State office.
Using your own name for your LLC can provide a sense of credibility and authenticity to your business. Customers may be more likely to trust and feel connected to a business that bears the name of its founder. Additionally, using your own name can also make it easier to establish your personal brand and reputation in your industry. By putting your name on the line, you are making a clear statement that you stand behind your business and its products or services.
However, there are also potential drawbacks to using your name for your LLC. For one, by using your name, you may be personally liable for any debts or legal issues that arise in the operation of your business. This means that your personal assets, such as your home or savings, could be at risk if your business faces financial trouble. This is a crucial consideration, especially for business owners in high-liability industries.
In Conclusion
Business names are crucial. It is very important that you name your LLC following all the guidelines and make sure it is available for use. When a business (or an LLC) shuts down, the name is not immediately available to use. After a specific time (depending on the state’s rule), the name becomes available for others to use. Hence, it is necessary to search for the desired name before you register it to avoid any discrepancies.
You can generate business names using online tools. Once you’re sure to have a proper name, search for it to see if it is available to use in the state. If you’re not sure to register your LLC right away but want to register the name, then you can register the name as a DBA (Doing Business As or Assumed Name). Statewise assumed names can be kept for a certain period of time (from 30 days to 120 days) before you register your LLC.