How to Search Names for Your Business – LLC Name Search


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
Business Formation Expert
Steve runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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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 out if your name is available in the state where you want to set up your LLC:

Reasons for Searching Business Name

Now, the main question with the name search is why one actually needs to search for the business name before deciding to file. The US government has set some strict rules regarding the naming of the 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 or not in your concerned state in the database.
  • To carry out some of the essential administrative works with the business name.

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.
How do I check if my desired LLC name is available?

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.

Is an LLC name search the same in every state?

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.

Do I need to reserve my LLC name after confirming availability?

While not always required, reserving your name is recommended. Most states offer name reservation services for a fee (typically $10-$50) that holds 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.

Can I use a name that’s taken in another state?

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.

What if the exact name I want is taken?

If your preferred name is unavailable, consider adding modifiers like geographic locations, additional descriptive words, or alternative spelling. 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.

Can I name my LLC anything?

You can name your LLC whatever you wish to. You just need to make sure that the name you choose follows the LLC naming guidelines.

But can you name your LLC anything? The short answer is 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.

One of the primary restrictions when it comes to naming your LLC is that the name must be unique and distinguishable from other businesses in your state. This means that you cannot choose a name that is already in use by another company in the same industry. Conducting a thorough search to ensure that your desired name is available is essential to avoid potential legal issues down the road.

In addition to uniqueness, there are also specific rules regarding the structure of your LLC name. Most states require that the name of your LLC includes a designator like Limited Liability Company or LLC to indicate the legal structure of the business. This helps to clarify the nature of your organization to consumers and potential business partners.

Furthermore, your LLC name cannot contain any restricted words or phrases that are deemed misleading or inappropriate. For example, words like bank or insurance may require additional licensing and approval from regulatory agencies before they can be used in your business name. Avoiding these restricted words can save you time and hassle in the long run.

It is also important to consider the branding and marketing implications of your LLC name. Your business name should be memorable and easy to spell, making it easier for customers to find and remember your company. A strong business name can help set you apart from the competition and create a strong identity for your brand.

In conclusion, while you may not be able to name your LLC anything, there are still plenty of creative options available to you. By following the rules and regulations set forth by your state’s Secretary of State office, you can choose a name that accurately reflects your brand and values. Taking the time to choose a thoughtful and distinctive business name will set you on the path to building a successful and reputable company for years to come.

In Conclusion

LLC names are crucial. Before you register your LLC name, make sure that name is available. Generally, when a company shuts down, the name is unavailable for the next few days. After that, it will be available for your business. Also, you must know that there are some rules and regulations one has to follow while naming an LLC. Once everything is done, you can proceed with the name registration.

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