Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is Ohio’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 an Ohio 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 Ohio
Time needed: 5 minutes.
There are guidelines to follow in doing an Ohio LLC name search. 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 Ohio’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 $39 filing fee (plus tax for online).
File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of Ohio. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to P.O. Box 670 Columbus, OH 43216 for a regular filing or P.O. Box 1390 Columbus, OH 43216 with the additional fee for an expedited filing.
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 Ohio LLC Online Name Search
Naming a business is one of the critical steps in establishing any LLC. There are two things to keep in mind while naming your LLC in Ohio- it should be attractive, meaningful as well as abide by some rules. In order to choose a unique name, you can take help from the Ohio LLC name search in the following ways:
Search by Business Name
Once you land on the business entity search page, you would come across several search options. One of them is to search by business name. Type the name you want to search in the field provided. You can select from different options available such as all, active, canceled, and dead.
Search by Exact Business Name
The other option for searching is by using the exact business name. Type in the name you wish to look for in the search tab. This option gives the name of businesses registered with the exact same name.
Search by Prior Business Name
There is another option to search for any business name based in Ohio. If you have the information about prior business names, you can run the search by providing the name in the search tab. The prior business name defines the business or name issued prior to the non-renewal period.
Search by Agent or Registrant Name
Another way to do the business name search is through the agent or registrant name. If you have information about the person or agent related to business. You can run the search by entering the name of that person, in the search field.
Search by Organizer or Incorporator Name
One more way to search for the business entity name is by the Organizer or Incorporator name. You have to type the name of the incorporator or organizer in the field provided. For better results, provide the location of incorporation in the field provided underneath.
Search by Entity Number
One other option to search for a business name is by the Entity ID or Document Number. It is the 6-digit unique number provided at the time of registration. You need to fill in the details in the search tab and enter. The search results will provide all the necessary information based on the number provided.
Search by Mark Number or Document ID
Apart from business names, you can also search by trademark number. You can provide the number in the field provided and press enter. You will get the information about the LLC registered with that particular trademark.
Search by Mark Description
This other option can be used to search for a business entity by providing some description of the trademark. You just need to fill in the details of the trademark, and press enter. You can opt from ‘all’, ‘active’, ‘canceled’, and ‘dead’ options available to refine your search.
Search by Mark Registrant Name
If you have the information about the trademark registrant’s name, you can opt for this option. Type the name of the registrant in the search field, and click on the ‘search’ button. You will get the details about LLC registered against the details provided.
How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in Ohio
To reserve an LLC name in Ohio you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Ohio Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $39.
Reserving an LLC name in Ohio is an important step in starting a business. Before you can register an LLC, you need to choose a name that is available and unique. However, name availability can change quickly in Ohio, so it’s necessary to act fast if you find a name you like.
One way to reserve an LLC name in Ohio is to fill out the Application for Reservation of Name form. This form can be found on the Ohio Secretary of State’s website and can be easily completed online or in paper form. The application asks for basic information such as the desired LLC name, the name and address of the applicant, and an optional email address. It’s important to ensure that the name you choose meets Ohio’s requirements for LLC names and is not already in use by another company.
After completing the application, you must pay a $50 fee to reserve the LLC name. This fee can be paid online using a credit or debit card, or by mail with a check or money order. Once the fee is paid and the application is submitted, the name will be reserved for 120 days. This means that during this period, nobody else can use the name in Ohio.
If 120 days passes and you are not yet ready to register your LLC, you can file another Application for Reservation of Name form to extend the reservation for an additional 120 days. However, this may not be necessary if you can file the LLC paperwork within the original 120-day window.
It’s important to note that reserving an LLC name is not the same as registering the LLC. Once you have reserved a name, you still need to file Articles of Organization and pay the appropriate fees to register the LLC with the Ohio Secretary of State. However, reserving a name can be beneficial if you need extra time to prepare and gather any necessary information for the registration process.
In summary, reserving an LLC name in Ohio is a simple process that requires filling out an application form, paying a fee, and waiting for approval. Taking the time to reserve a unique name can benefit your business in the long run, as it can help prevent confusion and legal issues with other companies. Additionally, reserving a name can give you extra time to prepare for the LLC registration process. Overall, it’s a wise decision to reserve an LLC name before registering a business in Ohio.
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
