Pennsylvania LLC Name Search – How to Name Your LLC


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein 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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Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is Pennsylvania’s Department 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 LLC in PA or forming an LLC in general, you can check out How to Start an LLC.

How to Name an LLC in Pennsylvania

Time needed: 5 minutes

There are guidelines to follow in doing a Pennsylvania 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.

  1. Check Name Availability

    Search the Business Entity Records in Pennsylvania’s Official Department 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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 $70 filing fee (plus tax for online).

    File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Department of State Online Services page of Pennsylvania. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to the Pennsylvania Department of State Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations P.O. Box 8722 Harrisburg, PA 17105-8722.

Check Name Availability
Reserve Name Online
Download Reservation form

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.

F.A.Qs

What is a Trade Name?

A trade name (doing business as (DBA) name) is the official name under which a proprietor or company chooses to do business.

Is having a domain name necessary?

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.

What if my name is unavailable?

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 Pennsylvania

To reserve an LLC name in Pennsylvania you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Pennsylvana Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $70.

To reserve an LLC name in Pennsylvania, you will need to submit a Name Reservation Form to the Pennsylvania Department of State’s Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations. This form can be filed online or by mail and requires a small fee. When submitting the form, you will need to provide the desired LLC name, the name and address of the individual filing the form, and payment for the reservation fee.

It is important to note that reserving an LLC name does not automatically provide you with the legal authority to use that name for your business. Instead, a name reservation simply holds the name for a period of time, allowing you to complete the necessary steps to register your LLC officially. The reservation typically lasts for 120 days, giving you ample time to finalize the paperwork to establish your LLC.

When choosing a name for your business, it is essential to select a name that is unique and not already in use by another business in Pennsylvania. Conducting a thorough name search can help you avoid potential conflicts and ensure that your business has a distinct identity in the marketplace. The Pennsylvania Department of State’s website offers a free search tool that allows you to check the availability of a business name before submitting a reservation request.

In addition to ensuring the availability of your desired business name, reserving an LLC name can also offer other benefits. By reserving a name in advance, you can start building brand recognition and awareness around your business. Securing your preferred name early on can help you establish a strong brand identity and prevent other businesses from using a similar name in the future.

For those who are unsure about the name they want to use for their LLC, Pennsylvania also allows for the reservation of multiple names on a single application. This can be a helpful option for individuals who are still exploring different branding options or are considering various business ventures.

Overall, reserving an LLC name in Pennsylvania is a crucial step in the process of starting a business. It provides you with the opportunity to secure your desired business name, protect your brand identity, and lay the foundation for a successful business venture. By taking the time to reserve a name for your LLC, you can help set yourself up for success and establish a strong presence in the marketplace.

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

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