Pennsylvania LLC Name Search – How to Name Your LLC


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
Business Formation Expert
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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 first need to conduct a thorough search to make sure that your desired name is not already in use by another business entity. This search can be done through the Pennsylvania Department of State’s online business entity search tool, which allows you to look up existing business names to see if your desired name is available. It’s important to choose a name that is not only unique but also compliant with Pennsylvania’s naming regulations, which require the name to include “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation thereof, such as “LLC” or “L.L.C.”

Once you have determined that your desired name is available, you can then reserve it for a period of 120 days by filing a Name Reservation Application with the Pennsylvania Department of State. This application can be completed online or by mail, and requires a filing fee of $70. The reservation period gives you time to prepare and file the necessary paperwork to officially form your LLC, providing you with peace of mind that your chosen name will be protected during that time.

When filling out the Name Reservation Application, be sure to include your desired LLC name, along with your contact information and the name and address of the individual or entity filing the application. You may also choose to include alternative names in order of preference, in case your first choice is already taken. Once your application is submitted and processed, you will receive a certificate of name reservation from the Pennsylvania Department of State, which confirms that your LLC name has been reserved for the designated period.

It’s important to note that reserving an LLC name in Pennsylvania does not officially register your business entity, nor does it grant you exclusive rights to that name. To establish your LLC and officially secure your desired name, you will need to file Articles of Organization with the Pennsylvania Department of State and pay the required filing fee. These articles formally create your LLC and establish its existence under Pennsylvania law, providing you with the legal protection and recognition needed to conduct business.

In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in Pennsylvania is a crucial step in the process of forming a new business entity. By choosing a unique and compliant name, conducting a thorough search, and filing a Name Reservation Application with the Pennsylvania Department of State, you can secure your desired name and protect your business identity during the initial stages of formation.Take the necessary steps to reserve your LLC name today, and start building the foundation for a successful and thriving business in Pennsylvania.

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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