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.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
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.
- 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. - 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 $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.
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 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.
How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in Pennsylvania?
If you’re considering starting your own business in the state of Pennsylvania, one important step in the process is reserving the name of your limited liability company (LLC). By reserving an LLC name, you ensure that no other entity within the state will be able to use the same name for a certain period of time, giving you peace of mind and avoiding potential conflicts down the road.
So, how exactly do you go about reserving an LLC name in Pennsylvania? The process is relatively straightforward, and this comment will guide you through the necessary steps.
First and foremost, it’s vital to conduct thorough research to ensure that your desired LLC name is available and not already in use by another business entity in the state. Pennsylvania’s Department of State provides online access to the Pennsylvania Business Entity Search, a reliable tool to check the availability of the name you wish to reserve. Taking the time to undertake this search will save you frustration and potential complications in the future.
Once you’ve confirmed the availability of your desired LLC name, you can proceed with the reservation process. In Pennsylvania, obtaining name reservation is conducted by filing the appropriate form with the Department of State – specifically, you will need to complete the Application for Reservation of Name (Form DSCB: 15-208).
The form itself is simple to fill out and can be downloaded from the Department of State’s website. It will require you to provide basic information such as your contact details and the LLC name you wish to reserve. Additionally, you will need to indicate the duration for which you want the name to be reserved, which can be for a maximum period of 120 days. A small filing fee is also necessary and should be submitted along with the application.
You can opt to file the Application for Reservation of Name through traditional mail or online, using the Pennsylvania Department of State’s online filing system. If you choose to file online, you will need to create an account and follow the instructions provided.
Regardless of the method you select, it’s important to remember that filing a reservation does not automatically create and register your LLC. Instead, it solely ensures the availability of your chosen name for a limited time, giving you the opportunity to further prepare and organize your business formation.
It’s crucial to keep track of the name reservation’s expiration date as well, as failure to file necessary registration documents before this time will result in forfeiture of the reserved name.
Reserving an LLC name in Pennsylvania is a preliminary step in the business formation process that provides assurance and safeguards your chosen name from being taken by others. By conducting a name availability search and following the simple steps outlined above, you can successfully reserve an LLC name for a specific duration and move forward with confidence in establishing your own business entity.
In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in Pennsylvania is a relatively uncomplicated procedure that entails conducting a name availability search and filing the appropriate application form with the Department of State. This process secures your desired name for a specified duration, providing essential protection for your future business endeavors.
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
