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.

Reserving an LLC name in Pennsylvania is a relatively straightforward process. To begin, you will need to conduct a search on the Pennsylvania Department of State’s business entity database to check if your desired LLC name is available. It is important to choose a unique and distinguishable name that is not already in use by another business. You can conduct this search online for free, making it easy to confirm the availability of your chosen name.

Once you have confirmed that your desired LLC name is available, you can proceed with reserving it. To do this, you will need to file an application for reservation of name with the Pennsylvania Department of State. This application can be submitted online or by mail, along with a filing fee. The reservation of name is valid for 120 days, giving you ample time to prepare and file the required paperwork to officially register your LLC.

Reserving your LLC name in Pennsylvania is crucial if you are not yet ready to officially form your business entity. By reserving your name, you are preventing any other business from using it during the reservation period. This is particularly important if you have invested time and resources into developing your brand identity and don’t want it to be copied or imitated by another business.

In addition to reserving your LLC name, it is important to consider other aspects of forming your business entity in Pennsylvania. This includes registering your business with the Pennsylvania Department of State, obtaining an employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS, and applying for any necessary business licenses and permits. By taking these steps, you are ensuring that your business is legally compliant and ready to operate in the state.

Overall, reserving an LLC name in Pennsylvania is a simple yet essential step in the process of starting a business. By securing your desired name, you are protecting your brand identity and ensuring that you can operate under the name of your choice. Additionally, by complying with state regulations and filing the necessary paperwork, you can avoid potential legal challenges down the road. So, if you are planning to start an LLC in Pennsylvania, be sure to reserve your name and take the necessary steps to officially register your business entity.

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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