Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is South Carolina’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 LLC in SC 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 South Carolina
Time needed: 5 minutes
There are guidelines to follow in doing a South Carolina 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 South Carolina’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 $25 filing fee (plus tax for online).
File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of South Carolina. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to the Secretary of State Attn: Corporate Filings, 1205 Pendleton Street Suite 525, Columbia, SC 29201.
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 South Carolina
To reserve an LLC name in South Carolina you need to submit a name reservation request form to the South Carolina Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $25.
Starting a business is an exciting venture, but before diving headfirst into it, there are several crucial steps that need to be taken. One such step is reserving a name for your limited liability company (LLC). Reserving an LLC name in South Carolina ensures that your desired name is protected and reserved for your business, providing you with peace of mind as you move forward with your entrepreneurial dreams.
To reserve an LLC name in South Carolina, you must follow a straightforward procedure. Firstly, it is important to conduct a thorough search to ensure that your desired name is available and hasn’t already been claimed by another business. Secretary of State’s website provides a comprehensive online database where you can check the availability of your desired LLC name. Taking the time to conduct a search is essential, as it helps you avoid potential conflicts or legal issues in the future.
Once you have confirmed that your desired name is available, the next step is to submit a Name Reservation Application to the South Carolina Secretary of State’s office. This can be done either online or through mail. In the application, you will be required to provide your desired LLC name, along with your contact information. It is important to ensure that the application is filled out accurately and with utmost clarity to avoid any unnecessary delays or misunderstandings.
Keep in mind that name reservations in South Carolina are valid for a period of 120 days. This provides sufficient time for you to further finalize your business plans, secure necessary financing, and complete all other required paperwork. It is important to note that the reservation of a name does not automatically register your LLC, but it gives you the exclusive right to use that name once you proceed with the registration process.
Reserving an LLC name is a wise step, as it protects your brand identity and prevents others from registering with the same name. By reserving your desired name, you confidently move ahead with other aspects of setting up your business while resting assured that your chosen name will be available when you are ready to proceed.
Being proactive and securing your desired LLC name is essential in the highly competitive business world we live in. Registering the appropriate name involves diligent research and attention to detail, enabling your business to stand apart from others and ensuring its success. This step may seem relatively small in the grand scheme of launching a business, but it is critical to the overall branding, marketing, and legal aspects of your enterprise.
In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in South Carolina is a crucial step in starting your business on the right foot. By conducting a thorough name search and accurately completing a Name Reservation Application, you can secure your desired name and protect it from being claimed by others. This process allows you to confidently move forward with your business knowing that your brand identity is established and your chosen name is reserved. Taking these proactive measures will set you up for success and pave the way for a bright future in the business world.
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
