South Carolina 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 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.

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.

  1. 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.

  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 $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.

Check Name Availability
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 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.

To reserve an LLC name in South Carolina, you must file an application with the state’s Secretary of State. The application can be completed online via the Secretary of State’s website or by submitting a hard copy by mail. The application requires that you provide the desired LLC name, as well as your contact information.

Before submitting your application, it is important to do your due diligence to ensure that your desired name is available for use. The Secretary of State’s website allows you to search existing business names to avoid any potential conflicts. It is crucial to choose a unique and distinguishable name to avoid any legal issues down the line.

When submitting your application, there is a filing fee associated with reserving an LLC name in South Carolina. The fee must be paid at the time of submission, either online or by including a check with your hard copy application. The fee is relatively nominal but is a necessary step in the process of securing your name.

Once your application is approved and processed by the Secretary of State, your LLC name will be reserved for a period of 120 days. This gives you ample time to complete the necessary paperwork to officially form your LLC. It is important to note that reserving a name does not automatically create your LLC; it is simply a step in the process.

Reserving an LLC name in South Carolina is a crucial step in establishing your business entity. It not only protects your desired name but also gives you the assurance that your chosen name will be available when you are ready to move forward with the formation of your LLC. By following the necessary steps and guidelines set forth by the state, you can successfully reserve your LLC name without any complications.

In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in South Carolina is a simple yet essential step in the process of starting your business. By adhering to the guidelines and procedures outlined by the state, you can secure your desired name with ease. Remember to do your research, pay the necessary filing fee, and complete the application accurately to avoid any delays in the process. Reserving your LLC name sets you on the path to creating a successful and legally compliant business in the state of South Carolina.

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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