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.

The first step in reserving an LLC name in South Carolina is to conduct a search to ensure that the name you want is not already in use by another company. This search can be done online through the South Carolina Secretary of State’s website, where you can check the availability of your desired name. If the name is already in use, you will need to select a different name for your LLC. It is crucial to choose a unique name for your business to avoid any legal issues in the future.

Once you have confirmed that your desired name is available, you can proceed with the reservation process. In South Carolina, you can reserve an LLC name by filing a Name Reservation Application with the Secretary of State’s office. This application can be completed online or by mail, and it requires you to provide your desired name, your contact information, and a small filing fee. Once the application is submitted and approved, your LLC name will be reserved for a period of 120 days. It is important to note that a name reservation does not create an LLC; it simply prevents others from using the name while you are preparing to form your business.

Reserving an LLC name in South Carolina is a crucial step in the process of starting your own business. By ensuring that your desired name is available and reserving it with the state, you can protect your brand and avoid any potential conflicts with other businesses. Additionally, having a reserved name gives you peace of mind as you work on the other aspects of forming your LLC.

Overall, reserving an LLC name in South Carolina is a relatively simple process that can be completed quickly and easily. By conducting a name search, filing a Name Reservation Application, and paying a small fee, you can secure the name for your business and move forward with confidence in starting your LLC. Taking the time to reserve your desired name is an essential step in building your brand and protecting your business interests. By following the correct steps and ensuring that your name is safely reserved, you can lay a strong foundation for the success of your LLC in 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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