Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is Texas’ 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 Texas 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 Texas
Time needed: 5 minutes.
There are guidelines to follow in doing a Texas 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 Texas’ 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 $40 filing fee (plus tax for online).
File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of Texas. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to Secretary of State P.O. Box 13697 Austin, TX 78711.
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 Texas
To reserve an LLC name in Texas you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Texas Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $40.
Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) are a popular legal entity choice for businesses in the United States, including those in Texas. One critical aspect of starting an LLC in Texas is reserving a business name. The process of reserving a name is generally straightforward but requires careful attention to detail to avoid significant issues or delays in setting up the LLC.
First, it is crucial to choose a unique and available name to reserve for the LLC. The Texas Secretary of State’s website provides a useful tool to verify whether a name is available for reservation. It is also essential to ensure that the chosen name satisfies the state’s naming requirements, such as using certain terms like “LLC” in the name.
Once a suitable name has been selected, the next step is to file an Application for Reservation of an Entity Name with the Secretary of State. This application requires basic information about the proposed LLC, such as the name, a description of the business type, the organizers’ names, and the organizer’s address.
It’s essential to be accurate when filing the application, as an insufficient or incorrect application may result in a rejected request for name reservation. It is also worth noting that name reservations are valid for 120 days, which means forming and registering the LLC under the reserved name should be done within that time frame.
It is also essential to consider the potential competition with other businesses that have similar names. A trademark search through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) can help in determining whether the name will infringe on someone else’s intellectual property rights.
It may be beneficial to also consider whether registering the name as a trademark provides additional protection for the business. Generally, trademarks offer broader protection than reserving an entity name with the state, ensuring that others cannot use the same branding for similar goods and services.
Overall, reserving a name for an LLC in Texas involves a careful and straightforward process that requires attention to detail but is paramount for building a solid legal foundation for the business. By taking steps to secure a unique and available name and being cautious during the filing process, reserving an entity name in Texas is a relatively simple process that can have significant beneficial effects on the overall wellbeing of a business.
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
