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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 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.
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.
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.
Reserving an LLC name in Texas is a relatively simple and affordable process that can save you from potential conflicts down the road. By reserving a name, you can ensure that no one else can swoop in and register it before you’re ready to officially form your business entity.
To reserve an LLC name in Texas, the first step is to conduct a name search on the Texas Secretary of State’s website. This will allow you to check the availability of your desired LLC name and ensure that it is not already in use by another business entity in the state. It’s important to choose a unique and distinguishable name for your LLC to avoid confusion and potential legal issues.
Once you have confirmed that your desired LLC name is available, you can proceed with the name reservation process. You must submit a Form 501 – Name Reservation Request to the Texas Secretary of State along with a $40 filing fee. The name reservation is valid for up to 120 days, giving you ample time to prepare and file the necessary paperwork for your LLC formation.
It’s important to note that reserving an LLC name does not grant you exclusive rights to that name indefinitely. After the 120-day reservation period expires, the name will once again become available for others to use. If you’re not ready to form your LLC within that timeframe, you will need to renew the Name Reservation Request and pay the filing fee again.
While reserving an LLC name in Texas is a relatively simple process, it’s essential to adhere to the state’s regulations and guidelines to ensure a smooth and successful registration. Failure to follow the proper procedures could result in delays or complications in establishing your business entity.
In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in Texas is a crucial step in the process of starting your own business. By securing your desired name early on, you can avoid potential conflicts and establish a strong foundation for your LLC. With the straightforward process and affordable filing fee, there’s no reason not to take this important step in setting up your business in the Lone Star 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