Choosing a unique name is one of the first steps when forming a limited liability company (LLC), and conducting an LLC name search allows you to check if your desired business name is available before registering it.
In this guide, we’ll share how to perform a business name search, provide an overview of common LLC naming rules, and briefly walk you through the registration process. Let’s get started!
Secure Your LLC Name Now
Northwest Registered Agent will register your business name when they form your LLC for $29 (plus state fees).
Start NowHow to Check if Your LLC Name is Available
Checking if your desired LLC name is available involves a few key steps. Here is an overview of what you need to do:
1. Choose Your State
To see if your preferred LLC name is available, you’ll need to search your state business entity database.
Find your state’s LLC name search guide below:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
2. Search for LLC Names
To perform an LLC name search in your state, visit your Secretary of State’s website (or other applicable department). Under the department’s “Business Services” section, look for an option to search active and inactive names.
Type in your desired LLC name and hit search. Try different variations like abbreviations, LLC vs. Ltd, or slight name changes. For example, search for “Blue Sky LLC,” “BlueSky LLC,” “Blue Skies LLC,” etc.
Review all results with your search criteria carefully – is your name already taken? Are there similar names that could cause confusion? Print or save your search results for reference.
If your preferred name appears to be available, double-check on a local level as well. Some states require registering an LLC name at the county or city level, too.
3. Check Available Domain Names
When choosing a business name you’ll need to find out whether or not a good web domain name is available. Having a URL that clearly matches your business name is important. This small step can make a big difference in how prospective customers find your business.
The best way to determine if your desired URL is available is to search for it using your preferred domain registry.
What if my LLC name is already taken? Our free AI-powered LLC name generator will give you thousands of new ideas.
4. Follow LLC Naming Rules
Naming requirements vary for each state, but some of the most common ones for limited liability companies include the following:
- The entity name must include “limited liability company” or abbreviations like “LLC” or “L.L.C.”
- Avoid restricted words such as “bank,” “insurance,” and “trust” unless you have special permissions.
- The name cannot use words that imply it’s a governmental agency (e.g., “federal” or “state department”).
- It should be distinguishable and not deceptively similar to other registered names. Entity identifiers like inc. (for corporations) or LP (for limited partnerships) typically do not make a name distinguishable.
How to Register an LLC Name
Register Your Name: Form an LLC
An LLC name becomes officially registered when you complete your LLC formation by filing the Articles of Organization in the state you conduct business in (sometimes known as a Certificate of Formation or Certificate of Organization).
The Articles of Organization include your LLC’s name, registered agent, business purpose, and other key details. Filing these documents creates your company’s legal existence.
Ready to register your LLC name? Use our Form an LLC guide to get started.
Have a Professional Service Form Your LLC
TRUiC readers can access Northwest’s LLC services for just $29 plus state fees (75% discount)
Visit NorthwestRegistering a DBA (doing business as) name is a separate process that requires filing with either your state, county, or city of business.
Reserve Your Name
Most states allow you to reserve your LLC name before you register it. Your name reservation can last anywhere from 30 days to 12 months.
To reserve an LLC name, you’ll need to file a simple name reservation application with your state. This requires providing your proposed name, contact information, duration for the reservation, and a small filing fee (usually $10-25).
Once approved, you’ll receive confirmation that your name is reserved. Make sure to file your Articles of Organization before the reservation expires.
To learn how to file for a business name reservation, check out our LLC Name Search state guides.
Conduct a Trademark or Service Mark Search
A trademark search lets you check if your business name or logo is already trademarked. Head to the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) online system and search for potential matches. Even if your state LLC name is available, make sure your brand elements don’t infringe on existing trademarks.
For additional help, visit our review of the best trademark services for startups.
Business Entity and LLC Name Search by State
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Secretary of State or Comptroller of Public Accounts | ||
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State Corporation Commission | ||
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Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection | ||
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LLC Name Search FAQ
How do I check if an LLC name is taken?
You can check with your state regulator to see if your preferred business name is available. Most states have a searchable, online database of existing business names. Read our free state guides to find a link to your state’s search tool.
Can two businesses have the same name?
Business name regulations and restrictions vary by state. Some states prohibit two businesses from having the same name while others don’t.
However, it’s strongly recommended that you choose a unique name for your company regardless of your state’s rules. Read our state-specific LLC naming guides to learn more about the rules in your state.
What words can’t be used in a company name?
Restricted words for business names vary by state and some states have stricter naming rules than others.
However, business names generally can’t include words that imply the company is a banking or financial institution or that it’s affiliated with a local, state, or federal government agency.
Learn more here: How to Name a Business
Should I use a business name generator?
If you’re having trouble choosing a name for your LLC, a business name generator can help you come up with some ideas.
What is a brand name?
A brand name is a name a company gives to a product or line of products. It can be the same as the company’s name or something different.
Do I have to include LLC in my name?
Most states require you to include “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations (e.g., LLC or L.L.C.) in an LLC’s legal name.
Do I need to renew my business name?
Rules about renewing business names and registrations vary by state. You can refer to our state-specific LLC naming guides for information about your state’s LLC naming rules.
Can my business name be different from my LLC name?
Some companies choose to operate under a name that’s different from their legal name. This can either be called a business name — a “doing business as” (DBA) name — or something else, depending on the state (e.g., assumed name, fictitious name, trade name, etc.).
Different states have different rules, but you’ll generally need to register with the state to use a name that’s different from your LLC’s official name.
Does my LLC need a DBA name?
Your LLC doesn’t need a DBA name unless it plans to do business under a name other than its legal name. Read our state guides about filing for a DBA for more information.