LLC Name Search

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 with the state.

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!

How to Check if Your LLC Name is Available

Checking if your desired LLC name is available involves a few key steps. Read on for an overview of what you need to do.

1. Follow LLC Naming Rules

Before you begin your LLC name search, you need to ensure your chosen name complies with LLC naming guidelines. Naming requirements vary by state, but here are some of the most common ones for LLCs:

• The entity name must include “limited liability company” or abbreviations like “LLC” or “L.L.C.”
• The name can’t use terms that would confuse the business with another business structure, such as “Corp,” “Nonprofit,” or “Inc.”
• Avoid restricted words like “bank,” “insurance,” and “trust” unless you have special permissions.
• The name can’t 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 don’t make a name distinguishable.

Following your state’s LLC naming guidelines will help ensure your chosen business name is usable. However, if you want to ensure this process is done correctly, many LLC formation services offer name availability checks along with their formation packages. 

2. Search for LLC Names

Next, you’ll need to determine if your chosen business name is available in your state. This is to ensure your business name is distinguishable from any other business entity already registered with the state. 

To perform an LLC name search in your state, visit your Secretary of State’s website (or other applicable department) and follow these steps: 

1. Under the department’s “Business Services” section, look for an option to search active and inactive names. 
2. Type in your desired LLC name and click on the “Search” button. 
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. If your preferred name appears to be available, double-check it 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 know if a good web domain name is available as well. 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 and help with establishing your brand identity. 

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. Reserve Your Name

Most states allow you to reserve your LLC name before you register it officially. 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 to $25).

Once approved, you’ll receive confirmation that your name is reserved. Make sure to file your Articles of Organization before the reservation expires.

5. Conduct a Trademark or Service Mark Search

A trademark search lets you check if another company already trademarked your chosen business name or logo. Visit the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website and search for potential matches. Even if your LLC name is available within your state, make sure your brand elements don’t infringe on existing trademarks.

For additional help, visit our review of the best trademark services for startups.

6. Form Your LLC 

An LLC name becomes officially registered when you complete your LLC formation by filing the Articles of Organization in the state where you plan to conduct business (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.

Business Entity and LLC Name Search by State

Why Do an LLC Name Search? 

Before naming your LLC, it’s crucial to do a name search. If you don’t complete an LLC name search and someone else is already using your chosen business name, you can encounter legal troubles as well as customer confusion down the road. 

If your LLC name is taken, you can use a “doing business as” (DBA) name. This lets you use a different name for your business without changing your LLC’s legal name. It’s great for branding and gives you more flexibility. Just keep in mind that registering a DBA name is a separate process that requires filing a form with either your state, county, or city of business. While a DBA name can be useful, remember it doesn’t protect your business name like an LLC does. So, it’s still smart to check if your DBA name is unique in your area.

LLC Name Search FAQ

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