Use our guide to check LLC name availability in your state.
SKIP AHEAD:
1. Complete an LLC Name Search
How to Check if Your LLC Name is Available
Choose your state to complete an LLC name search:
- 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
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, such as GoDaddy.
What if my LLC name is already taken? Our free AI-powered LLC name generator will give you thousands of new ideas.
How to Register an LLC Name
Register Your Name: Form an LLC
An LLC name is officially registered when you file your LLC application documents.
Ready to register your LLC name? Use our Form an LLC guide to get started.
Registering 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 learn how to file for a business name reservation, check out our Form an LLC guide.
Business Entity and LLC Name Search by State
- Alabama Secretary of State
- State of Alaska Corporations Database
- Arizona Secretary of State
- Arkansas Secretary of State
- California Secretary of State
- Colorado Secretary of State
- Connecticut Secretary of State
- State of Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida Department of State
- Georgia Secretary of State
- State of Hawaii
- Idaho Secretary of State
- Illinois Secretary of State
- Indiana Secretary of State
- Iowa Secretary of State
- Kansas Secretary of State
- Kentucky Secretary of State
- Louisiana Secretary of State
- Maine Secretary of State
- Maryland Secretary of State
- Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth
- Michigan Secretary of State
- Minnesota Secretary of State
- Mississippi Secretary of State
- Missouri Secretary of State
- Montana Secretary of State
- Nebraska Secretary of State
- Nevada Secretary of State
- New Hampshire Secretary of State
- New Jersey Department of State
- New Mexico Secretary of State
- New York Department of State
- North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State
- North Dakota Secretary of State
- Ohio Secretary of State
- Oklahoma Secretary of State
- Oregon Secretary of State
- Pennsylvania Department of State
- Rhode Island Secretary of State
- South Carolina Secretary of State
- South Dakota Secretary of State
- Tennessee Secretary of State
- Texas Secretary of State
- Utah Secretary of State
- Vermont Secretary of State
- Virginia, Commonwealth
- Washington Secretary of State
- West Virginia Secretary of State
- Wisconsin Secretary of State
- Wyoming Secretary of State
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.
Learn how to see if your LLC is taken here: LLC Name Search.
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.
Learn more about branding your business in our How to Name a Business guides.
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.
Refer to our state LLC naming guides for information about your LLC naming rules in your state.
Do I need to renew my business name?
Rules about renewing business names and registrations vary by state.
Check out 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.
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.
