LLC Name Search

Follow these steps when checking LLC name availability for an LLC:

Step 1: Search LLC Names

In most states, you’ll search for available LLC names on the Secretary of State business entity database, which keeps records of all registered business entities, including limited liability companies, corporations, limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships.

Find your state’s LLC name search guide in the dropdown menu below.

Step 2: Check Website Domain Name Availability

Searching for a domain name is a great way to find a unique business name and simultaneously acquire the matching website address. The two go hand-in-hand and are complementary to one another.

Confirm that your business name is available as a web domain (website address). Domain registrars or website builders can assist with this. If your preferred domain is already taken, you may need to modify your search until you find an available alternative.

Step 3: Follow LLC Naming Guidelines

The rules and stipulations for naming an LLC can vary from state to state. However, these general principles commonly apply:

• Your chosen LLC name must include a distinguishable LLC identifier, such as “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” or “Limited Liability Company.” The name must not incorporate terms that may lead to confusion with other business structures, like "Corp," "Inc.," or "Nonprofit." 
• Your LLC name should not consist of words that suggest association with government agencies, such as "FBI," "Department of Treasury," or "State Department." 
• The usage of certain words like "bank," "university," "insurance agency," and others may require special permissions or licenses. 
• Your LLC's name must be sufficiently distinct to avoid potential confusion with existing businesses in your state. 
• Choosing a unique, brand-reflective LLC name, and confirming its availability in your state's business search records, is an integral step in the formation process. 

If in doubt, consider consulting an LLC formation service to assist in the process.

When forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC), choosing and registering a unique business name is a critical step. This process varies across different states, but the overarching principles are often the same.

How to Register Your LLC Name in the U.S.

Registering your LLC name is an essential process that takes place when you file your LLC's formation documents, most often called the Certificate of Organization or the Articles of Organization. This is usually done with the Secretary of State in the state where you're forming your business.

Each state's Secretary of State website typically provides in-depth instructions for completing and submitting these documents, including the necessary state filing fees. However, keep in mind that regulations, forms, and filing fees can vary from state to state, so always refer to the specific state's Secretary of State website for accurate information.

For those who prefer to streamline the process, professional LLC formation services are available. These services can handle the registration of your LLC name, as well as assist with filing the formation documents, and provide additional services such as Registered Agent services, compliance reminders, and more.

Reserving Your LLC Name in the U.S.

In many states, the Secretary of State's office allows you to reserve your chosen business name before filing the formation documents. This can be particularly useful if you've decided on a business name but are not ready to form your LLC yet.

Typically, business names can be reserved for a period, often 120 days. The specifics, including duration and the option to renew the reservation, vary by state. It's worth noting that not all states offer name reservation services. In these instances, names are typically awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis at the time of filing the formation documents.

Use the table below for state-specific LLC naming guidelines and direct access to each Secretary of State's business name search database. Select a state for naming rules or click 'Business Name Search' link for your state to confirm name availability.

*Reminder: Make sure your name is available as a website domain and secure it with GoDaddy.