Finding the right name for your LLC is one of the most important steps when starting out.
Even so, you should note that this process isn’t always easy, as finding the right business name will need a combination of creativity, luck, and a good understanding of the legal LLC naming frameworks of your state.
In this Naming an LLC guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about naming your LLC, including common legal requirements and things to look out for. By the end, you’ll be ready to choose a name that both resonates with your vision and is compliant with all state and federal regulations.
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LLC Naming Guidelines
While each state has its own specific regulations regarding the naming of LLCs, there are certain universal rules that you’ll need to follow regardless of your location, including:
- All LLC names must contain an appropriate entity designator (e.g., “LLC”, “L.L.C.”, or “Limited Liability Company”)
- LLC names can’t contain an entity designator that could confuse your LLC with another business type (e.g., “Corp”, “Inc.”, “Nonprofit”, etc.)
- LLC names can’t use words that could confuse them with a government agency (e.g., the FBI, the Department of State, the Department of the Treasury, etc.)
- Names for LLCs cannot use terms like “bank”, “university”, “law center”, and other restricted words without prior approval
- An LLC’s name cannot be so similar to that of another business registered in the same state that it could confuse customers
As mentioned above, some states may have unique requirements for LLC names in addition to these general guidelines, such as language preferences or specific restrictions. As such, it’s recommended to review your state’s regulations or consult your Secretary of State’s office to ensure full compliance.
Choosing a legally-compliant name for your LLC is just one of a number of different steps that are essential to proper LLC formation. To help guide you through this process quickly and stress-free, we always recommend working with a reputable LLC formation service.
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Tips for a Great LLC Name
With a solid understanding of the foundational LLC naming rules, you can now focus on picking a name for your business that helps it to stand out and establish a strong brand identity.
When doing so, try to keep the following key principles in mind to help you craft a great LLC name:
- Keep It Simple: Choosing a name that’s easy to pronounce, spell, and remember is crucial to enable potential customers to find and refer to your business easily.
- Reflect Your Business Purpose: Ideally, your name should give a clear idea of what your LLC does — such as by incorporating keywords related to your industry that convey your mission instantly.
- Think About Longevity: Try to avoid trends or overly specific terms that could limit your brand in the future, and instead focus on finding a name that’s able to grow with your business.
- Check Domain Availability: Making sure there’s a matching domain name available is key to building your LLC’s online presence so that it’s easier for customers to find you.
By combining creativity with these guiding principles, you can create a memorable LLC name that leaves a lasting impression and lays the foundation for your brand’s success.
Note: If you’re struggling to come up with the perfect name, you can use our Business Name Generator tool to spark ideas and find inspiration.
Checking Name Availability
Since two registered businesses in the same state aren’t allowed to have the same name, you’ll need to ensure that your desired name isn’t already in use before you can register it.
In order to check your name’s availability, there are three key searches you’ll need to carry out:
- LLC Name Search: Most states provide an online business name search tool through the Secretary of State’s website that allows you to quickly verify whether your chosen name has already been registered by another business
- Domain Name Search: Since you ideally want a matching domain for your LLC name, checking that your desired name is available as a web address using a domain name search is crucial. See our “Next Steps” section for the other key considerations when registering a domain name
- Social Media Search: Finally, search for your business name on different social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram) to confirm the availability of the handle for your preferred name
When performing these checks, remember that you won’t just be prohibited from taking names that are identical to those already registered in your state, but those that are confusingly similar as well — this means that things like changes in punctuation or capitalization won’t make your name distinguishable from one that’s already registered.
Even if your desired name is considered sufficiently distinct, it may not be the best idea to register it if another business is operating under a similar one, as this will likely result in brand confusion that makes it harder to grow your reputation as a new business.
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Note: For more guidance on how to check the availability of your LLC’s name, we encourage you to take a look at our LLC Name Search guide.
Reserving Your Business Name
If you’ve found an available name that you’re happy with but aren’t yet ready to form your LLC, it’s a good idea to reserve it by filing a request with the Secretary of State.
Even if you don’t plan to use it right away, reserving a business name is highly recommended as it prevents others from acquiring your preferred name while you’re preparing to launch your business.
The reservation process is normally very simple and typically only involves filing a name reservation application with the Secretary of State’s office alongside a nominal fee (usually between $10 and $50).
Once you’ve received confirmation from the Secretary of State that this request has been approved, your desired name can be protected from anywhere between 30 and 120 days, depending on your state.
It’s important to note, however, that reserving a name only grants exclusive rights to it within your state, and it also won’t protect you against any potential trademark issues.
Creating a DBA Name
If your desired LLC name is unavailable, or you simply want to operate under a name that better reflects a specific aspect of your business, using a “Doing Business As” (DBA) name can be a good solution.
A DBA name — which is sometimes referred to as a trade name or fictitious name — is essentially an alias for your LLC that allows it to conduct business under a name that’s different from the one it’s legally registered as.
This can be an effective way to enhance your business identity and branding without needing to change your LLC’s official registered name. For example, an LLC named “Smith Enterprises LLC,” might use the DBA name “Smith Landscaping” to highlight this specific service.
The process for registering a DBA varies by state and county but generally involves:
- Checking Name Availability: Just like with your LLC’s name, you’ll need to check the DBA you want to use isn’t already registered by another business in your area
- Filing a Registration Form: With this out of the way, you’ll need to submit a DBA application to your state or local government office, often alongside a small filing fee
- Public Notification (if required): Some jurisdictions require you to publish your DBA in a local newspaper to inform the public of your intent to use the name
Note: While permitted in most states, DBAs are not allowed in Kansas, New Mexico, or South Carolina.
Recommended: More than 84% of our readers form their LLC through a specialized LLC formation service in order to save time and avoid being caught up in procedural rigmarole.
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Alternatively, you can read more about completing the formation process yourself in our How to Start an LLC guide.
Naming an LLC FAQ
How do I choose a good LLC name?
To choose a good LLC name, it’s important to focus on simplicity, clarity, and relevance to your business, though you’ll also need to ensure it complies with all your state’s naming requirements and isn’t already in use by another registered business.
For more guidance on choosing a good name, be sure to check out our Naming an LLC article.
Should I name my LLC after myself?
Naming your LLC after yourself isn’t usually recommended as it may limit branding opportunities in the future, as well as make it harder for customers to understand your business’s purpose.
When forming your LLC, try to brainstorm some more descriptive names that better communicate your business’s services or products.
Do LLC names have to be unique?
Yes, LLC names must be unique within the state you plan to register, in order to avoid confusion with existing businesses that currently operate there.
It’s important to conduct a thorough LLC name search when forming your business, as it ensures your chosen name isn’t already in use by another business registered in your state.
What words cannot be used in an LLC name?
Words that imply association with government entities, such as “FBI” or “Treasury”, or restricted terms like “bank” or “university”, typically cannot be used without special approval.
Similarly, a number of different professions will also require approval from the relevant state board before you can use words that suggest you’re qualified in those fields (e.g., “law”, “accounting”, or “medicine”).
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