Forming an LLC (Limited Liability Company) starts with choosing a business name. As with any other business structure, your LLC’s name shouldn’t resemble the name of other companies or violate any trademarks. You need to comply with additional rules when naming your LLC. The LLC name rules and requirements may vary and depend on the state where you conduct your business. Read our naming an LLC guide to learn more about the llc name requirements, state guidelines, and key steps to get your business started.

Conducting LLC Name Searches

Ideally, you want a business name that’s memorable and easy to pronounce. It also should stand out in search engine results. Here are three searches you should conduct before settling on your LLC name:

• LLC Name Search: Your LLC name must be distinguishable among all business entities in the state where you plan to establish your business. Each state includes business name search databases so you can confirm the availability of your chosen business name. Find more information on our LLC Name Search page
• Domain Name Search: You can check for the availability of business names using a domain name search. When you start your search for a domain name for your business, there are a number of considerations when looking for a suitable domain, such as using a keyword-optimized domain name, the age of the domain name, and using top-level domains (such as .com) whenever possible. You can register a domain name by using a domain name registrar, like GoDaddy
• Social Media Search: Finally, search for business names on different social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn®, Facebook®, Instagram®, and Twitter®) to confirm the availability of your preferred business name’s handle

Applying LLC Naming Guidelines

LLC names must follow this format: “(Insert business name here), LLC.” Beyond complying with that format and confirming the availability of your LLC name in your state’s business name database, you’ll also want to choose a name that’ll make you feel proud about your brand every time you present yourself to a prospective client or investor. While each state has its own statutes and regulations that cover the naming of LLCs, here are four common guidelines you must follow nationwide:

• You must use an LLC designator (e.g., “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” or “Limited Liability Company”) in your LLC’s name.
• You can’t use a designator that could confuse your LLC with another business type (e.g., “Corp,” “Inc.,” “Nonprofit,” etc.).
• Your LLC’s name can’t use words that could confuse it with a government agency (e.g., the FBI, the Department of State, the Department of the Treasury, etc.).
• You can’t use a term like “bank,” “university,” “law center,” or other restricted words in your name. Securing approval to use terms like these in an LLC name generally requires your business to hold the correct charters or have members with specific licenses, such as a lawyer or doctor.
• Your name can’t be so similar to another business name that it could confuse customers.

Choosing a name is just one of the several essential requirements involved in proper LLC formation. Always select a competent attorney or a reputable and experienced online formation service for your LLC. This will help you avoid improper or incomplete formation, which can lead to significant delays and potentially cause you to lose the limited liability and other protections afforded by an LLC.

Reserving Your Business Name

As soon as you select a name that meets all the LLC naming guidelines in the state where you plan to transact your new business, you can reserve your business name by filing with the Secretary of State. It’s a fairly simple process. You’ll then receive confirmation from your state that your business name is available for use. Even if you don’t plan to use it right away, reserving a business name is important. Why? Doing so establishes your intent to use it in the future and prevents others from acquiring that name.

Avoiding Names Similar to Other Businesses

What if you find another business operating under a name similar to your chosen name in another state? Even if you can legally register that business name in your state, it still may not be a good choice for your LLC. Here are some best practices to consider:

• Don’t use a name similar to a well-known business, such as Amazon®, McDonald’s®, or Uber®. Did you know that McDonald’s sues firms that use the “Mc” prefix? Avoid future legal problems by choosing a unique name for your LLC.
• Don’t include a name similar to another LLC business that provides the same goods and services as yours. Steer clear of potential issues by searching for names of local companies within your market niche.

Creating a DBA Name

Your business entity can only have one name. But, you can apply for and use assumed or fictitious names – also known as “doing business as” (DBA) names — as long as they’re available in the state or county where you plan to do business. Creating a DBA name is the easiest and most cost-effective way to conduct business under a different name without creating an entirely new business entity. With a DBA name, your LLC can accept payments, advertise, and otherwise present itself under that name. However, three states – Kansas, New Mexico, or South Carolina – don’t allow DBA names.

Completing Key Next Steps

After you choose a business name for your LLC, you’ll need to register a domain name and start your LLC.

Registering a Domain Name

As previously noted, you should conduct a domain name search to ensure the availability of your LLC’s name as a URL for your business website. You can do this by searching on domain name registration websites, website builders, and web hosting services you plan to use. Even if you aren’t yet ready to build a business website for your LLC, it’s important to secure your domain name. Why? Domain registration enables you to get a personalized, business email address you can use to communicate with your customers. It also protects others from claiming your business’s URL.

Starting Your LLC

LLCs provide pass-through taxation benefits, personal asset protection, and a flexible management structure. Forming an LLC can help you establish credibility and authority in your market because customers and investors will view it as a formal commitment to your business. By choosing a unique business name that suits your LLC, you’ll create a strong foundation for consistent and recognizable branding. The right name also can help your LLC drive customer loyalty and more effective advertising campaigns in the long run.

Using Your LLC Name Consistently

Once you choose a name (including the LLC designator), you should use it consistently to avoid confusion. If you name your company “MyBusiness, LLC,” for example, then your official correspondence, website domain name, business cards, and other company-related documents should use the name “MyBusiness, LLC.”