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The first step to forming an LLC in Georgia is to search your desired LLC name and make sure it’s available for use.
Georgia LLC Name Requirements
Before searching your LLC name in Georgia, there are a few requirements you need to know:
1. The abbreviations “LLC” or “L.L.C.” must be used at the end of your name. The abbreviation “LLC” is the most common.
2. Because an LLC is not a Corporation, your desired name cannot use the word “Corporation”, “Incorporated,” or their abbreviations (“Corp.”, “Inc.”).
3. Your desired LLC name must be distinguishable. This means it must be different and unique from all other businesses registered in Georgia.
Differences in designators (the identifiers at the end of a business name) and differences in grammar do not create distinguishability.
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For example:
- LLC, L.L.C, Inc., Corp.
- singular, plural, and possessive
- A, An, The
- and, or, &
- hyphens, slashes, periods, commas
- three vs. 3
The following examples are NOT distinguishable:
- Smith Investments, LLC vs. Smith Investments, Inc.
- Apple Farm, LLC vs. Apple Farms, LLC
- Print Shop, LLC vs. The Print Shop, LLC
- Night & Day, LLC vs. Night and Day, LLC
- Peter Paul & Mary Studios, LLC vs. Peter-Paul-Mary Studios, Inc
- Three Teachers Consulting, LLC vs. 3 Teachers Consulting, LLC
Searching the Georgia Name Database
1. Go to the Business Search page:
Georgia Corporations Division: Business Search
2. Enter your desired LLC name in the “Business Name” box. Leave out the ending “LLC” and any punctuation. Capitalization doesn’t matter.
Tip: To be thorough, just enter the first word or two of your LLC name to ensure you see everything that is potentially similar. (Ex: if your desired LLC name is “Johnny Apple Farm LLC”, just enter “Johnny Apple”).
3. Leave the rest of the boxes blank.
4. Click the “Search” button and browse the list of existing Georgia businesses:
- If a “No data found“ pop-up appears, that means your desired LLC name is available for use.
- If the results show names that are not too similar to yours (meaning yours is distinguishable), then your desired LLC name is available for use.
- If your desired LLC name appears in the list exactly as you want it, your desired LLC name is not available for use. You’ll need to think of a new name or use some creativity and come up with a unique variation.
- If the results show a name that is deceptively similar to your desired LLC name, your desired LLC name is not available for use. You’ll need to think of a new name or use some creativity and come up with a unique variation.
You’ll find many different statuses in the name database. See below to find out which of these statuses mean a name is available and which are not available. Generally speaking, it’s best to stay on the safe side and not use a name which is already in the database.
Tip: If you’re not 100% sure that your desired LLC name is distinguishable, just file your paperwork with Georgia anyway. If your name is not available, the state will send back your filing and let you know that the name needs to be changed.
Statuses of Available Names:
- Abandoned
- Cancelled
- Disapproved Filing
- Diss./Cancel/Terminated
- Expired Name Reservation
- Inactive
- Inactive Limited Partnership
- Judicially Dissolved
- Manual Administrative Dissolution/Revocation
- Non Qualified
- Revoked
- Void
- Withdrawn
- Withdrawn/Merged
Statuses of Names That Are Not Available:
- Active Name Reservation
- Active/Compliance
- Active/Non-compliance
- Active/Owes Current Year A/R
- Admin. Dissolved
- Automated Administrative Dissolution/Revocation
- Consolidated
- Converted
- Do Not Use Disapproved
- Election to LLC/LP
- Flawed/Deficient
- Involuntary Dissolution
- Merged Name Reservation 90 Days
- Name Reservation Rejected
- Pending
- Redeemed
- See Notepad
- To Be Dissolved
Next Step
Once you find an LLC name that is unique and distinguishable, you’re ready to select your LLC’s Registered Agent. We’ll discuss this in the next lesson: Georgia Registered Agent.
And check out TRUIC’s business name generator if you need help coming up with an LLC name.
Georgia Secretary of State Contact Info
If you have any questions, you can contact the Georgia Secretary of State (8am – 5:30pm) at 404-656-2817.
How do I change my LLC name?
You can change your LLC’s name later by filing an Amendment form with the Secretary of State.
We have step-by-step instructions on how to change an LLC name in Georgia.
References
Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.
GEORGIA LLC GUIDE
Follow the lessons below to form your Georgia LLC.
Evening,
I have a question in regards to the status of an already established LLC. In the status field it says active/non-compliance with the last annual registration in 2017. At what point does that LLC name become available or does it?
Thanks.
Hi Kyle, that depends on how the LLC is dissolved. If it’s the owner who voluntarily dissolved the LLC, then the name becomes available immediately. However, if it is the Georgia Secretary of State who initiates the dissolution process (called administrative dissolution), then you’ll have to wait for five years from the date of dissolution before the name becomes available. However, it’s often risky using the name of a dissolved LLC since the owners can always later try to make a claim on the name. Hope this helps.
Hi Matt,
I reserved a name and forgot the LLC behind the name. I got the approval email though. When I File Articles of Organization and Transmittal Forms do I need to add the LLC or without? Do not want to waste $100. THanks in advance
Hi Jonathan, you pretty much reserved the “wrong” name. You should have “LLC” in the name reservation. However, if you ran a name search and there are no business names identical (or deceptively similar) to yours, then you can just form the LLC using your full intended name, including the “LLC” designator (and don’t worry about the name reservation). You can’t form an LLC without including its designator. Hope that helps.