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Last updated: May 30, 2020

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LLC Name Search

How to name your LLC

**Short Answer: Choosing an LLC name has certain state requirements and restrictions. Your LLC name must also be “distinguishable”.**

Choosing Your LLC Name: Form an LLC (5/11)

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Video Transcript:

A well-chosen LLC name can be essential to your business success. Your name will last for many years and it will become an important part of your brand, your company’s reputation. Here are a few quick tips to keep in mind when you’re brainstorming options for your LLC name. Make your LLC name easy to spell, you want to make sure that people can find you when they’re looking for you. Make your LLC name short, shorter names are easier for people to remember and also makes it easier for people to refer you to their friends. Make your LLC name have a positive connotation, leave people with a good feeling when they hear about your business. In order to make sure your desired LLC name is available for use, you will need to search it against the existing companies on your State’s database. We will walk you through the details step-by-step in another lesson. You need to know if your name is taken so that you can avoid infringing upon someone else’s name rights, differentiate your business from existing companies, and make sure your desired LLC name is available for use before you file your documents. There are a few requirements you need to know of when choosing your LLC name. Your LLC name must end with the words, Limited Liability Company or the abbreviations LLC or L.L.C. The abbreviation LLC is the most common. For example, Joe wants to start a company by the name, Joe’s Landscaping Services, since he is forming an LLC, he must use the name Joe’s Landscaping Services LLC. Again using the abbreviation LLC or the full word is a requirement when forming an LLC. There are also a few restrictions to be aware of when choosing your LLC name. Your LLC name cannot imply that it is a corporation, you’re not allowed to use the words corporation or incorporated or Corp or Inc anywhere in your LLC name. Let’s look at our example again. Since Joe wants to form an LLC, he can’t call his company Joe’s Landscaping Services Inc or Joe’s Landscaping Services Incorporated. Your desired LLC name must also be distinguishable. This means it cannot be too similar to the names of the existing companies that are found in the results during the search of the database. The state will not approve your LLC if there is an existing company with your desired LLC name, or if your name is too similar to an existing company. We will now go over a few examples. Let’s talk about designators first. Designators are the identifiers at the end of a business name. For example, Inc or Corp for corporations, and LLC or L.L.C. for Limited Liability companies. Differences in these designators do not create distinguishability. Let’s say your desired LLC name is Smith Investments LLC but during your search of the database, you find an existing company called Smith Investments Inc. In this example, your desired LLC name would not be available for use, you’ll need to use an alternative LLC name, for example, Smith Financial Group LLC. Grammatical differences such as singular, plural and possessive forms of the word do not create distinguishability. Let’s say your desired LLC name is Apple Farm LLC, but during your search of the database, you find an existing company called Apple Farms LLC. In this example, your desired LLC name would not be available for use. Again you’ll need to use an alternative name, for example, Bob’s Apple Orchard LLC. Differences in articles such as a, an or the do not create distinguishability. Let’s say your desired LLC name is, Print Shop LLC, but during your search of the database, you find an existing company called, The Print Shop LLC. In this example, your desired LLC name would also not be available for use, you’ll need to use an alternative LLC name, for example, Printing Solutions LLC. Names that are too similar to existing companies also known as deceptively similar also do not create distinguishability. Let’s say your desired LLC name is Speedy Delivery Services LLC, but during your search of the database, you find an existing company called Speed Delivery Services LLC. In this example, your desired LLC name would also not be available for use. You’ll need to choose an alternative LLC name, for example, At Your Door Quick LLC. When you search the database, you should search your desired LLC name every way that you can think of. Unfortunately, we can’t show you exactly how to search your desired LLC name because it depends on the state where you’re forming an LLC. Every state has their own database. If you become a member of our site, we will show you with a step-by-step video how to search your state’s database and how to make sense over the results that you see. This is an important step in forming your LLC, so take the time to ensure that your name is unique and that it does not conflict with any existing companies.

A well chosen LLC name can be essential to your business success.

Your name will last for many years and will be an important part of your brand – your company’s reputation.

Here are a few quick tips to keep in mind when you are brainstorming options for your name.

– Make your LLC name easy to spell. You want to make sure people can find you when they’re looking for you.

– Make your LLC name short. Shorter names are easier for people to remember. It also makes it easy for people to refer you to their friends.

– Make your LLC name have a positive connotation. Leave people with a good feeling when they hear about your business.

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Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee)

LLC Name Availability

In order to make sure your desired LLC name is available for use, you will need to search it against the existing companies on your state’s database.

We will walk you thru this step-by-step in another lesson.

You need to know if your name is taken, so you can:

– Avoid infringing upon someone else’s name rights.

– Differentiate your business name from existing companies.

– Make sure your desired LLC name is available for use before you file your documents.

LLC Name Rules

Your LLC name must end with the words “Limited Liability Company”, or the abbreviations: “L.L.C.” or “LLC”.

Using the abbreviation “LLC” is the most common.

For example, Joe wants to start a company by the name “Joe’s Landscaping Services”.

Since he is forming an LLC, he must use the name “Joe’s Landscaping Services, LLC”.

Again, using the abbreviation “LLC” (or the full word) is a requirement when forming an LLC.

LLC Name Restrictions

Your LLC name cannot imply that it is a corporation.

You are not allowed to use the words “Corporation” or “Incorporated”, or the abbreviations “Corp.” or “Inc.” anywhere in your LLC name.

Let’s look at our example again.

Since Joe wants to form an LLC, he cannot call his company “Joe’s Landscaping Services Inc.” or “Joe’s Landscaping Services Incorporated”.

LLC Name Distinguishability

Your desired LLC name must also be “distinguishable”.

This means it cannot be too similar to the names of existing companies that are found in the results during the search of the database.

The state will not approve your LLC if there is an existing company with your desired LLC name or if your name is too similar to an existing company.

We will now illustrate several examples.

Corporate Designators (Inc. / Corp. / LLC / L.L.C.)

Corporate Designators are the identifiers at the end of a business name.

For example, “Inc.” or “Corp.” (for Corporations) and “LLC” or “L.L.C.” (for Limited Liability Companies).

Differences in designators do not create distinguishability.

Let’s take a look at how this works:

Let’s say your desired LLC name is Smith Investments, LLC

But, during your search of the database, you find an existing company called Smith Investments, Inc.

In this example, your desired LLC name is not available.

You will need to use an alternative LLC name. For example, Smith Financial Group, LLC.

Grammatical Differences

The following do not create distinguishability.

Singular, Plural, and Possessive Words

Differences/variables in singular, plural, and possessive forms of a word do not create distinguishability.

Let’s say your desired LLC name is Apple Farm, LLC.

But, during your search of the database, you find an existing company called Apple Farms, LLC.

In this example, your desired LLC name is not available.

You will need to use an alternative LLC name. For example, Bob’s Apple Orchard, LLC.

“A”, “An”, or “The”

Differences in articles such as “A”, “An” or “The” do not create distinguishability.

Let’s say your desired LLC name is Print Shop, LLC.

But, during your search of the database, you find an existing company called The Print Shop, LLC.

In this example, your desired LLC name is not available.

You will need to use an alternative LLC name. For example, Printing Solutions, LLC.

“And”, “or”, “&”

The following also do not create distinguishability.

The use of conjunctions such as “and”, “or”, and the ampersand symbol (&).

Let’s say your desired LLC name is Night & Day, LLC.

But, during your search of the database, you find an existing company called Night and Day, LLC.

In this example, your desired LLC name is not available.

You will need to use an alternative LLC name. For example, Moon and Sunshine, LLC.

Hyphens, Periods, and Commas

The use of certain punctuation such as hyphens, slashes, periods, commas, etc.

Let’s say your desired LLC name is Peter Paul & Mary Studios, LLC.

But, during your search of the database, you find an existing company called Peter-Paul-Mary Studios, LLC.

In this example, your desired LLC name is not available.

You will need to use an alternative LLC name. For example, PPM Productions, LLC.

Alphanumeric

Differences in numerical or written numbers do not create distinguishability.

Let’s say your desired LLC name is Three Teachers Consulting, LLC.

But, during your search of the database, you find an existing company called 3 Teachers Consulting, LLC.

In this example, your desired LLC name is not available.

You will need to use an alternative LLC name. For example, A Few Good Teachers Consulting, LLC.

Deceptively Similar

Names that are too similar to existing companies also do not create distinguishability.

Let’s say your desired LLC name is Speedy Delivery Services, LLC.

But, during your search of the database, you find an existing company called Speed Delivery Services, LLC.

In this example, your desired LLC name is not available.

You will need to use an alternative LLC name. For example, At Your Door Quick, LLC.

Searching the States’ LLC Name Databases

When you search the LLC name database, you should search your desired LLC name every way you can think of.

Every state has their own database. After you determine the best state to form your LLC, you can either follow our 50-state LLC tutorials (which include LLC name search instructions) or just go right to the state LLC name search database below:

Founder & Educator, LLC University®

Forming an LLC shouldn't be so complicated. Our step-by-step guide will make the process a breeze – and no complex legal jargon! LLC University® teaches people how to form an LLC for free in all 50 states. We hope you find our free guides and resources helpful in your business journey.

Disclaimer: Nothing on this page shall be interpreted as legal or tax advice. Rules and regulations vary by location. They also change over time and are specific to your situation. Furthermore, this comment section is provided so people can share their thoughts and experience. Please consult a licensed professional if you have legal or tax questions.

36 Comments

Stephanie November 1, 2017
What if my LLC has a DBA through the IRS for the EIN? Do I also need approval through the Articles of Organization? Can I do business through the DBA? Can I set up banking in the DBA name? Cash checks made out to the DBA? I read earlier that an LLC needs as approval letter? From whom?
reply
- Matt Horwitz November 1, 2017
  Hey Stephanie, sounds like you obtained an EIN for a DBA that does not exist. A DBA/Sole Proprietorship should be filed with your state (or county, depending on the state). Approval through an Articles of Organization is the formation of an LLC, which is different than what you set up. If you’d like to learn the differences between and LLC and Sole Proprietorship, please see this article. You can setup a bank account and receive checks after you file a DBA with your state (or county). Alternatively, if you decide you’d rather form an LLC, you can do so, then cancel the EIN you got (and get a new EIN for your new LLC). Hope that helps. Let me know if you need anything else.
  reply
Christopher Finley February 1, 2018
I was looking to do Finley and Family LLC
I did research and there is a Finley Family LLC
The difference in mine is Finley and Family is separate because not all in my Family is Finley
They are are a LLC just under Finley Family…
Is that arguable or no?
reply
- Matt Horwitz February 3, 2018
  Hi Christopher, adding “and” is usually not enough to create distinguishability. What state are you forming your LLC in?
  reply
  - Christopher Finley March 1, 2018
    North Carolina
    reply
    - Matt Horwitz March 2, 2018
      Hi Christopher, this won’t fly in NC. They LLC won’t be considered “distinguishable”. We have more on LLC names in North Carolina here: North Carolina LLC Name. Hope that helps!
      reply
Rob Torres February 3, 2018
Hi Matt,
Thank you so much for all the valuable and easy to understand information you provided on the website. Quick question, I want to name my LLC “Waterwind Marketing LLC” and when I searched for that name I found “Waterwind LLC”. Do you think it would be considered distinguishable or better to come up with a new name?
reply
- Matt Horwitz February 9, 2018
  Hey Rob, you’re welcome man! Thanks :) Unless it’s Texas (the most strict when it comes to LLC name distinguishability), you should be good! Said another way, “Waterwind Marketing LLC” should be approved. Hope that helps.
  reply
Ameya B February 26, 2018
Hey Matt,
Thanks for this very useful info. I am investing in Real Estate and need to create separate LLCs for all the properties I am buying. I read your article about forming the LLC in the state where the property is located, and I may need to create multiple LLCs in one state. Some folks name their LLC based on the property address (e.g. “123 Easy Street LLC”), however I like to be prepared and form the LLC much before the property is identified, so I need to come up with a naming pattern so I can easily name the LLCs without thinking too much about the name. This naming pattern should be applicable across states.
I was the thinking the name pattern should be something on the lines of:
[MY BRAND NAME] [STATE] [NUMBER]
for all LLCs in all states.
Example: Assuming My BRAND NAME of “XYZ”, I would end up with:
XYZ Texas 1 LLC
XYZ Texas 2 LLC
XYZ California 1 LLC
XYZ California 2 LLC
etc.
Is this unique enough to pass muster? All the properties are owned by the same entity (me) so there really shouldn’t be any patent or trademark disputes even though they are all legally independent of each other.
Thoughts on a good naming pattern I could use?
Best,
Ameya
reply
- Matt Horwitz February 27, 2018
  Hey Ameya, you’re very welcome :) Having worked in real estate (and investing) for many years, I’m very familiar with the “address naming convention” that you mentioned. However, I agree with you; the LLCs need to be in place and ready before the addresses are locked down. While your thinking is in the right place, I don’t recommend the “1”, “2”, “3”, system. While yes, these will usually pass the “distinguishable upon the record” rule (unless they are in Texas), you’re going to confuse the heck out of yourself when organizing paperwork, setting up insurance, making phone calls, etc. Basically anytime you’re doing clerical or administrative work, you’re going to have to use FAR GREATER amounts of brain glucose to not screw things up and make a mistake (for example, entering a “2” when it should be a “1”). The “1”, “2”, “3” naming system is VERY prone to human error (and if not by you, by someone else… say at the bank, insurance agent, deed recorder’s office, etc.)
  What I recommend instead is a more unique first word. Either creating the word yourself from your imagination/creativity, using “word creation” tools online, or using a different language. Then make your first LLC start with “A”, your second start with “B”, and so on.
  Also, if you’re going to include the state name, I recommend the abbreviated version for brevity and saving time when entering and re-entering your entity name in forms and doing paperwork.
  So, as an example, here would be the first 4 LLC names:
  Alma TX LLC, Baya TX LLC, Calabaza CA LLC, and Decenas CA LLC (I’m using Spanish for the first word).
  Now, I noticed something when writing those out. Writing and reading LLCs names (which include the state abbreviations) took some extra brain power and they are hard to skim/read fast. May I suggest dropping the state name/abbreviation and instead using the [UNIQUE FIRST NAME] + [POWERFUL REAL ESTATE WORD] format.
  Here are some powerful real estate words: Associates, Capital, Consultants, Group, Management, Partners, Realty, Real Estate, and Ventures.
  So expanding upon my first 4 LLC names, see if you like this better (and it feels easier to read):
  Alma Associates LLC, Baya Management LLC, Calabaza Consultants LLC, and Decenas Group LLC. The alliteration also helps too!
  Let me know what you think and if you have any followup questions. I admire what you’re doing. Spending thoughtful time on a naming convention now will save you time and energy for years to come :)
  reply
  - Ameya B February 27, 2018
    Makes sense. I like the idea of using alphabetical increments, rather than numerical. I could also throw in my brand name in there, e.g. Alma XYZ Associates LLC.
    Thanks! I now have a pattern I can use.
    reply
    - Matt Horwitz February 27, 2018
      Good call on throwing the brand name in there. You’re welcome Ameya. Best wishes!
      reply
Shi Fallon April 10, 2018
Hey Matt,
When naming your LLC is it smart to refrain from putting “investments” in the name? I was told “investments” is thought of an liability when it comes to getting funding from banks. For example: “Flip house investments” vs “flip house group”. I was told the “group” extensions seems more discreet and universal.
Thanks
reply
- Matt Horwitz April 10, 2018
  Hey Shi, interesting question. In my experience, I’ve never seen the name of an LLC deter a bank from lending. In fact, I don’t think most banks care one bit what a company name is. However, if you’re looking to be discreet on a more macro level, then yea, “group” is more low key in my opinion.
  reply
David May 8, 2018
Hello Matt,
I noticed you touched on the use of the “&” but I was looking for a little more. Say both were available. Would it be better to file as an LLC with the AND, then be able to use the & in logo? EX – David And Joe, LLC. Would it make sense because you could also get the domain name davidandjoe.com. Then wanted to use David & Joe as the primary on your logo?
I understand this is not a clever name. Just using it as a reference.
Thanks!
reply
- Matt Horwitz May 16, 2018
  Hi David, interesting question regarding the LLC name. I think you could make the legal LLC name either include the “AND” or the “&”… and then use whichever you’d like in the logo. I don’t see a major difference one way or the other. Comes down to personal preference I guess. If you’re sure you’re going to use the “&” symbol though throughout, then you could also lean that way, for both the legal name and the logo. Hope that helps.
  reply
Jeremy May 17, 2018
Hi Matt,
I’m in California and wanting to create an LLC. I searched the database and there is a company with a similar name. My question is… if a company has the name Real Estate California, LLC can I name mine California Real Estate, LLC?
Does changing order distinguish enough?
Thank you!
reply
- Matt Horwitz May 17, 2018
  Hi Jeremy, this would fall under CA 21004.5. (Additional Guidelines Regarding Deceptively Similar and Substantially the Same As), meaning, yes, changing the order around in California is enough to create LLC name distinguishability. Hope that helps.
  reply
Celso May 25, 2018
Just wanted to say thank you for taking your time to provide this great information.
reply
- Matt Horwitz June 17, 2018
  Hi Celso, you’re very welcome!
  reply
Julie August 21, 2018
In Texas…if I wanted to create A&J Insurance Agency, LLC but in researching there is a company called A & J Insurance Services, PLLC. Would that be different enough or would it be denied?
reply
- Matt Horwitz August 31, 2018
  Hi Julie, Texas historically has the most strict rules regarding LLC name distinguishability, however, House Bill 2856 (effective June 1, 2018) recently went into effect, somewhat loosening those standards. However, you’ll still need to call the Texas Corporations Section to check on your LLC name’s availability. We have instructions here: Texas LLC name. Hope that helps!
  reply
Minda September 3, 2018
Hello! So I’ve recently registered my LLC and then realized the domain name is no longer available. Also too similar names are currently being used on Facebook and Instagram. I’ve seen many companies choose “& Co.” in their title. Is this an option for an LLC? I live in Oklahoma and it states that we can use LTD. and CO. but it never mentions if we can use them separately to name our business. For example, I currently own Labeled Living LLC. I would like to change it to Labeled Living & Co. so that I can have a matching domain name and media presence. Would this be allowed as an LLC name?
reply
- Matt Horwitz October 12, 2018
  Hi Minda, for your Oklahoma LLC name, you can’t use “Ltd” or “Co” by themselves as the designator. For example, you can’t use the following:
  • Labeled Living & Co.
  • Labeled Living Ltd.
  Instead, if you’re not going to use the designator “LLC” or “LC”, but want to use “Ltd” or Co”, they’d have to be used together (whether or not they’re abbreviated). For example:
  • Labeled Living Ltd. Co.
  • Labeled Living Ltd. Company
  • Labeled Living Limited Co.
  • Labeled Living Limited Company
  What is the ideal domain name you’d like? Take a look at https://leandomainsearch.com. If you search “Labeled Living”, you’ll see that MyLabeledLiving.com is available. That’s a pretty catchy domain name ;)
  reply
Sonya September 7, 2018
Do I have to indicate that my company is an LLC on my social media accounts (FB, Instagram, etc)?
Thanks,
Sonya
reply
- Matt Horwitz October 16, 2018
  Hi Sonya, you don’t “have to”, but you can if you’d like.
  reply
Martha January 6, 2019
Hi Matt,
I’m confused about what a DBA is for, and it’s advantage. Could you please explain? I can’t seem to find information on this in any detail.
Thanks!
Martha
reply
- Matt Horwitz January 6, 2019
  Hi Martha, a DBA is a “nickname” that either represents a natural person (like you or I) or a legal person (like an LLC or Corporation). The majority of people who form LLCs don’t need a DBA. We have more information here: do I need a DBA for my LLC? Hope that helps!
  reply
Rolando February 10, 2019
Hi Matt, thank you so much for your invaluable info. I was wondering If I search a name and it comes back as inactivated, May I use that name? Thanks
reply
- Matt Horwitz February 18, 2019
  Hey Rolando, you’re welcome! This varies from state to state. We don’t have things like this at quick reference. It’s best to call your state’s Secretary of State of office and check. Hope that helps and thanks for your understanding.
  reply
Wing February 13, 2019
Hi, Matt, is the name say “Happy LLC” same as “Happy, LLC”. Can I say that they are the same company (with or without the comma)？ Thanks. Wing.
reply
- Matt Horwitz February 15, 2019
  Hey Wing, if you’re talking about whether or not a state will accept a new LLC filing for “Happy LLC” if “Happy, LLC” exists… no, that’ll be rejected since punctuation doesn’t create LLC name distinguishability. If you’re asking are they the same company, your question is too ambiguous to answer. I’m not sure of the context, or actually what you’re asking about. Hope that helps though.
  reply
Nichelle August 30, 2019
I was told that the proposed LLC name would be rejected due to potential similarity with pronunciation. The following are an example of the spelling differentiation between an entity that is already active and a entity that is filing for its LLC: “TEVA’S L.L.C.” and “TIVAS LLC”? The pronunciation is actually different. However, that is not being recognized in Texas.
These are the following changes that are being considered:
1. Adding an additional word to the name “TIVAS”
2. Filing the LLC as “TIVAS World LLC” and doing business as “TIVAS”
Please provide feedback.
reply
- Matt Horwitz August 30, 2019
  Hi Nichelle, most states are usually not this strict, however, Texas is the exception. Texas has the most rules and the least flexibility when it comes to LLC name distinguishability. If you really want to use “Tivas”, adding a word would be the most common move to make the LLC name distinguishable. Hope that helps.
  reply
Ron February 15, 2020
Hi Matt, your site is really helpful! I’m about to form my first LLC for my Airbnb business. If I name it “Miller Real Estate LLC”, is it ok if I later might use it for cleaning services or other business services?
Or would you recommend a more generic name, like “Miller Consulting Services LLC”?
Would appreciate your opinion.
reply
- Matt Horwitz February 18, 2020
  Hi Ron, thank you! An LLC can have multiple business activities taking place inside it. You could either use a generic LLC name or you could use something specific like “Miller Real Estate LLC” and then your LLC can file a DBA (called a Trade Name in Washington) for “Miller Cleaning Services”. We have two articles I think you’ll find really helpful:
  • Does my LLC need a DBA
  • Can you have two businesses under one LLC
  reply

LLC Name Search

How to name your LLC

Video Transcript:

LLC Name Availability

LLC Name Rules

LLC Name Restrictions

LLC Name Distinguishability

Corporate Designators (Inc. / Corp. / LLC / L.L.C.)

Grammatical Differences

Singular, Plural, and Possessive Words

“A”, “An”, or “The”

“And”, “or”, “&”

Hyphens, Periods, and Commas

Alphanumeric

Deceptively Similar

Searching the States’ LLC Name Databases

Alabama LLC name search

Alaska LLC name search

Arizona LLC name search

Arkansas LLC name search

California LLC name search

Colorado LLC name search

Connecticut LLC name search

Delaware LLC name search

Florida LLC name search

Georgia LLC name search

Hawaii LLC name search

Idaho LLC name search

Illinois LLC name search

Indiana LLC name search

Iowa LLC name search

Kansas LLC name search

Kentucky LLC name search

Louisiana LLC name search

Maine LLC name search

Maryland LLC name search

Massachusetts LLC name search

Michigan LLC name search

Minnesota LLC name search

Mississippi LLC name search

Missouri LLC name search

Montana LLC name search

Nebraska LLC name search

Nevada LLC name search

New Hampshire LLC name search

New Jersey LLC name search

New Mexico LLC name search

New York LLC name search

North Carolina LLC name search

North Dakota LLC name search

Ohio LLC name search

Oklahoma LLC name search

Oregon LLC name search

Pennsylvania LLC name search

Rhode Island LLC name search

South Carolina LLC name search

South Dakota LLC name search

Tennessee LLC name search

Texas LLC name search

Utah LLC name search

Vermont LLC name search

Virginia LLC name search

Washington State LLC name search

Washington D.C. LLC name search

West Virginia LLC name search

Wisconsin LLC name search

Wyoming LLC name search

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