Choosing a Business Name for Your LLC
Your LLC name is both a legal requirement and a branding opportunity. Here's everything you need to know about naming your business.
LLC Naming Requirements
Every state has rules about LLC names. While specifics vary, these requirements are nearly universal:
Must Include LLC Designation
Your name must indicate it's an LLC. Acceptable designations include:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Limited Liability Company
- Limited Company or LC (some states)
Example: "Acme Consulting LLC" or "Acme Consulting, L.L.C."
Must Be Distinguishable
Your name must be distinguishable from other registered business names in your state. "Distinguishable" typically means it can't be identical or confusingly similar to an existing name.
For example, if "Acme Tech LLC" exists, you probably can't register "Acme Technologies LLC" or "Acme Tech Inc."
Cannot Be Misleading
Your name cannot:
- Imply you're a different type of entity (using "Inc." or "Corp.")
- Suggest government affiliation
- Mislead about your business nature
Restricted Words
Certain words require special approval or licensing:
- Bank, Trust, Insurance: Require regulatory approval
- University, College: Require educational accreditation
- Attorney, CPA: Require professional licensing
Check your state's specific naming rules. Some states have unique restrictions or allow variations that others don't.
Checking Name Availability
Before filing, verify your name is available:
State Business Database
Every state has a searchable database of registered business names. When you form with StartGlobal, we check name availability as part of the formation process.
Domain Name
Check if a matching domain is available. While not required, having YourBusiness.com is valuable for branding.
Trademark Search (Optional)
Search the USPTO trademark database to see if your name is trademarked. This prevents potential conflicts even if the name is available in your state.
Social Media
Check if handles are available on platforms important to your business. Consistent branding across platforms helps customers find you.
Reserving Your Name
If you've found the perfect name but aren't ready to file, most states let you reserve it:
- Duration: Typically 60-120 days
- Renewal: Some states allow one renewal
Name reservation is useful when you need time to prepare other documents, secure funding, or finalize business plans.
DBAs and Trade Names
Want to operate under a different name than your legal LLC name? You can register a DBA (Doing Business As), also called:
- Trade name
- Fictitious business name
- Assumed name
Example: Your LLC is legally "Smith Holdings LLC" but you operate a coffee shop called "Morning Brew Coffee." You'd register "Morning Brew Coffee" as a DBA.
DBAs are registered at the state or county level (varies by location).
Some business owners form their LLC with a broad name (like "Smith Holdings LLC") and use DBAs for each business venture. This provides flexibility without forming multiple LLCs.
Trademark vs. LLC Name Registration
LLC name registration and trademark registration are different:
| Feature | LLC Name | Trademark |
|---|---|---|
| Protection Scope | Your state only | Nationwide (federal) |
| What It Protects | Entity name registration | Brand identity in commerce |
| Prevents Others From | Using exact name for an LLC in your state | Using similar name in your industry nationwide |
Bottom line: LLC registration prevents identical LLC names in your state. Trademark registration provides broader brand protection. For serious brand protection, consider both.
Even if a name is available in your state, using it could infringe on someone else's trademark. A trademark search before finalizing your name is wise, especially if you plan to operate nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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