Picking the right name for your LLC can make all the difference in its success. You want something unique that tells customers what you do and helps them find your business online.
You can use alliteration, play on words, or even capitalize on a common word to make your name memorable. Just be sure to keep your state’s naming rules in mind.
Create a List of Potential Names
Choosing an LLC name is one of the most important decisions you will make in the life of your business. It will help you establish a memorable brand that will be attractive to customers and future-proof your business.
You should brainstorm multiple options and weigh your preferences for each one to determine a final choice. Once you have a list of potential names, check them with your state’s business formation agency to ensure that they meet legal requirements and are not already being used by another business.
Many states prohibit the use of LLC names that are too similar to a company already registered in their state. This is to prevent trademark infringement, which can result in costly lawsuits.
It is also a good idea to consider domain names for your LLC if you plan to advertise online. Domains can be expensive, so it’s worth checking with a registrar to see whether your preferred LLC name is available for purchase.
Check with Your State
When you’re ready to give your LLC a name, it’s important to check with your state to see if it is available. This will help prevent your LLC articles of organization from being rejected by the state because it is too similar to an existing company’s name.
Many states also have rules about using certain words, such as bank, insurance, or government. It is illegal to use any words that falsely indicate your business is a corporation, bank, or another type of entity.
To determine if your desired LLC name is available, you can use the business entity database of your state. However, it may take some time before you can find out if your preferred name is already taken. If there is a delay, you can also file a name reservation to ensure that you will have your preferred LLC name when you are ready to incorporate or form. This will typically cost a small fee but can help prevent your LLC articles of organization from being declined.
Reserve Your LLC Name
Once you have a name that you want to use for your LLC, the next step is to reserve it. This allows you to prevent other businesses from using the same name.
To reserve a business name, you must submit a form to the Secretary of State in your formation state. You can file this form online or by mail, and it typically takes about 120 days to secure your desired name.
If you find out that the business name you have selected is already taken, a rejection notice will be sent to you (the $25 fee still applies). You can then reapply with three new name options and pay another $25 fee.
Reserving a name is one of the most important steps in forming an LLC. It gives you more time to choose a business name and prepare all the paperwork necessary for LLC registration.
Register Your LLC
Choosing an LLC name can be one of the most fun parts of launching a new business. After all, your name can influence a customer’s first impression of your brand and set you apart from the competition.
There are several ways to give your LLC a name, but if you want to use it for legal and financial purposes, you’ll need to register it with your state. This process includes filing articles of organization and may require a small fee in some states, but it’s essential for protecting your assets from lawsuits.
In addition to checking with your state, you can also do an online search for trade and corporate names to see if anyone else is using the name you’re considering. These methods won’t always reveal if you can use the name as your LLC’s official name, but they will help you know if anyone else is using it or something similar to it.
Whether you’re looking to reserve your LLC name or file articles of organization, Incfile offers packages that make the process easy and stress-free. The Silver package gives you everything you need to get started, while the Gold and Platinum packages can help you navigate the tax process, maintain your LLC, and more.
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