How to Name Your LLC: Availability Checks and Reservation Costs in 2026

To name your LLC, first check availability through your state’s Secretary of State website for free, then reserve the name (typically $10–$150 depending on state) before formal filing to secure exclusivity for 30–120 days. This protects your chosen name while you complete formation paperwork. (Related: Cost breakdown and LLC formation requirements for 17 popular small business ideas) (Related: Essential Guide to LLC Post-Formation Costs in 2026) (Related: Complete Guide to Non-Profit LLC Formation Costs in 2026) (Related: Complete Guide to LLC Formation Costs for Food Truck Businesses in 2026) (Related: LLC Operating Agreement Cost: What You’ll Actually Pay) (Related: Complete Guide to LLC Formation Costs for Consulting Firms in 2026)

How to Check LLC Name Availability

Before you invest time in branding or filing paperwork, confirming your LLC name is available is the single most important early step. Fortunately, most states offer a free online business name search tool through their Secretary of State portal — no account or payment required.

Can you check if an LLC name is available for free?

Yes. Every U.S. state provides a free LLC name availability check through its official Secretary of State or business division website. You simply enter your desired name into the search tool and the database returns any exact or similar matches already registered in that state. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, choosing a unique, distinguishable business name is one of the foundational steps of the formation process — and the state database is where that verification begins.

When running your LLC name availability check, keep these tips in mind:

• Search variations: Try multiple spellings, abbreviations, and word orders. A name too similar to an existing one may be rejected even if it isn’t an exact match.
• Check at the federal level: Search the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database to confirm no active trademark conflicts exist before you commit.
• Search domain availability: Check if the matching .com domain is available, since brand consistency matters for online businesses.
• Run the check close to your filing date: Name availability is not guaranteed until you file or reserve — another party can register the same name between your search and your submission.

Most state databases are updated in near real-time, making them reliable for same-day accuracy. Running a check takes under five minutes in most states.

LLC Name Reservation: Costs and Timeline

Once you’ve confirmed availability, reserving your LLC name is the smart next move — especially if you need time to prepare your Articles of Organization or raise startup capital before officially filing.

How much does it cost to reserve an LLC name?

LLC name reservation costs range from $10 to $150 depending on the state, with most states charging between $10 and $50. Below are specific examples based on current state fee schedules:

• California: $10 name reservation fee, valid for 60 days
• Texas: $40 reservation fee, valid for 120 days
• New York: $20 reservation fee, valid for 60 days
• Florida: $25 reservation fee, valid for 120 days
• Wyoming: $50 reservation fee, valid for 120 days
• Massachusetts: $30 reservation fee, valid for 60 days

The reservation period — typically 30 to 120 days — gives you exclusive rights to that name within the state while you finalize formation documents. Some states allow one renewal of the reservation for an additional fee. Note that a name reservation is not the same as forming the LLC; it simply holds the name.

Nationally, over 5 million new business applications are filed annually according to U.S. Census Bureau data — which means popular name combinations are claimed faster than ever. Reserving early is increasingly important in high-competition states like California, Texas, and Florida.

LLC Naming Requirements by State

Every state has mandatory LLC naming rules you must follow or your filing will be rejected outright. While requirements vary, most states share the same core standards.

Universal requirements include:

• The name must include a designator such as “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” or “Limited Liability Company”
• The name must be distinguishable from other active entities on record in the state
• The name cannot imply a government affiliation (e.g., “Federal,” “State,” “Treasury”)
• Certain regulated words — like “Bank,” “Insurance,” “Attorney,” or “University” — require special licensing or state approval to use

State-specific variations to watch for:

• New York prohibits words like “Acceptance,” “Annuity,” and “Assurance” without special approval
• California restricts “Engineer,” “Architect,” and similar professional titles unless licensed
• Texas requires that the name not be deceptively similar to an existing entity name — not just identical

Always review your specific state’s naming statutes before filing. The SBA’s business registration guide provides a starting framework, but your state’s Secretary of State website is the authoritative source for exact requirements.

Common LLC Naming Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced entrepreneurs make avoidable errors during the naming process. Here are the most costly:

1. Skipping the trademark search: State availability doesn’t clear you at the federal level. A name available in your state may still infringe on a registered trademark.
2. Using a name too similar to a competitor: States reject names that are “deceptively similar” — not just identical matches. Slight spelling changes often aren’t enough.
3. Forgetting the required designator: Omitting “LLC” from your official name is an automatic rejection in every state.
4. Waiting too long after checking: Running a name availability check weeks before filing gives another applicant time to register the same name first.
5. Not reserving during a slow formation period: If you need 60+ days between naming and filing, always reserve — don’t assume availability will hold.

How to Reserve Your LLC Name Before Filing

Reserving your LLC name is a straightforward process. Here’s the standard step-by-step approach that applies in most states:

1. Run a free LLC name availability check on your state’s Secretary of State website
2. Confirm no federal trademark conflicts via the USPTO TESS database
3. Complete the name reservation application — available online or by mail in most states
4. Pay the reservation fee ($10–$150 depending on state)
5. Receive confirmation — most states issue a reservation certificate within 1–5 business days
6. File your Articles of Organization before the reservation expires

Online filing is available in most states and processes faster than mail submissions. Some states offer same-day or next-business-day confirmation for online applications.

Use Our LLC Cost Calculator

Name reservation is just one piece of your total LLC formation budget. State filing fees, registered agent costs, and annual report fees all add up quickly. Use the LLC Cost Calculator at llccostcalc.com

See also: How to Start an LLC: A Complete State-by-State Guide with Costs

See also: LLC Formation Cost: Complete 2024 State-by-State Guide

Related: How to Trademark Your Business Name with Your LLC