To name your LLC, first check availability through your state’s Secretary of State website, ensure it complies with naming rules, then reserve it by filing a Name Reservation form and paying the applicable state fee, typically ranging from $10 to $100 depending on your state.
How to Check LLC Name Availability
Before you fall in love with a business name, you need to confirm it’s actually available in your state. Every state maintains a searchable business entity database, and checking it is the essential first step when figuring out how to name your LLC.
Can I check if an LLC name is available for free?
Yes — in every state. The Secretary of State’s office provides a free LLC name availability check through their online business search portal. Simply visit your state’s official business registry website, enter your desired name, and the system will show you whether that name (or something confusingly similar) is already registered.
Most state databases search for exact matches and near-matches, flagging names that sound identical or use common abbreviations. For example, “Apex Solutions LLC” and “Apex Solutionz LLC” might both be flagged as too similar in many states.
Keep in mind that clearing the state database is only one layer of your due diligence. You should also:
- Search the USPTO federal trademark database at USPTO.gov to avoid names with existing trademark protection
- Check domain name availability for your matching website
- Search social media platforms for conflicting handles
- Run a general Google search to spot informal usage conflicts
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, choosing a name that’s distinctive and legally available is one of the most important early steps in forming your business.
LLC Name Reservation Costs by State
How much does it cost to reserve an LLC name?
LLC name reservation fees vary significantly by state, typically ranging from $10 to $100. Most states charge between $10 and $50 for a standard reservation period of 60 to 120 days. Here’s a representative sample of what states charge:
- California: $10 for a 60-day reservation
- Texas: $40 for a 120-day reservation
- Florida: $35 for a 120-day reservation
- New York: $20 for a 60-day reservation
- Wyoming: $50 for a 120-day reservation
- Delaware: $75 for a 120-day reservation
- Colorado: $25 for a 120-day reservation
- Nevada: $25 for a 90-day reservation
Reservation fees are separate from your LLC’s state filing fee. Reserving a name does not form your LLC — it simply holds the name while you prepare your Articles of Organization. If you’re ready to file immediately, you may not need to reserve at all, since filing the Articles locks in your name at that point.
It’s worth noting that some states, like Ohio, charge no fee for name reservation at all. Use our LLC filing fee calculator to see the full picture of formation costs in your specific state before you budget.
LLC Naming Requirements and Restrictions
Every state imposes specific rules on what an LLC name can and cannot include. Understanding these state LLC name requirements before you start brainstorming saves time and prevents rejected filings.
Required elements in every state:
- Your name must include a designator that identifies it as an LLC. Accepted formats typically include “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” “Limited Liability Company,” or “Limited Liability Co.”
Prohibited elements in most states:
- Words implying government affiliation (e.g., “Federal,” “Treasury,” “State Department”)
- Words suggesting a different business type (e.g., “Corporation,” “Inc.,” “Bank,” “Insurance”) without proper licensing
- Restricted professional terms (e.g., “Attorney,” “Doctor,” “Engineer”) unless the LLC qualifies as a professional LLC (PLLC)
- Obscene or misleading language
Some states add extra layers. New York, for instance, restricts terms like “Urban Development” or “Community Renewal.” California prohibits names that are likely to mislead the public about the nature of the business. Always review your specific state’s LLC naming statute before finalizing a name.
Step-by-Step Process for Reserving Your LLC Name
- Run a free LLC name availability check online through your state’s Secretary of State business search portal.
- Check the USPTO trademark database for any federally registered trademarks that conflict with your name.
- Verify your name meets state requirements — confirm it includes the required LLC designator and doesn’t include any prohibited words.
- Download or access the Name Reservation form from your state’s official business filing website.
- Complete the form with your desired name, your personal information, and the reservation period you’re requesting.
- Pay the state reservation fee — most states accept online payment through their portal; some still require mailed checks.
- Receive your reservation confirmation and note the expiration date so you file your Articles of Organization before it lapses.
Most online reservations are processed same-day or within 1–2 business days. Mailed applications can take 1–3 weeks depending on your state’s processing volume.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Naming Your LLC
- Skipping the trademark search. State availability doesn’t protect you from federal trademark infringement. A name can be available in your state but still be trademarked nationally.
- Choosing a name that’s too generic. Names like “Best Services LLC” are hard to protect legally and nearly impossible to rank in search engines.
- Forgetting the LLC designator. Submitting a name without “LLC” or an equivalent is one of the most common reasons filings are rejected.
- Letting a reservation expire. If your name reservation lapses before you file your Articles of Organization, someone else can claim the name.
- Not checking domain availability first. Your legal business name and your website domain should align. Confirm the domain is available before committing to a name.
How to Use the LLC Cost Calculator
Once you’ve confirmed your name is available and you understand the reservation cost, you’ll want a complete picture of what it costs to actually form your LLC. Our LLC cost by state tool breaks down every state filing fee, annual report fee, and optional service cost in one place, so there are no surprises at checkout.
If you’re weighing whether to reserve a name now or file immediately, understanding the full formation cost in your state helps you plan that decision wisely.