LLC Name Rules: What You Can and Can't Use

Your LLC's name has to clear three tests before a state will file it: it must say it is an LLC, it must not use words the state restricts, and it must be distinguishable from every name already on that state's records. Clearing those tests gets you through the filing. It does not, on its own, give you the right to use the name everywhere, which is where trademarks come in.

Rule 1: Include an LLC designator

Every state requires the name to show that the business is a limited liability company. The accepted forms are close to universal:

• "Limited Liability Company"
• "LLC" or "L.L.C."
• in many states, "Limited Company", "Ltd. Liability Co." or similar abbreviations

The designator usually goes at the end: "Harbor Design LLC". You can choose any accepted form, and the state record will show exactly what you file, punctuation included, so pick the version you want on contracts and your bank account.

Rule 2: Avoid restricted and prohibited words

Words that suggest a different kind of entity

An LLC can't call itself something it isn't. Words such as "Corporation", "Inc." or "Incorporated" belong to corporations and are generally not allowed in an LLC's name.

Words for regulated industries

Terms tied to licensed or regulated businesses usually need approval from another agency, or proof of a license, before the state will accept them. Common examples:

• "Bank", "Banking", "Trust" and "Credit Union"
• "Insurance" and "Assurance"
• "University", "College" and other education terms
• professional titles such as "Attorney", "Engineer", "Architect" or "Doctor", which may require a professional LLC

Words that imply government ties

Names that suggest a connection to a government agency, such as "FBI", "Treasury" or "State Department", are typically refused. So are names that are obscene or misleading.

Rule 3: Be distinguishable from existing names

The state compares your name against every business on its records, including corporations, partnerships, and reserved names. States generally ignore small differences when comparing, so these usually do not make a name distinguishable:

• the designator ("Harbor Design LLC" vs "Harbor Design Inc.");
• articles and connectors such as "the", "a", "and" or "&";
• punctuation, spacing, and capitalization;
• singular versus plural ("Harbor Designs");
• in many states, numerals versus spelled-out numbers.

Adding a distinct word usually does work: "Harbor Design Studio LLC" or "North Harbor Design LLC". Each state applies its own standard, and a few are stricter than others, so treat a near-match in the search results as a warning sign.

How to check a name before you file

1. Search the state's business records. Every state has a free online business search; each of our state guides links to the state's filing site. Search the core words, not just the exact name.
2. Search federal trademarks. The USPTO's free trademark search shows registered and pending marks. A state accepting your LLC name does not protect you from a trademark owner.
3. Check the web. Look for businesses using the name without registering it, and check that the domain and social handles you want are free.
4. Pick a backup. If the state rejects your first choice, a ready second choice saves a resubmission.

Reserving a name

Most states let you reserve a name for a period before you file, for a fee, which helps if you need time before forming. In Alabama ($28 online), a reservation is required before the formation filing itself. If you are ready to form, filing the LLC itself secures the name, so a separate reservation is usually unnecessary.

Doing business under a different name

Your LLC can operate under a name other than its legal name by registering a trade name, also called an assumed name, fictitious name, or DBA ("doing business as"). Depending on the state, the registration is with the state or the county. This is how one LLC can run several brands without forming several companies.

Changing the name later

You can change an LLC's name by filing an amendment with the state and paying its fee. Afterward, update the IRS, your bank, licenses, and contracts. It is simpler to choose carefully now.

File it yourself or have us do it

You can run every check above yourself and file directly with your state for the state fee alone. If we file for you, we check the name against the state's records before submitting, prepare the formation document, and email you the approved documents, for $99 plus the state fee. Next steps are in How to start an LLC.

General information; each state applies its own name rules. Not legal advice.