California LLC Name Search – How to Name Your LLC (original) (raw)

Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is California’s Secretary of State page includes a name availability checker. Check out LLC Name Search to learn more.

Meanwhile, if you’re interested in learning more about starting a California LLC or forming an LLC in general, you can check out How to Start an LLC.

How to Name an LLC in California

Time needed: 10 minutes

There are guidelines to follow in forming an LLC. To learn more, check out LLC Naming Guidelines or read Foreign LLC Application for Registration if you’re planning to register a foreign LLC.

1. Check Name Availability
   Search the Business Entity Records in California’s Official Secretary of State page to check if your chosen business name is available. You may also try typing your trademark, business, or domain name on any search engine to generate businesses with similar names and to ensure your trademark is unique and meets the state’s requirements.
   Check out How to File a DBA to learn more about registering a DBA or trademark. For social media pages, use Social Searcher to avoid using similar page names.
2. Check Domain Availability
   If your business name is still available, you must register for a domain name using Namecheap, Google Workspace, or other domain name sites. So customers can easily find your business over the Internet. Use the Kinsta app to manage your domains efficiently.
3. File Name Reservation
   A Name Reservation Certificate is required along with a Certificate of Formation. You can reserve a name online, by mail, or in-person with a $10 filing fee (plus tax for online).
   File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of California. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to Secretary of State Business Services P.O. Box 5616, Montgomery, California 36103-5616.

Guidelines to Follow in Naming LLC

• Use a business name with the abbreviation “LLC” or the phrase “Limited Liability Company.”
• Your decided business name must not coincide with any existing government entity. Otherwise, you might have to face legal lawsuits when filing your LLC.
• Use the LLC name availability checker to ensure your business name is unique.
• Get a license first if you plan on using restricted words to avoid any complications.

Note that you must put adequate effort into naming your LLC because this name will be with your business for a long time. Making your LLC name unique is vital as it would prevent people from confusing your business with others, not to mention it would be easier for them to recall your business, products, or services.

How To Do a California Name Search Online

LLC name is one crucial part of forming an LLC in California. To continue with the name you have decided for your LLC, you need to go to the Business Entity Search website to check for the business name availability.

There are three ways you can search for business entity names online while forming a California LLC. Here are the following ways,

Search by Corporation Name

The first option you will get is to Search by “Corporation Name”. In here, enter the corporation name you are looking for in the ‘Search Criteria’ box. You can select the ‘Exact’ option or ‘Keyword’ to find that particular name in California. Hit the ‘Search’ button to get the list of Entities with the same/similar names in California.

Search by LP/LLC Name

The next option to search business name is ‘LP/LLC Name’ search. Enter the LLC name you are searching for in the box given and hit the search button to get the list of entities with the same/similar names in the state. Like Corporation Name search, you can select whether to search by ‘Exact’ name, ‘Keyword’ or ‘Begin with’ the name you are looking for.

Search by Entity Number

Entity number is the unique identification number given to the formed entity in California. It is an alpha-numeric 8-digit number starting with the letter ‘C’. To search by Entity Number, you have to enter the exact number to search.

In these three ways, one can go for Business Entity Search in California. Once the name search is done, you can register your LLC name in California by getting the Name Reservation Request Form.

F.A.Qs

What is a Trade Name?

A trade name (doing business as (DBA) name) is the official name under which a proprietor or company chooses to do business.

Is having a domain name necessary?

Having a domain isn’t necessary, but it is recommended. If you have a domain name, customers will find you more accessible through online means with your online website.

What if my name is unavailable?

For domestic LLC, you can simply brainstorm for another name if the one you pick is no longer available. For foreign LLC, you must think up a “fictitious name,” which you’ll use only in the state.

How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in California

To reserve an LLC name in California you need to submit a name reservation request form to the California Secretary State by mail, in person or online by paying a filing fee of $10.

First and foremost, it is essential to conduct a thorough name search to verify the availability of your desired LLC name. The California Secretary of State’s website provides a Business Search tool that allows you to check the availability of your chosen business name. This will help you avoid any potential legal complications down the line and ensure that your business distinguishes itself in the marketplace.

Once you have confirmed the availability of your desired LLC name, you can proceed with the reservation process. To reserve an LLC name in California, you will need to file a Name Reservation Request Form with the Secretary of State’s office. This form can be submitted online, by mail, or in person at the Secretary of State’s office in Sacramento.

When filing the Name Reservation Request Form, you will need to provide the following information:

1. The proposed LLC name you wish to reserve

2. Your name and contact information

3. The address of the LLC’s principal place of business

4. The name and mailing address of the individual or entity requesting the name reservation

There is a filing fee associated with reserving an LLC name in California, which must be paid at the time of submission. Once your Name Reservation Request Form is processed and approved, the Secretary of State will reserve your chosen LLC name for a period of 60 days.

It is important to note that reserving an LLC name does not automatically grant you the exclusive right to use that name for your business. To fully protect your chosen business name, you will need to officially register your LLC with the California Secretary of State by filing Articles of Organization.

By reserving an LLC name in California, you are taking a proactive step towards establishing your business identity and ensuring that your brand is unique and distinguishable in the marketplace. Additionally, reserving your LLC name can help you protect your business interests and avoid any potential conflicts with other businesses using similar names.

In conclusion, securing a unique and legally compliant LLC name is a critical first step in the process of forming a business entity in California. By following the necessary steps to reserve your desired LLC name, you can set your business up for success and establish a strong foundation for future growth and development.

In Conclusion

LLC names are important as it is the main identity of your business. While naming your LLC make sure to choose the one that suits the nature of your business. Follow the naming guidelines before you start filing your LLC name