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

Steve Goldstein

Business Formation Expert | Fact Checked by Editorial Staff

Last updated: Jun 20, 2024Jun 20, 2024

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Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is Tennessee’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 an LLC in Tennessee or forming an LLC in general, you can check out How to Start an LLC.

How to Name an LLC in Tennessee

Time needed: 5 minutes

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

Check Name Availability
Search the Business Entity Records in Tennessee’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.
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.
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 $20 filing fee (plus tax for online).
File your Certificate of Formation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of Tennessee. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to the Secretary of State’s office at 6th FL – Snodgrass Tower ATTN: Corporate Filing, 312 Rosa L. Parks AVE, Nashville, TN 37243.

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 Tennessee LLC Online Name Search

Naming any business is a vital step in establishing an LLC. The name you wish to choose needs to adhere to the guidelines along with being appealing to the consumers. Tennessee LLC name search may prove helpful in searching for the name availability. Here are the steps you can follow to search for any business name if your LLC is based in Tennessee:

Step 1: Visit Tennessee’s Secretary of State’s website
Step 2: The webpage displays the list of Business Services available, like ‘Form or register a new business’, ‘Find and update a business record’, and so on. Click on the ‘Search business availability’ option.
Step 3: A business information search page will appear. You need to fill in the details in the search tabs provided. You can also provide the control number. ‘Starts with’ and ‘contains’ options may help you in refining your search.

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 Tennessee

To reserve an LLC name in Tennessee you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Tennessee Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $20.

Reserving an LLC name in Tennessee is a relatively straightforward process, but it is one that should not be overlooked. A reserved name protects the identity of your business until you are ready to officially register it with the state. This gives you time to gather the necessary documents and information needed to complete the registration process without fear of someone else taking the name you have chosen.

To reserve an LLC name in Tennessee, there are a few simple steps you need to follow. First, you will need to conduct a search on the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website to ensure that the name you have chosen is available and not already in use by another company. Your LLC name must be unique and distinguishable from other businesses in Tennessee to be accepted.

Once you have confirmed that your desired LLC name is available, you can file a Name Reservation application with the Tennessee Secretary of State. This application can typically be filed online or by mail and will require you to provide your proposed LLC name, your contact information, and a small fee. The reservation will typically last for up to four months, giving you plenty of time to complete the necessary steps to officially register your LLC.

Reserving an LLC name in Tennessee is a vital step in protecting your business’s identity and ensuring that your chosen name remains available for your use. Without a reserved name, you run the risk of losing out on the perfect name for your company if someone else decides to register it before you do. By taking the time to reserve your LLC name, you can focus on building your business and establishing your brand without worrying about potential conflicts or issues down the road.

In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in Tennessee is a straightforward process that should not be overlooked when starting a business. By taking the time to research, choose, and reserve a unique name for your company, you can protect your brand identity and ensure that your business stands out from the competition. So, make sure to reserve your LLC name today and start building the foundation for a successful business in Tennessee.

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