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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 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.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
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.
- 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. - 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 $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
A trade name (doing business as (DBA) name) is the official name under which a proprietor or company chooses to do business.
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.
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.
When it comes to reserving an LLC name in California, there are a few key steps to keep in mind. First and foremost, you will need to conduct a thorough search to ensure that your desired name is available for use. The California Secretary of State’s website provides a useful tool for searching existing business names to avoid duplication. It is important to choose a unique name that accurately reflects your business and is not already in use by another entity.
Once you have determined that your desired name is available, the next step is to file a Name Reservation Request with the California Secretary of State. This can be done online or by mail, and comes with a fee. By reserving your LLC name, you are essentially putting a temporary hold on it until you are ready to officially establish your business. This can give you peace of mind knowing that your chosen name will be available when you are ready to move forward with the registration process.
When reserving an LLC name in California, it is important to keep in mind that the reservation is only valid for 60 days. This means that you will need to take additional steps to officially establish your business within that timeframe. This typically involves filing Articles of Organization with the California Secretary of State and paying the required fees. It is important to stay organized and on top of deadlines to ensure that your LLC name reservation does not expire before you are able to complete the necessary steps.
In addition to reserving your LLC name with the California Secretary of State, it is also important to consider trademarking your business name to further protect your brand identity. Trademarks provide legal protection against others using your name or a similar name for their own business purposes. While reserving an LLC name is a good first step, trademarking can provide an additional layer of protection for your brand.
Overall, reserving an LLC name in California is a straightforward process that is well worth the time and effort. By taking this important step, you can ensure that your desired business name is available for use and begin to establish your brand identity. Remember to conduct a thorough search, file a Name Reservation Request, and stay organized to meet the 60-day deadline. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can successfully reserve your LLC name in California and take the first step towards building a successful business.
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