Coming up with a unique name for your business entity can be a free-wheeling process driven by creativity and inspiration. Yet, naming an LLC can be a complicated task, as it will require following certain rules and procedures cautiously and avoiding common mistakes. Moreover, you must ensure that no other business entity in your state uses your desired LLC name. 

We’ve made the name search easy through our guide for all fifty states. Simply choose the state and see the instructions that follow in order to find out if the chosen name for your business entity is available in your current state. 

Another way is to search for an existing LLC or DBA name. You can able to access your firm’s formation documents in certain states and manage the vital administrative tasks for your business. 

Have you decided on an LLC name yet? Don’t lose it to someone else! You can stand out from the competition simply by reserving your desired company name. 

After conducting an LLC name search and finding the ideal name for your company, you need to make sure that it remains available. 

For example, you have stumbled upon a problem – you need to hit the check box on the vital tasks before the formation of your LLC which is a couple of months away. Next thing you know is that, with the lack of time to do everything at once, your fantastic LLC name is gone. 

This is a very reasonable concern and a regular one for business owners. Fortunately, there is a solution to this issue. All you have to do now is to carry out an LLC name reservation, which is done with your state’s government. This will secure it from potential name snatchers as you prepare to launch your company.

As described above, reserving an LLC name especially comes in handy when you aren’t ready to form your business right away. While in an inverse situation, if you are ready to operate your LLC, you can skip this step and use your legal name in your paperwork, and it will directly be registered in the state.

In addition, the duration of an LLC name reservation varies between states, usually from 90 to 120 days. Other name reservations can last till 30 days, while in other states, it can endure till one year.

Therefore, make sure to check the reservation duration in your state, and avoid reserving the name too early; the name may risk being taken before the launch of your LLC. 

Moreover, note that Alabama is the only state that strictly requires all individuals to do an LLC name reservation, while Florida, doesn’t provide name reservations.

In every state, to do an LLC name reservation, you will be required to submit a specific form, which is often referred to as a “Name Reservation Request” or something similar. However, how you file this form differs from the states’ guidelines.

Once the state receives your request, it will confirm the availability of your chosen LLC name and, if so, will place it on hold. Congratulations! You will be legally able to use that name. Keep note of how long your reservation has been active, especially if you intend to renew it before it expires.

A name reservation normally has a nominal price, ranging between $10 and $75. Some states provide them for free.