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To check if an LLC name is available, search the business register of the state where you will file. Search for the distinctive words only, then look for any active entity with the same or nearly the same name. If there is none, the name is likely available. The state confirms it when it accepts your articles of organization.
Step 1: strip the name to what the state compares
States do not compare names letter by letter. Most ignore the entity ending, small words and punctuation when they decide if two names are the same. So before you search, take away:
- Endings such as LLC, L.L.C., Limited Liability Company, Inc. or Corp.
- Words such as The, A, And and the ampersand.
- Commas, full stops, hyphens and apostrophes.
"The Blue-Oak Company, L.L.C." becomes "Blue Oak". That is what you search.
Step 2: search the state register
Use the search on our home page. It does the stripping for you, lists matching records from the state's public data where we hold it, and links to the state's own search to confirm. You can also go to the state directly. Some states run a separate name availability page; Delaware, for example, has a name reservation and availability page where you leave the ending out of the box. Pick a broad match such as "contains" if the state offers it, so you see names with extra words too.
Search the state where you will form the LLC. If you plan to register in other states as well, check those too.
Step 3: read the results for near matches
A name is usually not available if an active entity has a name that differs only by:
- the ending ("Blue Oak LLC" versus "Blue Oak Inc.")
- a plural or possessive ("Blue Oaks", "Blue Oak's")
- punctuation or spacing ("BlueOak")
- a small word ("The Blue Oak")
- a number written another way ("3 Rivers" versus "Three Rivers"), in some states
Names that add a real distinguishing word, such as "Blue Oak Dental", are more often accepted. Generic additions like Group, Holdings or Services may not be enough in every state. Each state words this rule its own way, so read the LLC name rules guide and the rules on your state guide.
Also check the status column. A name used by a company that was dissolved long ago may be free again, while one held by an LLC that is only behind on its reports may still be protected. Rules on this differ by state, so ask the filing office if a close name is inactive.
Step 4: check the rules on words and endings
Every state requires an ending such as LLC or Limited Liability Company. Most restrict words such as Bank, Insurance or Trust, or need approval from another agency to use them. Some ban words that suggest a government link. If your name has any of these, check the state rules before you file.
Step 5: look beyond the state register
A free name on the state register can still cause trouble:
- Trademarks. Search the USPTO trademark database. State approval does not give you trademark rights.
- Trade names. Another business may use the name as a DBA filed at county level. See the DBA search guide.
- Domain and social handles. Check these early if they matter to you.
When the name is taken
Add a word that sets you apart, such as your town, your trade or a founder's name. Then run the check again. If the close match is a dissolved company, ask the state whether the name is open. If you need time before filing, a name reservation holds the name for a set period in most states. For a deeper look at searching names across states, see the LLC name search guide.