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Every state has three kinds of name rule for an LLC: an ending it must carry, words it may not use without approval, and a test for whether it is different enough from names already on file. The pattern is close from state to state. The exact words come from each state's LLC statute, and every state guide quotes its own.
The required ending
An LLC name has to tell the public it is a limited liability company. The usual choices are "Limited Liability Company", "LLC" or "L.L.C.". Many states also accept short forms such as "Limited Company" or "Ltd. Liability Co.", and the list varies. A few states have their own variations for professional LLCs.
The ending must match the entity. An LLC cannot use "Inc." or "Corporation", and a corporation cannot use "LLC". If you form a domestic or foreign LLC, the ending rule of the state where you file applies.
Restricted words
Some words suggest a regulated business. States usually allow them only with written approval from another agency, or only for companies that hold a licence. Common groups are:
- Banking words, such as bank, banking, trust or savings. These usually need the state banking regulator's consent.
- Insurance words, such as insurance, assurance or underwriter. These usually need the state insurance department's consent.
- Education words, such as university or college, where a state education body may need to approve.
- Licensed professions, such as attorney, engineer, architect or doctor, which may require a professional LLC and proof of the licence.
Expect the filing office to reject or hold the articles if a restricted word appears and the approval letter is missing.
Banned words and misleading names
Most states also refuse names that suggest the company is a government agency, or that it was formed for a purpose its articles do not allow. Words such as "federal", "national" or "United States" can be a problem in some states. A name that is obscene or that implies a type of entity it is not will usually be rejected too.
Distinguishable on the record
The name must differ from every name already on the state register, including other LLCs, corporations, limited partnerships, reserved names and in some states registered assumed names. The test most states use is "distinguishable upon the records" of the filing office. Under that test, small differences usually do not count:
- the entity ending (LLC, Inc., Corp.)
- the word "the", "a" or "and"
- punctuation, spaces and capital letters
- a plural or a possessive
So "The Blue Harbor, LLC" and "Blue Harbors Inc." would usually clash. A different word, such as "Blue Harbor Marine LLC", would usually pass. Some states publish their own examples, and the state guide links to them.
How to apply the rules
- Choose the name with the ending your state allows.
- Remove the restricted words, or get the approval letter ready.
- Search the state register for the core of the name. Our LLC name search strips the ending and punctuation for you.
- If you need time before filing, reserve the name.
The state decides when it reviews your filing. A clear search is a strong sign, not a promise.