If you’re planning to form an LLC in California, one of the first and most essential steps is making sure your desired business name is available. The name you choose for your Limited Liability Company (LLC) must comply with California state laws and must not already be in use by another business. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to check LLC name availability in California, what legal requirements apply, and how to reserve or register your chosen name.
Why Checking Name Availability Is Important
Choosing a unique name helps distinguish your brand in the marketplace and ensures that your LLC complies with California law. If your desired name is already taken, your application will be rejected. That’s why it’s critical to do a thorough search before submitting your formation documents.
How to Check LLC Name Availability in California
To find out if your desired LLC name is available, you can use the official California Secretary of State’s Business Search Tool.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Visit the California Business Search Portal
- Enter your proposed LLC name in the search bar
- Review existing business names to see if your name or a confusingly similar one is already registered
- If no exact match or similar conflict exists, your name may be available
Note: Make sure to search both “Corporation Name” and “Limited Liability Company Name” categories for the most accurate results.
California LLC Naming Rules
California has specific requirements for LLC names. Here are some of the key rules:
- Must include a designator like “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” or “Limited Liability Company”
- Cannot be misleading or imply that your business is a government agency
- Must be distinguishable from existing names already registered in California
- Certain words like “Bank,” “Trust,” or “Insurance” require special approval or licensing
You can review the full naming rules on the California Secretary of State Naming Guidelines page.
How to Reserve an LLC Name in California
If your desired LLC name is available but you’re not ready to file your Articles of Organization just yet, you can reserve the name for up to 60 days.
To reserve an LLC name:
- Complete the Name Reservation Request Form (Form Name Reservation – BE Name Reservation)
- Submit it online via bizfile Online, by mail, or in person
- Pay the $10 reservation fee
Once approved, the name will be held exclusively for you, giving you time to prepare and submit your LLC formation documents.
What to Do If Your Name Is Taken
If your desired LLC name is already in use, consider these alternatives:
- Add a unique descriptor (e.g., “Solutions,” “Systems,” “Consulting”)
- Include a geographic identifier (e.g., “Bay Area,” “Los Angeles”)
- Use a creative variation or a coined term
- Try acronyms or initials, as long as they don’t conflict with other names
Remember, your LLC name doesn’t have to match your brand or website name exactly. You can register a DBA (Doing Business As) later if needed.
Final Steps: File Your LLC Formation
Once you confirm your name is available:
- File Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) with the California Secretary of State
- Pay the $70 state filing fee
- Include your chosen LLC name exactly as you want it to appear
Once your filing is approved, your LLC name is officially registered.
Final Thoughts
Checking LLC name availability in California is a vital step when launching a new business. The process is simple but critical — and taking the time to do it right helps you avoid costly delays or rejections. Make sure your desired name is unique, legally compliant, and memorable for your customers.
Start your search today using the official California Business Search Tool, and take the first confident step toward building your business.