What are the rules for naming an LLC, and what should I do if my chosen name is rejected or unavailable
Overview of LLC Naming Rules
This article covers the most common LLC naming rules and restrictions to be aware of when submitting your LLC formation, helping you avoid rejections and unnecessary delays.
You may see "Need More Info" as your LLC status or have received an email from our team explaining that the name on file wasn't able to be completed as submitted.
To ensure your state accepts your LLC name, follow these general guidelines:
Include an LLC Designator: Your LLC name must include a designator such as “LLC” or “L.L.C.” to indicate the business structure.
Avoid Acronyms: Acronyms or initials in LLC names are commonly used for LLCs, conflicting with existing LLCs that might have the same acronyms. Our team will always try to complete this filing as submitted, but it can increase the likelihood of rejection or unavailability on the state level.
Avoid Conflicting Designators: Do not include terms that conflict with the LLC designation, as this can lead to rejection.
Comply with State Naming Rules: Ensure the name meets your state’s specific requirements, such as distinctiveness, avoiding prohibited terms, and including any required words,
PLLCs & Licensing: LLC names denoting licensed professionals in fields like medicine, law, or therapy are typically required to file as a PLLC rather than a standard LLC, and require additional documentation for completion.
Punctuation & Typos: special characters like apostrophes, accent markers, or ampersands can also lead to rejections or unavailable names with the state.
Your LLC name may be rejected for the following reasons:
Conflicting Designators: Including terms like “Co,” “Corp,” or “Inc” that are not appropriate for an LLC.
Non-Compliance with State Rules: Failing to meet state-specific naming requirements, such as using prohibited terms or not ensuring the name is unique.
Steps to Take When a Name is Unavailable
If your preferred LLC name is already taken, follow these steps:
Prepare Alternative Names: Provide unique alternative names (typically three) that are either similar to your original choice or entirely different.
Submit Alternatives: Submit these alternative names to the filing team, who will attempt to proceed with your LLC formation under an available name.
By following these guidelines and steps, you can increase the likelihood of successfully registering your LLC name and avoid unnecessary delays in the filing process.