LLC name search by state
Before you file, check that your LLC name is available in your state. Each state maintains its own name database — a name available in Texas may already be taken in Florida. Select your state for the direct search portal, naming rules, and how to reserve the name while you prepare to file.
Alabama LLC Name Search
Alabama Secretary of State
Alaska LLC Name Search
Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development
Arizona LLC Name Search
Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC)
Arkansas LLC Name Search
Arkansas Secretary of State
California LLC Name Search
California Secretary of State
Colorado LLC Name Search
Colorado Secretary of State
Connecticut LLC Name Search
Connecticut Secretary of the State
Delaware LLC Name Search
Delaware Division of Corporations
Florida LLC Name Search
Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations (Sunbiz)
Georgia LLC Name Search
Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division
Hawaii LLC Name Search
Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA)
Idaho LLC Name Search
Idaho Secretary of State
Illinois LLC Name Search
Illinois Secretary of State
Indiana LLC Name Search
Indiana Secretary of State
Iowa LLC Name Search
Iowa Secretary of State
Kansas LLC Name Search
Kansas Secretary of State
Kentucky LLC Name Search
Kentucky Secretary of State
Louisiana LLC Name Search
Louisiana Secretary of State
Maine LLC Name Search
Maine Secretary of State, Bureau of Corporations
Maryland LLC Name Search
Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT)
Massachusetts LLC Name Search
Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, Corporations Division
Michigan LLC Name Search
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
Minnesota LLC Name Search
Minnesota Secretary of State
Mississippi LLC Name Search
Mississippi Secretary of State
Missouri LLC Name Search
Missouri Secretary of State
Montana LLC Name Search
Montana Secretary of State
Nebraska LLC Name Search
Nebraska Secretary of State
Nevada LLC Name Search
Nevada Secretary of State
New Hampshire LLC Name Search
New Hampshire Secretary of State
New Jersey LLC Name Search
New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services
New Mexico LLC Name Search
New Mexico Secretary of State
New York LLC Name Search
New York Department of State, Division of Corporations
North Carolina LLC Name Search
North Carolina Secretary of State
North Dakota LLC Name Search
North Dakota Secretary of State
Ohio LLC Name Search
Ohio Secretary of State
Oklahoma LLC Name Search
Oklahoma Secretary of State
Oregon LLC Name Search
Oregon Secretary of State, Corporation Division
Pennsylvania LLC Name Search
Pennsylvania Department of State
Rhode Island LLC Name Search
Rhode Island Secretary of State
South Carolina LLC Name Search
South Carolina Secretary of State
South Dakota LLC Name Search
South Dakota Secretary of State
Tennessee LLC Name Search
Tennessee Secretary of State
Texas LLC Name Search
Texas Secretary of State
Utah LLC Name Search
Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Corporations
Vermont LLC Name Search
Vermont Secretary of State
Virginia LLC Name Search
Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC)
Washington LLC Name Search
Washington Secretary of State
West Virginia LLC Name Search
West Virginia Secretary of State
Wisconsin LLC Name Search
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
Wyoming LLC Name Search
Wyoming Secretary of State
Why you must search before filing
If you file Articles of Organization with a name already taken in your state, the Secretary of State will reject the filing and keep your fee. In most states there is no refund for a rejected name. Searching first takes 2 minutes and prevents a frustrating (and sometimes costly) setback.
"Available" in the state database means the name is not currently registered with that Secretary of State — it does not mean the name is available as a trademark federally, as a domain name, or in other states. Before committing to a name, also search the USPTO trademark database at tess.uspto.gov and check domain availability.
LLC naming rules that apply in every state
- Must include a designator — your LLC name must end with "LLC," "L.L.C.," "Limited Liability Company," or an abbreviation your state accepts.
- Must be distinguishable — the name cannot be the same as or confusingly similar to an existing registered entity in your state. Most states use a computer check, not a human judgment call.
- Cannot imply government affiliation — words like "Federal," "National," "U.S.," "State," or similar terms are restricted or prohibited in most states.
- Restricted professional terms — "Bank," "Insurance," "Attorney," "University," "Doctor," and similar words require approval from the relevant state licensing board before you can use them.
How to reserve an LLC name
Most states let you reserve a name for 30–120 days while you prepare to file. You submit a Name Reservation form and pay a small fee ($10–$50 in most states). This prevents anyone else from registering the name during that window. Select your state above for the exact form, fee, and duration.