California Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your California LLC Name Is Available
A unique business name is key for branding, but it can be difficult to navigate the various rules for business names in California.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
California LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in California, your filing could be rejected if the name you choose is already in use or does not adhere to state naming regulations.
How to Search the California Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in California.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the California Business Name Search or the California Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the California Business Entity Search page
California Secretary of State: Business Search
First, click the "Advanced" button to reveal additional search options.
Use the Advanced search for two main reasons:
- To narrow your search to only LLCs. This is important because your name only needs to be distinguishable from other LLCs in California, not from all types of businesses in the state. A basic search includes all business types (such as corporations and partnerships).
- To see all possible matches. This includes LLCs that are inactive, suspended, or in any other status, as their names are still not available for use. A basic search only shows active businesses.
In the Advanced Search window, type your desired LLC name into the "Search by Name" field.
Choose "All Limited Liability Companies" from the Entity Type dropdown. This focuses your search only on LLCs.
Set the "Search Filter" to "Contains (keywords)". This helps you find names that might be similar, even if they have extra words at the beginning. For instance, if "The Black Friday LLC" is registered, you can not use "Black Friday LLC".
Keep the "Status" dropdown on "All" to view every possible match, including names of inactive or suspended companies.
Then click "Search".
Search Tips:
- Exclude terms like "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company", and punctuation marks (commas, periods, apostrophes) from your search.
- You can use either uppercase or lowercase letters in your search.
★ Tip:
To ensure thoroughness, start with a search for the main part of your desired name. For instance, if you want "Sunset Ventures LLC", first search for "Sunset Ventures" and then "Sunset" to cover all possible variations.
Understanding Search Results
If your search results show names that do not match yours exactly, your LLC name is likely available. For example, if "Sunset Ventures LLC" yields results like "Sunset Management" and "Sunset LLC", your name should be available.
Double-Check Results
If your search yields no results, your desired name may be unique. For added security, repeat your search using just a part of your name, such as "Sunset", to ensure no similar names exist.
What If My Desired Name Is Not Available?
If the name you want is already in use, you will need to choose an alternative name or modify your desired name.
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California Secretary of State Contact Information
You can contact the California Secretary of State to check if your LLC name is available.
While this service might not be available in every state, California representatives can guide you through the process of using the California Business Name Search to see if your name is free. They can not guarantee that your name will be approved, but they can provide useful information.
Call the LLC Department at 916-653-3794, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
California LLC Name Requirements
According to Section 17701.08 of the California LLC Act, there are specific rules and requirements for naming a California Limited Liability Company that you should be aware of.
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Green Leaf Innovations LLC
- Green Leaf Innovations, LLC
Permissible Designators
Your LLC name must end with one of the following designators:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Ltd. Liability Co.
- Limited Liability Co.
- Ltd. Liability Company
- Limited Liability Company
✎ Note:
The term "LLC" is the most commonly used.
Restricted Designators
Your LLC name cannot include terms that imply it is another type of business entity, such as:
- Inc.
- Corp.
- LP, L.P., LLP, or L.L.P.
- PC, P.C.
Restricted Words in California LLC Names
Your California LLC name must not include words or abbreviations that are legally restricted.
For instance, you cannot choose a name that implies your LLC is a bank, insurance company, trust, government agency, or any other entity that could mislead the public.
This means you cannot use terms like:
- Bank
- Trust
- Insurance
- Reinsurance
- Assurance
- Surety
- Agency
- Commission
- Department
- Bureau
- Division
- Municipal
- Board
- Federal
- Government
- City
- Town
- County
unless you are authorized by the relevant department, such as the banking or insurance department.
Additionally, you cannot use terms that might suggest an affiliation with a government agency, such as:
You also cannot use titles reserved for licensed professionals. These titles vary by state but often include accountants, architects, attorneys, dentists, and engineers.
For more details on restricted words for California business names, refer to the California Code of Regulations, Section 21003.
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Ensuring Your California Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the California Secretary of State Business Entity Search.
If your name is not unique, you will need to come up with a different or modified name.
Rules for Distinguishability
Designators
Merely changing the designator (the suffix of the name) does not make a name unique. For example, if "Golden Gate Ventures LLC" is your desired name, it will not be acceptable if you find any of the following names in the California Business Name Search:
- Golden Gate Ventures, Inc.
- Golden Gate Ventures, Corp.
- Golden Gate Ventures Limited Liability Company
Capitalization
Variations in capitalization do not create distinguishability. This rule applies to all parts of the name, including the designator. For example, "Sierra Crest Solutions LLC" will not be accepted if you find any of these names:
- SIERRA CREST SOLUTIONS INC.
- sierra crest solutions llc
- Sierra Crest Solutions, Inc.
- Sierra CREST SOLUTIONS Limited Liability COMPANY
Filler Words
Adding filler words such as "the", "a", "an", "and"m or "&" does not make a name distinguishable. For instance, "Cypress Valley Enterprises LLC" will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- The Cypress Valley Enterprises LLC
- A Cypress Valley Enterprises Inc.
- Cypress Valley & Enterprises L.L.C.
Punctuation and Spacing
Modifying punctuation or using different symbols in your business name does not make it distinguishable. Additionally, changing the spacing between words usually does not create distinguishability see the example below for clarification on this rule.
The California Code of Regulations provides a list of symbols and punctuation that do not create distinguishability in a business name.
If your desired LLC name is "Coastal Breeze Marketing LLC", it's considered unavailable if any of the following names appear:
- Coastal Breeze & Marketing L.L.C.
- Coastal-Breeze-Marketing Limited Liability Company
- Coastal/Breeze: Marketing LLC
Spacing
Altering the spacing between words generally does not make a name distinguishable, unless the spacing changes the meaning of the name.
For example, "Pacific View", "Pacific View", and "Pacific View" are treated as the same name (not distinguishable).
However, the following might be seen as distinguishable:
- Urban Oasis Café LLC (e.g., a coffee shop)
- UrbanOasis Café LLC (e.g., a trendy restaurant)
Ultimately, it is up to the LLC examiner to review your paperwork to make this determination.
California law requires that names be distinguishable to avoid confusing consumers. If the examiner finds your name to be different enough from existing names, they will approve it.
Need to save time?
Consider hiring a professional to set up your LLC: Northwest Registered Agent offers LLC formation services starting at $39 plus the state fee.
(Find out why Northwest is the top choice for LLC formation)
What If My Business Name Is Rejected?
If you submit your California Articles of Organization and your chosen business name is not available, do not worry.
The state will inform you of the rejection and provide reasons. You will then need to resubmit with a new or adjusted name.
Do I need a name reservation in California?
No, a name reservation is not required to form an LLC in California. You can file your LLC’s Articles of Organization directly with your chosen name. Note that name reservations in California are only valid for 60 days.
Does California require an LLC in the name?
Yes, California requires your LLC name to include one of the following designators:
- LLC
- Limited Liability Company
- Ltd. Liability Co.
Does my California LLC need a DBA?
No, a DBA (Doing Business As) is not required for your California LLC. However, if you wish to operate under a different name from your LLC’s legal name, you must file a Fictitious Business Name (FBN) Registration with the county clerk or county registrar. FBN fees vary by county. There is no limit to the number of FBNs an LLC can have.
When would my LLC use a DBA?
For instance,if you form an LLC named Golden Trout Fishing Tours LLC but want to use a more engaging name like Trout Tours, you need to file a Fictitious Business Name Registration in every county where you operate to use the name Trout Tours. Without filing an FBN Registration, you are limited to using the legal name Golden Trout Fishing Tours LLC. Similarly, if you want to operate under Golden Trout Fishing Tours without the "LLC" suffix, you will need to register a Fictitious Business Name for Golden Trout Fishing Tours in the relevant counties.
How do I get a business domain name?
After selecting a business name, it's wise to check domain name availability. Use services like GoDaddy to find available domain names.
What does "distinguishability" mean?
Distinguishability means that each business name must be unique and not identical to any other name on record with the Secretary of State. For instance, you cannot use that name if you wish to name your LLC Quail Quilters LLC but another business is already registered as Quail Quilters Limited Liability Company. Your LLC name must be distinct from existing names.
How do I come up with a business name?
Choosing a business name is crucial for branding. Start by noting your company's features and desired associations. Generate a list of potential names without editing, then review and refine them. Take time to reflect and seek feedback from others. The best name will often stand out, or you can use a quick decision-making method, like choosing after closing your eyes and counting to 10, to trust your instincts.
Can I use the name of another California entity?
No, you cannot use the same name as another California LLC. Unlike other states, California only compares new LLC names to other LLCs. While an LLC could have the same name as a California corporation, this could create confusion. Avoid using names of inactive or dissolved LLCs as they may still have certain legal rights or cause confusion.
How do I change my LLC name?
To change your LLC’s name, file an Amendment form with the Secretary of State. Detailed instructions on how to do this in California are available in our step-by-step guide.
How to start an LLC in California?
To start an LLC in California, follow these steps:
- Select an LLC name and ensure its availability.
- Choose a California Registered Agent.
- File the California LLC Articles of Organization.
- Complete and sign an LLC Operating Agreement.
- File the California Statement of Information.
- Obtain a Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS.
- Open a business bank account for your LLC.
- Determine if you need a business or sales tax license in California.