Colorado Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your Colorado 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 Colorado.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
Colorado LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in Colorado, 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 Colorado Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in Colorado.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the Colorado Business Name Search or the Colorado Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the Colorado Business Entity Search page
Colorado provides two tools for checking business name availability: the Business Database Search and the Name Availability Search. Here’s how to use each one:
Business Database Search
Start with this tool to identify businesses with names similar to the one you want.
Colorado Business Database Search
Enter your preferred LLC name in the search box and click "Search".
This tool scans all registered business entities in Colorado and lists names that are similar to yours.
Avoid including designators like "LLC" in your search.
Name Availability Search
Use this tool along with the Business Database Search to ensure your Colorado LLC name is truly unique.
Enter your chosen LLC name, including the designator (such as "LLC"), into the search box and click "Search".
You’ll receive a response indicating whether the name is "available" or "not available".
This tool does not display names similar to those already in use.
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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.
How to Understand Colorado LLC Search Results
If your Business Database 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.
Colorado Secretary of State Contact Information
You can contact the Colorado Secretary of State to check if your LLC name is available.
While this service might not be available in every state, Colorado representatives can guide you through the process of using the Colorado 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.
The Business Organizations Department phone number is 303-894-2200. Their hours are 8 am to 5 pm Mountain Time, Monday through Friday.
Colorado LLC Name Requirements
There are several rules and requirements you should be aware of when naming a Colorado business entity.
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Blue Sky Solutions LLC
- Blue Sky Solutions, 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.
- Corporation
- Cooperative
Restricted Words in Colorado LLC Names
Your Colorado LLC name cannot include words or abbreviations that are legally restricted.
For instance, you cannot name your LLC in a way that suggests it is a bank, a government agency, or any other entity that might mislead the public.
Additionally, you cannot use terms reserved for licensed professionals. These terms can differ by state but often include accountants, architects, attorneys, dentists, and engineers.
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Ensuring Your Colorado Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the Colorado Secretary of State Business Database 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 "Rocky Mountain Outfitters LLC" is your desired name, it will not be acceptable if you find any of the following names in the Colorado Business Name Search:
- Rocky Mountain Outfitters, Inc.
- Rocky Mountain Outfitters, Corp.
Capitalization
Variations in capitalization do not create distinguishability. This rule applies to all parts of the name, including the designator. For example, "Aspen Trails LLC" will not be accepted if you find any of these names:
- ASPEN TRAILS INC.
- aspen trails llc
- Aspen Trails, Inc.
- Aspen TRAILS Limited Liability COMPANY
Filler Words
Adding filler words such as "the", "a", "an", "and"m or "&" does not make a name distinguishable. For instance, "Greenfield Gardens LLC" will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- The Greenfield Gardens LLC
- A Greenfield Gardens Inc.
- Greenfield & Gardens L.L.C.
Punctuation
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 Colorado 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 "Mountain Peak Designs LLC", it's considered unavailable if any of the following names appear:
- Mountain Peak Designs L.L.C.
- Mountain-Peak-Designs Limited Liability Company
- Mountain/Peak: Designs LLC
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 Colorado 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 Colorado?
No, a name reservation is not required to form an LLC in Colorado. You can file your LLC’s Articles of Organization with your chosen name. A name reservation is an unnecessary step and is not recommended.
Does Colorado require an LLC in the name?
Yes, Colorado requires that your LLC name include one of the following designators:
- LLC
- Limited Liability Company
- Ltd. Liability Co.
Does my Colorado LLC need a DBA?
No, a DBA (Doing Business As) is not required in Colorado. However, if you want your LLC to operate under a different name from its legal name, you need to file a Statement of Trade Name and pay a $1 fee to the Secretary of State. There is no limit to the number of Trade Names an LLC can have.
When would my LLC use a DBA?
For example, if you form an LLC named Aquamarine Tour Groups LLC but wish to use a more catchy name like Aquamarine Tours, you need to file a Statement of Trade Name. Without this filing, you can only use your legal name, Aquamarine Tour Groups LLC. Similarly, if you want to operate under the name Aquamarine Tour Groups without the “LLC” suffix, you will need to file a Trade Name Statement for Aquamarine Tour Groups.
How do I get a business domain name?
Once you’ve selected a business name, it’s important to check domain name availability. Use services like GoDaddy to search for domain names.
What does "distinguishability" mean?
Distinguishability means that each business name must be unique on the Secretary of State's records. No two businesses can operate under the same name. For example, if you want to name your LLC Lisa’s Landscapers LLC, but there is already a business with that name, you cannot use it. Your desired name must be distinct from existing businesses.
How do I come up with a business name?
Choosing a business name is vital for branding. Begin by listing the features of your company and desired associations. Generate a list of potential names, then review and refine the list. Seek feedback and iterate the process. The ideal name will often emerge naturally. If you’re unsure, a quick decision-making trick is to close your eyes, count to 10, and choose the name that stands out when you open your eyes.
Can I use the name of another Colorado entity?
No, you cannot use the same name as another Colorado business, regardless of the entity type. Colorado Secretary of State records include indicators like “Delinquent,” “Dissolved,” or “Withdrawn” to denote the status of a business. For instance, if Rocky Roads LLC was dissolved, you can still use the name Rocky Roads LLC if it’s distinguishable from the status indicators.
How do I change my LLC name?
To change your LLC’s name, you must file an Amendment form with the Secretary of State. We offer step-by-step instructions for changing an LLC name in Colorado.
How to start an LLC in Colorado?
To start an LLC in Colorado, follow these steps:
- Choose an LLC name and ensure its availability.
- Select a Colorado Registered Agent.
- File the Colorado LLC Articles of Organization.
- Complete and sign an LLC Operating Agreement.
- 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 Colorado.