Pennsylvania Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
Pennsylvania LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in Pennsylvania.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the Pennsylvania Business Name Search or the Pennsylvania Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the Pennsylvania Business Entity Search page
Pennsylvania Department of State: Business Search
Type your desired LLC name into the search bar. Click "Advanced" to access additional search options, set the search type to "Contains", and then click "Search".
Why use "Contains"? If you stick with the “Starts With” setting, you might overlook similar names that include additional filler words. For instance, searching for "Gopher Guy" with "Starts With" won't reveal an existing business like The Gopher Guy Inc. Therefore, you wouldn’t be able to use "Gopher Guy LLC" if "The Gopher Guy Inc." is already registered.
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 Pennsylvania LLC 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.
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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Pennsylvania Secretary of State Contact Information
You can contact the Pennsylvania Department of State to check if your LLC name is available.
While this service might not be available in every state, Pennsylvania representatives can guide you through the process of using the Pennsylvania 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 Bureau of Corporations at 717-787-1057, Monday through Friday, between 8 am to 5 pm Eastern Time.
Pennsylvania LLC Name Requirements
As per Chapter 17 of the Pennsylvania Code Corporations Title and Chapter 2 of the Pennsylvania Statutes Corporations Title, there are several rules and requirements you should be aware of when naming a Pennsylvania business entity.
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Grandpa Joe's LLC
Grandpa Joe's, LLC
Permissible Designators
Your LLC name must end with one of the following designators:
- Company
- Limited
- Limited Liability Company
You can also use an abbreviation of those designators, like these:
- Co.
- Ltd.
- LLC
- Ltd. Liability Co.
- Ltd. 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.
- Co-op
- Incorporated
- Corp.
- Corporation
- Cooperative
Restricted Words in Pennsylvania LLC Names
Your Pennsylvania 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.
You'll need approval from the Department of Education to use any of these words:
- college
- university
- seminary
- annuity
- assurance
- beneficial
- bond
- casualty
- endowment
- fidelity
- fraternal
- guaranty
- indemnity
- insurance
- insurer
- reassurance
- reinsurance
- surety
- title
Additionally, you cannot use terms reserved for licensed professionals. These terms can differ by state but often include accountants, architects, attorneys, dentists, and engineers.
Ensuring Your Pennsylvania Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the Pennsylvania Bureau of Corporations Business 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 "Sunset Adventures LLC" is your desired name, it will not be acceptable if you find any of the following names in the Pennsylvania Business Name Search:
- Sunset Adventures, Inc.
- Sunset Adventures, Corp.
- Sunset Adventures, L.L.C.
Filler Words
Adding filler words such as "the", "a", "an", "and"m or "&" does not make a name distinguishable. For instance, "Blue Ridge Orchards LLC" will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- The Blue Ridge Orchards LLC
- A Blue Ridge Orchard Inc.
- Blue Ridge & Orchards Corp.
- Blue Ridge Orchards, L.L.C.
Plural or Singular Words and Possessive Words
Changing a word to its plural or possessive form does not make a name unique.
If your desired LLC name is "Millers Meadows LLC", it will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- Millers Meadows LLC
- Miller Meadows Inc.
- Miller’s Meadow, Ltd. Liability Co.
Geographic Words
In Pennsylvania, adding a geographic word (like a city name or direction) does not create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is "Pine Valley Ventures LLC", it's not available if any of the following are found:
- Pine Valley Ventures, Inc.
- Pine Valley Corp.
- Pine Valley Enterprises Ltd.
Numerals or Number Words After the Name
In Pennsylvania, adding numerals (like 5 or 101) or number words (like "five" or "one hundred and one") after the business name does not create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is "Mountain Creek 50 LLC", it's not available if any of the following are found:
- Mountain Creek Inc.
- Mountain Creek 1 LLC
- Mountain Creek Fifty Corp.
- Mountain Creek 100 Ltd.
Numbers at the Beginning of the Name
Starting a business name with a number can create distinguishability. For example, 100 Company is different from Company 1 because the number comes first.
So, instead of Fireflies 25 LLC, you could consider names like Twenty-Five Fireflies LLC or 25 Fireflies LLC. The final decision on distinguishability will be made by the LLC examiner handling your application.
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What If My Business Name Is Rejected?
If you submit your Pennsylvania Certificate 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 Pennsylvania?
No, a name reservation isn't required to form an LLC in Pennsylvania. You can directly file your LLC's Certificate of Organization with your desired LLC name, making a name reservation an unnecessary step and a waste of money.
Does Pennsylvania require an LLC in the name?
Yes. Your Pennsylvania LLC name must include one of the following allowable designators at the end:
- LLC
- Limited Liability Company
- Ltd. Liability Co.
Does my Pennsylvania LLC need a DBA?
No, you're not required to file a DBA ("Doing Business As") for your business entity in Pennsylvania. A DBA, known as a Fictitious Name in Pennsylvania, allows your LLC to conduct business under a different name from its legal name (the name on your Certificate of Organization).
If you want your LLC to operate under a different name, you must file a Fictitious Name Registration online or by mail with the Bureau of Corporations. You will need to publish a notice about your LLC’s fictitious name and pay an additional fee of $70. For more information, refer to the Department of State Fictitious Name Guide.
There is no limit to the number of Fictitious Names an LLC can have, but each name must be distinguishable from existing names in the state.
When would my LLC use a DBA?
If you form an LLC named Great Dane Training Courses LLC but want to use a catchier name like Dane Training, you would need to file a Fictitious Name Registration to use the name Dane Training.
Without filing for a Fictitious Name Registration, you can only use your legal entity name of Great Dane Training Courses LLC. Note that in Pennsylvania, fictitious names must be distinguishable; therefore, you cannot file for the fictitious name Great Dane Training Courses without the "LLC" suffix, as it is not distinguishable from the actual company name.
How do I get a business domain name?
Once you’ve selected a business name, check the availability of your domain name before forming your LLC. You can use services like GoDaddy to search for available domain names.
What does "distinguishability" mean?
"Distinguishability" means that each business entity name must be unique in the Department of State's records. No two businesses can have the same name. For example, if you want to form an LLC called Pocono Landscapers LLC but there is already a business named Pocono Landscapers, Inc. in Pennsylvania, you cannot use that name as it is not distinguishable from the existing name.
How do I come up with a business name?
Choosing a business name is crucial for branding and recognition. Here are some tips for brainstorming a name:
- List the features and attributes you want associated with your company.
- Write down as many business names as you can think of without evaluating them initially.
- Review the list and note any variations or new ideas that come to mind.
- Take a break and come back to the list later to refine your ideas.
- Read the names out loud and seek feedback from friends, business partners, or family.
- Repeat the process of reviewing and refining the names.
- If you’re struggling to choose, try closing your eyes, counting to 10, and selecting a name when you open your eyes. Sometimes subconscious preferences can guide you to the best choice.
Can I use the name of another Pennsylvania entity?
No, you cannot use the same name as another Pennsylvania business, regardless of entity type—whether it's a corporation, LLC, or another type. Even if a business is listed as “delinquent” on the Pennsylvania Department of State website, you cannot use the name. However, if a business has been dissolved, the name may become available for use.
How do I change my LLC name?
You can change your LLC's name by filing an Amendment form with the Department of State. Detailed instructions on changing an LLC name in Pennsylvania are available from the Department of State.
How to start an LLC in Pennsylvania?
To start an LLC in Pennsylvania, follow these steps:
- Choose an LLC name and ensure its availability.
- Select a Pennsylvania Registered Agent.
- File the Pennsylvania LLC Certificate of Organization.
- Complete and sign an LLC Operating Agreement.
- Obtain a Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS.
- Open an LLC bank account.
- Determine if you need a business or sales tax license in Pennsylvania.