South Carolina Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your South Carolina 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 South Carolina.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
South Carolina LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in South Carolina, 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 South Carolina Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in South Carolina.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the South Carolina Business Name Search or the South Carolina Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the South Carolina Business Entity Search page
South Carolina Secretary of State: Business Name Search
It's simple: enter your desired LLC name in the search bar.
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 South Carolina 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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South Carolina Secretary of State Contact Information
You can contact the South Carolina Secretary of State to check if your LLC name is available.
While this service might not be available in every state, South Carolina representatives can guide you through the process of using the South Carolina 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 Secretary of State at 803-734-2158, Monday through Friday, between 8 am to 5 pm Eastern Time.
South Carolina LLC Name Requirements
As per Section 33-44-105 of the South Carolina LLC Act, there are several rules and requirements you should be aware of when naming a South Carolina business entity.
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Coastal Waves LLC
- Coastal Waves, LLC
Permissible Designators
Your LLC name must end with one of the following designators:
- LC
- L.C.
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Limited Liability Co.
- Limited Liability Company
- Limited Company
- Limited Co.
- 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.
- Corp.
- Cooperative
- Incorporated
- Corporation
Restricted Words in South Carolina LLC Names
Your South Carolina 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.
Ensuring Your South Carolina Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the South Carolina Secretary of State Business Name 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 "Palmetto Arts LLC" is your desired name, it will not be acceptable if you find any of the following names in the South Carolina Business Name Search:
- Palmetto Arts, Inc.
- Palmetto Arts, Corp.
- Palmetto Arts, Ltd. Liability Co.
Filler Words
Adding filler words such as "the", "a", "an", "and"m or "&" does not make a name distinguishable. For instance, "Lowcountry Creations LLC" will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- The Lowcountry Creations LLC
- Of Lowcountry Creations Inc.
- Lowcountry and Creations L.L.C.
- Lowcountry & Creations Corp
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 "Sullivans Stables LLC", it will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- Sullivans Stables LLC
- Sullivan Stable Inc.
- Sullivan's Stable, L.L.C.
Numerals or Spelled Out Numbers
Using numerals (such as 5 or 101) instead of spelling out the number (like "five" or "one hundred and one") does not make a name distinguishable.
For instance, if your desired LLC name is "30 Palmetto LLC", it's not available if any of the following are registered:
- Thirty Palmetto LLC
- Thirty 3 Palmetto Inc.
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What If My Business Name Is Rejected?
If you submit your South Carolina 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 South Carolina?
No, a name reservation isn't required to form an LLC in South Carolina. You can directly file your LLC's Articles of Organization with your desired LLC name, making a name reservation an unnecessary step and a waste of money.
Does South Carolina require an LLC in the name?
Yes. Your South Carolina LLC name must include one of the following designators at the end:
- LLC
- Limited Liability Company
- Ltd. Liability Co.
Does my South Carolina LLC need a DBA?
No, you're not required to file a DBA ("Doing Business As") for your business entity in South Carolina. The state does not register DBAs for LLCs. A DBA allows your LLC to operate under a name different from its legal name (the name on your Articles of Organization). However, South Carolina does not have a process for registering DBAs at the state or county level.
Note: In South Carolina, "fictitious names" are only used for foreign companies (i.e., LLCs formed in other states) whose legal names are already taken in South Carolina. Your LLC does not need to register a fictitious name if it is operating under its legal name.
How do I get a business domain name?
After choosing a business name, check if your domain name is available 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 records of the Secretary of State. This ensures no two businesses can operate with the same name. For instance, if you want to form an LLC named Goldenrod Landscapers LLC but a business called Goldenrod Landscapers, Inc. already exists in South Carolina, you cannot use that name. It is not distinguishable from the existing business.
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:
- Write down the features of your company and the qualities you want it to convey.
- List as many business names as you can think of without editing or analyzing them initially.
- Review the list and note any variations or new ideas that come to mind.
- Set the list aside, engage in a different activity, and revisit it later. Add any additional ideas and variations that arise.
- Read the names out loud and seek feedback from friends, business partners, or family.
- Repeat the process of reviewing, refining, and seeking feedback until you find the best name.
- If you’re struggling to choose, try closing your eyes, counting to 10, and selecting a name when you open your eyes. This technique might help you access your subconscious preferences and make a decision.
Can I use the name of another South Carolina entity?
No, you cannot use the same name as another South Carolina business, regardless of the entity type. Your LLC must have a name distinct from any existing corporation, LLC, or other entity type. This restriction applies even if the business is listed as "delinquent" on the South Carolina Secretary of State website. 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 Secretary of State. Detailed instructions on how to change an LLC name in South Carolina are available from the Secretary of State.
How to start an LLC in South Carolina?
To start an LLC in South Carolina, follow these steps:
- Choose an LLC name and ensure its availability.
- Select a South Carolina Registered Agent.
- File the South Carolina LLC Articles of Organization.
- Complete and sign an LLC Operating Agreement.
- Obtain a Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS.
- Open an LLC bank account.
- Check if you need a business or sales tax license in South Carolina.