Naming rules,state by state.
Required designators, reservation fees and the official search tool for every state.
Checked against official state sources on . How we verify.
Every state requires an LLC name to include a designator such as "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" and to be distinguishable from names already on file. Most also restrict words like "Bank" or "Insurance" without regulator approval.
If you're not ready to file, 50 jurisdictions on our list let you reserve a name, for $10 to $100. Search the state's records first; each state page links to the official tool.
- Reservation available
- 50 of 51
- Cheapest reservation
- $10 (Arizona)
- Priciest reservation
- $100 (Oregon)
- Designator required
- All states
All 51 jurisdictions
| State | Reservation fee | Holds for | Official search |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $28 | 120 days | Available |
| Alaska | $25 | 120 days | Available |
| Arizona | $10 | 120 days | Available |
| Arkansas | $22.5 | 120 days | Available |
| California | $10 | 60 days | Available |
| Colorado | $25 | 120 days | Available |
| Connecticut | $60 | UNCONFIRMED | Available |
| Delaware | $75 | 120 days | Available |
| District of Columbia | $50 | Not specified in report | Available |
| Florida | $25 | 120 days | Available |
| Georgia | $35 | 30 days | Available |
| Hawaii | $10 | 120 days | Available |
| Idaho | $20 | 120 days | Available |
| Illinois | $25 | 90 days | Available |
| Indiana | $10 | 120 days | Available |
| Iowa | $10 | 120 days | Available |
| Kansas | $30 | 120 days | Available |
| Kentucky | $15 | 120 days | Available |
| Louisiana | $25 | 120 days | See state page |
| Maine | $20 | 120 days | Available |
| Maryland | $25 | 30 days | Available |
| Massachusetts | $30 | 60 days | Available |
| Michigan | $25 | 180 days | Available |
| Minnesota | $55 | 12 months | Available |
| Mississippi | $25 | 180 days | Available |
| Missouri | $25 | 60 days | Available |
| Montana | $10 | 120 days | Available |
| Nebraska | $30 | 120 days | Available |
| Nevada | $25 | 90 days | Available |
| New Hampshire | $17 | 120 days | Available |
| New Jersey | $50 | Not specified | Available |
| New Mexico | Varies | Available | |
| New York | $20 | 60 days | Available |
| North Carolina | $10 | 120 days | Available |
| North Dakota | $10 | 12 months | Available |
| Ohio | $39 | 180 days | Available |
| Oklahoma | $10 | 60 days | Available |
| Oregon | $100 | 120 days | See state page |
| Pennsylvania | $70 | 120 days | Available |
| Rhode Island | $50 | 120 days | Available |
| South Carolina | $25 | 120 days | Available |
| South Dakota | $25 | 120 days | Available |
| Tennessee | $20 | Not specified | Available |
| Texas | $40 | 120 days | Available |
| Utah | $22 | 120 days | Available |
| Vermont | $25 | 120 days | Available |
| Virginia | $10 | 120 days | Available |
| Washington | $30 | Not specified | Available |
| West Virginia | $15 | 120 days | Available |
| Wisconsin | $15 | 120 days | Available |
| Wyoming | $60 | 120 days | Available |
Questions people ask
Do I have to include "LLC" in my business name?
Yes. Every state requires a designator such as LLC, L.L.C. or Limited Liability Company. Some accept other variants; see your state page.
How do I check if an LLC name is available?
Use your state's official business entity search. We link to it on every state name-search page.
Is a name reservation required?
Usually not. It just holds a name while you prepare your filing. Alabama is the exception: it requires a name reservation before you file, per our research.
Does registering an LLC name give me a trademark?
No. An LLC name only blocks identical names in that state. Trademark rights come from use and federal or state trademark registration.