Short answer: Restricted words require licensing.
We've pulled these figures from the Colorado Secretary of State's own pages. If something's changed since our last check, the state's portal wins, so it's worth a quick look before you pay.
Colorado naming rules
Restricted words require licensing.
Open the official Colorado name search
Reserving a name
Colorado lets you reserve a name for $25, which holds it for 120 days.
Doing business under another name
Colorado DBAs are filed with: state. Fee: $20 registration, $10 annual renewal.
How Colorado compares
Colorado's name reservation fee is $25. That's the 18th highest of 50 jurisdictions we track. The national median is $25, right where Colorado sits.
| State | Fee | National rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $25 | 18 of 50 |
| Nebraska | $30 | 13 of 50 |
| New Mexico | Varies | Not confirmed |
| Utah | $22 | 32 of 50 |
| Wyoming | $60 | 4 of 50 |
| Arizona | $10 | 41 of 50 |
Colorado fees that apply here
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $50 | Colorado operates a strictly paperless system; this document can only be filed online. |
| Name reservation (optional) | $25 | 120 days |
| Amendment | $25 | |
| DBA / assumed name | $20 registration, $10 annual renewal | state |
Name search and rules: Colorado questions
How do I check if an LLC name is available in Colorado?
Use the official Colorado Secretary of State business search. A name that's distinguishable from existing records can usually be registered.
What words must a Colorado LLC name include?
Restricted words require licensing.
Can I reserve an LLC name in Colorado?
Yes. Reservation costs $25 and holds the name for 120 days.
Do I need a DBA in Colorado?
Only if you'll do business under a name other than your exact LLC name. DBAs are filed with: state. Fee: $20 registration, $10 annual renewal.
Sources and verification
Last checked against official state sources on . States change fees with little notice, so confirm on the filing portal before you pay. How we verify.