Short answer: Name reservation is optional but holds a name for an expansive 180 days.
We've pulled these figures from the Ohio 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.
Ohio naming rules
Name reservation is optional but holds a name for an expansive 180 days.
Open the official Ohio name search
Reserving a name
Ohio lets you reserve a name for $39, which holds it for 180 days.
Doing business under another name
Ohio DBAs are filed with: state. Fee: $39.
How Ohio compares
Ohio's name reservation fee is $39. That's the 11th highest of 50 jurisdictions we track. The national median is $25, so Ohio runs $14 above it.
| State | Fee | National rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $39 | 11 of 50 |
| Indiana | $10 | 41 of 50 |
| Pennsylvania | $70 | 3 of 50 |
| West Virginia | $15 | 38 of 50 |
| Wisconsin | $15 | 38 of 50 |
| Illinois | $25 | 18 of 50 |
Ohio fees that apply here
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Form 610) | $99 | Mandatory filing fee. |
| Name reservation (optional) | $39 | 180 days |
| Amendment | $50 | |
| DBA / assumed name | $39 | state |
Name search and rules: Ohio questions
How do I check if an LLC name is available in Ohio?
Use the official Ohio Secretary of State business search. A name that's distinguishable from existing records can usually be registered.
What words must an Ohio LLC name include?
Name reservation is optional but holds a name for an expansive 180 days.
Can I reserve an LLC name in Ohio?
Yes. Reservation costs $39 and holds the name for 180 days.
Do I need a DBA in Ohio?
Only if you'll do business under a name other than your exact LLC name. DBAs are filed with: state. Fee: $39.
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.