Check whether a proposed LLC name is available in your target state. Each state requires the LLC name to be distinguishable from existing entities and to include a recognized LLC designator. Use the snapshot table for direct links to each state's business name database.
We normalize for punctuation, articles, and corporate designators per state rules — the same way most Secretary of State search engines do.
Each state has its own name database. We deep-link to the official lookup tool.
Common red flags: too-similar to existing entity, reserved words ('Bank', 'Insurance', 'University'), missing or wrong LLC designator.
your name into the state search to confirm availability.Static snapshot pulled from current state filing fees, statutes, and pricing data. Updates when source data changes.
| State | Required designator(s) | Name reservation | Official lookup tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Alaska | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Arizona | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Arkansas | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| California | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Colorado | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Connecticut | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Delaware | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Florida | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Georgia | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Hawaii | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Idaho | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Illinois | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Indiana | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Iowa | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Kansas | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Kentucky | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Louisiana | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Maine | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Maryland | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Massachusetts | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Michigan | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Minnesota | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Mississippi | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Missouri | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Montana | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Nebraska | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Nevada | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| New Hampshire | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| New Jersey | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| New Mexico | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | Not available | Secretary of State business name search |
| New York | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| North Carolina | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| North Dakota | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Ohio | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Oklahoma | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Oregon | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Pennsylvania | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Rhode Island | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| South Carolina | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| South Dakota | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Tennessee | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Texas | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Utah | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Vermont | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Virginia | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Washington | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| West Virginia | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Wisconsin | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
| Wyoming | "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company" — all states accept these | 120 days standard ($10-$50 fee) | Secretary of State business name search |
All 50 US states require the LLC name to include a recognized designator ('LLC', 'L.L.C.', 'Limited Liability Company', or a state-permitted variant). All require the name to be 'distinguishable on the records' from existing entities. Most states reserve restricted words ('Bank', 'Insurance', 'University', 'Engineering') for separate licensure. Name reservation typically lasts 120 days for $10-$50; New Mexico does not offer reservation.
States interpret 'distinguishable on the records' differently. Most ignore punctuation, capitalization, and corporate designators ('Inc.' vs 'LLC' don't differentiate). Some ignore articles ('the', 'an', 'a'). Adding a single word usually suffices; changing just the punctuation usually does not.
Most states restrict words tied to regulated industries: 'Bank' (banking license required), 'Insurance' (insurance license required), 'University'/'Academy'/'College' (education license required), 'Engineering'/'Architect'/'Medical' (professional license required). Using these typically requires submitting the relevant license alongside the LLC formation.
If you've chosen a name but aren't ready to file, most states allow a name reservation for 120 days for a $10-$50 fee. This locks the name while you finalize your operating agreement, banking plan, or co-founder structure.
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