Key Takeaways

  • You can conduct a Georgia LLC search through the Georgia Secretary of State’s Corporations Division website to confirm name availability or review existing entities.
  • Georgia LLC names must be unique, compliant with state naming rules, and include the “LLC” or “L.L.C.” designation.
  • Certain words like “bank,” “insurance,” or “trust” require state department approval before use.
  • Filing for an LLC involves submitting Articles of Organization and, optionally, a Name Reservation through the Corporations Division’s online portal.
  • Performing a thorough name search helps avoid trademark conflicts and filing rejections.
  • Additional steps such as drafting an Operating Agreement and obtaining an EIN are part of properly forming and maintaining your Georgia LLC.

Georgia LLC Search

If you are in the process of choosing a name for your new company, or are just looking for a current business entity, you can perform a quick Georgia LLC search by going on the Georgia Secretary of State webpage. This type of search can be useful so that you can make sure the name you choose is available before filing your LLC paperwork.

Business entity searches are most likely performed to research information on businesses in the state such as:

  • Determining whether a business was legally formed
  • Seeing if the business is in good standing
  • Finding the address of the business
  • Finding the address of the registered agent of the business
  • Making sure your future name is still reserved

The Georgia Corporations Division platform is streamlined to make searches easy by providing queries for the following business types:

  • Limited Liability Corporation
  • Limited  Liability Partnership
  • Limited Partnership
  • Limited Liability Limited Partnership

While choosing the perfect name for your business can be tough there are few considerations you will want to make sure are met including:

  • Making sure the name describes what your business does
  • Having the name appeal to your target market
  • Making your business easy to search for
  • Ensuring it is unique
  • Not limiting your business to a specific product or service

How to Perform a Georgia LLC Search Online

To perform a Georgia LLC search, visit the Georgia Corporations Division Business Search page. You can search by business name, control number, registered agent name, or officer. Searching by partial names is often best, as it helps identify close variations or potential conflicts with existing entities.

When performing the search, look for:

  • Exact matches to confirm whether your desired name is already in use.
  • Similar or confusingly close names, which may lead to your filing being rejected.
  • Entity details, such as formation date, status (active, dissolved, or inactive), and registered agent information.

If the search result says “No Data Found,” your name is available to reserve or use. However, if results appear with similar spellings or punctuation, you may need to choose another name or modify your choice to ensure it meets Georgia’s distinguishability standards.

For additional peace of mind, perform a trademark search on both the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database and the Georgia Secretary of State’s trademark records to ensure your name is not legally protected elsewhere.

Georgia LLC Name Requirements

Choosing the right name for your company is vital because it lets your customers, suppliers, and employees know what your business does. You will also need to make sure that the name you choose is appropriate and follows the naming guidelines of the state. One requirement is that your name is tagged with the abbreviations L.L.C or LLC to denote the fact that it is a limited liability company. 

Your name will have to be unique in the State of Georgia. You will not be allowed to use tags to claim that your business name is different from others simply by adding the following terms to a name that is already registered:

  • Corporation or Corp
  • Incorporated, Incorporation or Inc
  • Company or CO
  • Limited
  • LTD
  • Professional Corporation or PC
  • Limited Partnership, LP, or L.P
  • Limited Liability Partnership, LLLP, or L.L.L.P

Your business name will also not be deemed distinguishable simply by changing the grammar on the designators at the end of the name. These are some rules when it comes to naming your company in the State of Georgia such as:

  • Names must use the English alphabet
  • It should not be possible to confuse your name with another Georgia business
  • Changing the punctuation or typeface will not make your name distinguishable from another company with the same name
  • Your name cannot suggest affiliation with a government agency
  • The name cannot imply unlawful practice or conduct

Additionally, using certain terms that can be used with a company name may be subject to the specified written approval of specific departments in the state government. For example, The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance will have to approve any business name that includes any of the following terms:

  • Insurance
  • Assurance
  • Fidelity
  • Surety
  • Indemnity
  • Reinsurance
  • Reassurance

If your name includes a relation to the business or finance industry, you will be required to get approval from the Department of Banking and Finance. Approval of this department for any names that include:

  • Bank
  • Banc
  • Banque
  • Banker
  • Banking
  • Banking Company or Banking House
  • Bancorp
  • Bankruptcy
  • Savings and Loan
  • Credit Union
  • Trust or Trust Company

Approval from the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission will be required for any company name that includes college or university.

Another important facet of naming a company is making sure that it does not infringe on the trademark or service mark of another business or company in or outside the state of Georgia. For example, you would not want to refer to the name Google in your business as the name is trademarked.

Reserving a Georgia LLC Name

If your preferred LLC name is available, you can reserve it online before filing your formation documents. The Name Reservation Request is filed through the Georgia Secretary of State’s Corporations Division website and costs $25. The reservation holds the name for 30 days and can be renewed if necessary.

To reserve your business name:

  1. Visit the eCorp portal at sos.ga.gov.
  2. Create a user account or log in.
  3. Select “Name Reservation Request.”
  4. Enter your desired name and pay the filing fee.
  5. Receive confirmation that your name is reserved for 30 days.

Name reservation is optional but highly recommended, especially if you’re still finalizing your business documents or waiting on approval from partners or investors.

Searching the Georgia Name Database

For the quickest way to find out if your business name is taken or trademarked, you can go to the Business Search page and enter in your desired LLC name. If the response to the search is "no data found," that means that that company name is available for use.

Filing the Georgia Articles of Organization

Once your Georgia LLC search confirms the name’s availability, the next step is filing your Articles of Organization. This document formally creates your LLC and is filed with the Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division.

You can file online through the Georgia eCorp portal or by mailing Form CD 030. The filing fee is $100 online or $110 by mail.The Articles of Organization must include:

  • The LLC name (as approved by your name search).
  • The registered agent’s name and physical address in Georgia.
  • The principal office address.
  • The organizer’s name and signature.

Processing times usually take 5 to 7 business days for online filings or longer for mail submissions. Expedited options are available for an additional fee.

After approval, you’ll receive a Certificate of Organization, which acts as your official proof of formation.

Post-Filing Steps for Georgia LLCs

After filing your Articles of Organization, you’ll need to take a few additional steps to ensure your LLC remains compliant and functional:

  • Create an Operating Agreement: This internal document defines ownership percentages, management structure, voting rights, and profit distribution.
  • Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number): Issued by the IRS for free, this is needed to open a business bank account or hire employees.
  • Register for Georgia state taxes: If applicable, register through the Georgia Tax Center for sales tax or employer withholding.
  • File an Annual Registration: Every Georgia LLC must file an Annual Registration between January 1 and April 1 each year and pay a $50 fee to maintain good standing.

These steps ensure that your Georgia LLC remains active and legally compliant.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the purpose of a Georgia LLC search?
    It helps you confirm whether your desired business name is available and ensures your LLC name meets state requirements before filing.
  2. Is name reservation required in Georgia?
    No, it’s optional, but reserving your name ensures no one else uses it while you prepare your filing.
  3. How long does it take to form a Georgia LLC?
    Online filings typically take about 5–7 business days, while mailed applications can take up to two weeks.
  4. How do I know if my chosen name meets Georgia’s naming rules?
    Use the Georgia LLC search tool and verify that your name is unique, includes “LLC,” and doesn’t use restricted words without approval.
  5. What happens if I don’t file my annual registration?
    Failure to file the annual registration can result in administrative dissolution, meaning your LLC loses its legal standing in Georgia.

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