Key Takeaways

  • California requires LLC names to be unique and distinguishable from all other registered business entities.
  • You can check LLC name availability through the California Secretary of State’s Business Search tool or by mailing a Name Availability Inquiry Letter.
  • Avoid restricted words (e.g., “Corporation,” “Bank,” “Trust”) and ensure your name isn’t misleading or too similar to an existing business.
  • You can reserve a name for 60 days using the Name Reservation Request Form if you’re not ready to file your Articles of Organization.
  • Before finalizing a name, also verify domain availability, federal and state trademarks, and local DBA (Doing Business As) registrations.

When looking for LLC name availability in California as a business, it's important to take the correct steps to save time and money.

LLC Name Availability in California

When a company starts, they should check if the business name is available in that state. If the name is being used by another company or has a similar name, the state prohibits the business from registering to use the name. Each state has a different process regarding checking name availability.

Many states have a database that can be searched online to see if a name is already in use. In the state of California, companies are required to mail in their request to check on a name. This is done with a Name Availability Inquiry Letter. The California Secretary of State has a business search database that can be used to see if there is a similar or identical name that a company has in mind for its limited liability company based in California.

The LLC name must be different from other LLC names that already exist so the public isn't misled. The law states that the LLC may not be identical or "confusingly similar" to that of another corporation, limited partnership, or LLC in the state of California. All new businesses should review the name rules that the California Secretary of State has set. They can refer to the California Corporations Code Section 17701.08 for the specific guidelines.

The LLC name may not have the following words: 

  • Corporation 
  • Incorporated 
  • Inc. 
  • Trust 
  • Trustee
  • Bank 
  • Corp.

They also cannot have the words "insurer" or "insurance company," as this suggests that the LLC assumes insurance risks or issues insurance policies. When deciding on an LLC name, pick three options to go with. The second and third names are not mandatory, but this will speed up the process if your first choice is already taken by another LLC in California.

How to Check LLC Name Availability Online

California business owners can verify LLC name availability online through the California Secretary of State’s Business Search portal. This free public database allows users to search existing business names for conflicts before submitting formation documents. To use it effectively:

  1. Visit the Business Search tool on the Secretary of State’s website.
  2. Enter your desired LLC name without punctuation or endings like “LLC” or “L.L.C.”
  3. Review the results for identical or confusingly similar names. If the same or a closely related name appears, choose a new one.

If you prefer a manual process, you can still mail a Name Availability Inquiry Letter to the Secretary of State. The response will indicate whether your desired name may be used but does not guarantee final approval—final determination occurs during filing of the Articles of Organization.

In addition to the state’s search tool, it’s wise to conduct:

  • Domain name searches using registrar sites like GoDaddy or Google Domains to secure your web presence.
  • Trademark searches through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and California Trademark Database to ensure your name doesn’t infringe on existing marks.
  • County-level DBA checks, if you plan to operate under a different business name locally.

Reserve a Name for California LLC

When confirmation has been received by the state that the desired business name is available for use, it's recommended to reserve that name. This establishes the company's intent to use that name and prevent others from using it until the LLC is fully set up. Once the name reservation is approved, the business will have 60 days to use that name for an LLC in California.

Before a name reservation is filed, the name rules for the California Secretary of State must be reviewed to ensure the proper rules are followed. The business search database can then be used to confirm that name is available to be reserved. The secretary of state's Name Reservation Request Form can then be used to file the name reservation. 

The name reservation will be rejected if the name isn't distinguishable from a current LLC name or may mislead the public. The articles of organization can also be rejected if the name isn't applicable.

Filing the documents (the articles of organization for an LLC or an articles of incorporation for a corporation) will register the business name. If the organization won't be formed anytime soon or it's unknown how long the business will take to file documents to start the business, the name should be reserved so no one else takes it. While reserving a business name is not permanent, registering a business name is.

The business name doesn't need to be registered if documents are being filed to form the business name in the state. If the business will be run by a sole proprietor, he or she should register the name with the state. Sole proprietors, and sometimes partnerships, don't need to formally register their business with the state. However, it prevents another company from using that name in the state.

A company can reserve a business name, but this doesn't guarantee that the name fills the requirements for the state. The name could be rejected during the official filing process if it doesn't meet the state's requirements. If the reservation period expires and the business still isn't ready to form an entity, the name can be reserved again. The business will have to wait to apply until the reservation expires.

Steps to Reserve an LLC Name in California

To reserve a name before officially forming your business, file a Name Reservation Request Form with the California Secretary of State. This can be submitted by mail or in person and costs $10. The reservation holds your chosen name for 60 days, ensuring no other entity registers it during that time.

Follow these steps:

  1. Confirm name availability through the Business Search database.
  2. Complete the Name Reservation Request Form with your first, second, and third name choices.
  3. Mail or deliver the form to the Secretary of State’s Sacramento office, along with the fee.
  4. Wait for confirmation that the name has been successfully reserved.

If the 60-day period expires before your LLC formation, you can file another request once the prior reservation lapses. Name reservations cannot be renewed or extended automatically.

Common Reasons for LLC Name Rejection

Even if your preferred name appears available, the Secretary of State may reject it if:

  • It’s not distinguishable from an existing registered entity.
  • It implies a purpose not authorized by your business type (e.g., “Trust” or “Bank” for a non-financial business).
  • It uses misleading terms suggesting government affiliation or insurance authority.

To minimize the chance of rejection:

  • Use unique and descriptive keywords.
  • Avoid abbreviations that could cause confusion.
  • Review California Corporations Code §17701.08 for naming restrictions.

Additional Name Protection Tips

Checking LLC name availability is only the first step. To fully protect your brand:

  • Register a trademark for your business name and logo.
  • Secure matching domain names and social media handles.
  • File a DBA (Fictitious Business Name) if your LLC will operate under a different trade name.
  • Monitor ongoing usage—regularly check for new entities or trademarks that may conflict with your brand.

Taking these extra steps helps ensure that your California LLC name remains both legally compliant and uniquely yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can two LLCs have the same name in California? No. The California Secretary of State requires all LLC names to be distinguishable from one another. Even minor differences in punctuation or word order aren’t enough to qualify as unique.

2. How long does it take to confirm LLC name availability in California? Online searches are instant, but mailed Name Availability Inquiry Letters may take 1–2 weeks for processing.

3. Can I reserve my LLC name online in California? Currently, name reservation requests must be submitted by mail or in person, not online.

4. What happens if my LLC name reservation expires? Once the 60-day reservation expires, the name becomes available for others to reserve or register. You can file a new reservation request after the expiration date.

5. Does reserving a name guarantee it will be approved for use? No. A reservation only prevents others from using the name temporarily. The name’s final approval depends on compliance with California naming laws when you file your Articles of Organization.

If you need help with LLC name availability in California, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.