Key Takeaways

  • To change an LLC name in California, you must file a Certificate of Amendment (Form LLC-2) with the Secretary of State.
  • The LLC name must be distinguishable and comply with California naming laws.
  • Updating other agencies, like the IRS, California Franchise Tax Board, and licensing boards, is critical after the name change.
  • You should also update contracts, bank accounts, marketing materials, and business licenses to reflect the new name.
  • Expedited filing options are available for urgent changes.
  • Professional legal assistance can help ensure compliance with all state and federal requirements.

An LLC name change in California happens when a limited liability company (LLC) in the state of California wants to change the name of the business, which can be done through the Secretary of State. 

Changing an LLC Name in California

The state of California does allow LLCs to change their names without dissolving their company and starting over as a different entity. Before submitting a name change, first check that your business filings are all updated.

If a statement of information for the company hasn't be filed in the past 90 days, the LLC owners (members) will need to file, so the state can verify who is allowed to make changes with the Secretary of State on behalf of the company. 

You will also need to make sure that the name you want to use going forward is actually available and not currently in use by another entity. This can be done by searching the Secretary of State online database. 

If the name is available and your documents are all up-to-date, you will then need to file the required paperwork for an LLC name change. 

California requires all LLCs to file articles of organization in order to do business in the state. In order to change the name of your LLC, you need to amend your articles of organization. Fill out and file the Limited Liability Company Certificate of Amendment form by mailing it in or turning it into the office of the Secretary of State. There is also an online form available. 

Before an amendment to the LLC's articles of organization can take place, the following things need to happen:

  • Holding and documenting a formal meeting of the members of the LLC (or the board of directors in the case of a corporation) to discuss this change.
  • Filing the original, plus two copies, of the certificate of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation, or Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation following sections 900–910 of the California Corporations Code with the California Secretary of State.

Keep in mind that the Secretary of State can run into time periods of being backlogged, so be sure to allow some time for processing. You can check on how long your document will take to process on the Secretary of State website business page. 

If you need things to move quicker than the time posted, you can file for it to be expedited.

Steps to Change LLC Name California: Overview

Changing your LLC name in California involves multiple steps:

  1. Check name availability through the California Secretary of State’s Business Search.
  2. Hold a vote among LLC members authorizing the change (document it in meeting minutes).
  3. File a Certificate of Amendment (Form LLC-2) with the Secretary of State.
  4. Pay the required filing fee (currently $30).
  5. Wait for state approval before using the new name.
  6. Update your EIN with the IRS (if applicable).
  7. Notify state and local agencies, including the Franchise Tax Board and business licensing authorities.
  8. Update your business bank accounts and contracts with the new name.
  9. Amend your Operating Agreement to reflect the name change.
  10. Update your branding materials (website, social media, signage, etc.).

These steps ensure that your new LLC name is legally recognized and properly reflected across all government, legal, and financial documents.

Confirming the Name Change Is Necessary

Before proceeding to change an LLC name in California, confirm that a full legal name change is necessary rather than a fictitious business name (DBA) registration. A full legal name change affects the LLC’s Articles of Organization and is required when the core legal identity of the business is changing. If you simply want to operate under a different public-facing name while maintaining your legal name, filing a DBA with the county may suffice.

Preparing the Certificate of Amendment

When you are ready to change the name of your California LLC, you'll need to complete the certificate of amendment. 

First, download the certificate (Form LLC-2) from the Secretary of State website. You can either print the document and fill it in by hand or fill in out online. If you complete it online, you'll still want to print a copy for your business records. Be sure to use online black or blue ink when filling out the form by hand.

When filling out the form, you need to enter the file number the Secretary of State gave your LLC in the first section of the form. Be sure to double-check your LLC's file number as some of the older numbers have been changed. Call the California Secretary of State office at 916-653-3365 to check your number. 

Then enter the LLC name in the next section. This name must match the name on the company's articles of organization when they were originally filed with the state. Don't shorten the name or leave any small details out. 

In section 3a, you'll write the name that you wish to use for your LLC from now on. This name must follow the name requirements for LLCs in California. An LLC name must:

  • Include the words "Limited Liability Company" or any of its abbreviations like "LLC" or "L.L.C."
  • Be unique from any other businesses in the state.
  • Avoid words that might suggest a license that the business doesn't actually have like "bank."
  • Avoid words that could cause it to be mistaken for a government entity like "post office."

Then enter the effective date for the name change if the change hasn't already taken place.

In section 6, enter the name of the individual filing the document. At least one manager of the LLC must sign the document. Include a return address in order to receive a copy of this form once it is processed along with a $30 filing fee for regular processing. 

Mail the form to the Secretary of State of California or submit it to the office in person.

When to Consider Legal Assistance

While many LLC name changes can be handled without an attorney, legal help is valuable if:

  • You’re unsure whether to file a name change or a DBA.
  • Your business operates in multiple states.
  • You’re undergoing a rebrand with trademark implications.
  • Your LLC has complex ownership structures.

Working with an attorney can help avoid compliance errors and ensure all legal documents are accurately updated. If you need professional guidance, you can find experienced business attorneys on UpCounsel.

Amending Your Operating Agreement

Although not required by the state, it is highly advisable to update your LLC’s Operating Agreement to reflect the new legal name. This ensures consistency across internal documentation and strengthens legal clarity if ownership or contractual issues arise in the future. You can amend the Operating Agreement by:

  1. Reviewing the current agreement’s provisions for amendments.
  2. Holding a vote with LLC members, if required.
  3. Documenting the change in meeting minutes.
  4. Replacing the original agreement with the amended version or attaching an addendum.

Updating Business Records and Contracts

Once the legal name change is confirmed, update internal and external business records, including:

  • Operating Agreement
  • Membership ledger or ownership records
  • Commercial lease agreements
  • Business bank accounts and credit cards
  • Supplier and vendor contracts
  • Employment agreements
  • Insurance policies

Contact your bank to understand their process, as many require proof of the approved amendment and updated Operating Agreement before they will change the business name on accounts.

Other Agencies You Must Notify

After the name change is approved, notify the following entities:

  • IRS – If your EIN was issued under the old name, write a letter to the IRS informing them of the change. Use IRS Form 8822-B if needed.
  • California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) – Notify the FTB so your tax account reflects the new name.
  • California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) – If your business collects sales tax or has other tax obligations, update your name with the CDTFA.
  • California Employment Development Department (EDD) – If you have employees, update your records with the EDD.
  • City or County Licensing Offices – Update local business licenses or permits.

Failing to notify these agencies may result in compliance issues or delays in processing tax documents.

Where and How to File the Amendment

Form LLC-2 can be filed in three ways:

  • Online via the California Secretary of State’s bizfile Online portal.
  • By mail to: Secretary of State, Business Entities, P.O. Box 944228, Sacramento, CA 94244-2280.
  • In person at the Sacramento office: 1500 11th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.

If you need faster processing, California offers expedited services (24-hour, same-day, or 4-hour options) for an additional fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take to change an LLC name in California? Processing time varies but typically takes 5–15 business days for standard filings. Expedited options are available for an additional fee.

2. Is changing an LLC name the same as filing a DBA? No. Changing your LLC name involves amending your Articles of Organization, while a DBA allows you to operate under a different name without changing your legal entity name.

3. Does the IRS need to be notified of the LLC name change? Yes, if your EIN was issued under your previous LLC name, notify the IRS. This can often be done by letter or using Form 8822-B.

4. Can I reserve a name before filing the amendment? Yes, you can reserve a business name for up to 60 days by filing a Name Reservation Request (Form Name Reservation) with the Secretary of State and paying the $10 fee.

5. Will I receive a new EIN after changing the LLC name? Usually not. If only the name is changing and the structure/ownership remains the same, the IRS does not issue a new EIN. However, you must notify them of the change.

If you need help with an LLC name change 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.