A PA LLC search is a useful tool if you are searching for a particular business entity. If you are deciding on a name for your LLC, you must first ensure that the name is available to register. Regardless of whether you’re choosing a name or wish to check the status of an existing entity, a quick online search via the secretary of state website is the best option you have.

To start, you can search existing names through the Bureau of Corporations Business Entity Search engine. Such a tool is used to look for the following information about a business:

  • Whether it has been legally created
  • If the business remains in good standing
  • Address of the business
  • Address and name of registered agent

Result Scenarios

In PA, the entity search menu is also used to conduct certain administrative duties for an LLC. For instance, such a tool can be used to get certified copies of LLC documents. To get the best results, you should search for only part of the name to make sure that you get additional results that are similar to your intended name. For example, if your PA LLC name is “Greenery Farms LLC,” you should input “Greenery Farm.” If you have “Greenery Farming LLC” or “Greenery Farmers LLC,” you’ll see those results as well.

This is important because such names would be confusing and sound the same as your intended name, which could result in rejection from state authorities. Also, you should leave out designators in the form of “LLC” or “L.L.C.” You should also not include periods, commas, or apostrophes when searching. However, you can search using upper or lowercase letters.

  • Note: The PA database ignores capital letters.

If the results display names that are not too familiar to your name, then your name is available for registration. If your name appears exactly as you intended, the LLC name is not available, and you’ll have to come up with another name, or at least a unique variation of the name. If the results display names that are similar in a deceptive manner, then your name is not available for registration. Once you come up with a name, you must pay a $125 filing fee to create your LLC.

The primary reason that LLCs get rejected is because the name is already in use and cannot be registered. If you are not certain if your name is distinguishable, do not send in your filing until you’re certain.

After Approval

Once your name is approved, you should also reserve your name in domain form as well, even if you have no intention of operating on the Internet. Doing so prevents other individuals and businesses from using your name online. Once you have your name in place, you should have the following ready to make your business known:

  • Business cards
  • Signs
  • Letterheads
  • Marketing materials

You should not have such materials until state officials approve your LLC name. You should also consider getting a professional email (ex. @yourbusiness.com).

Once you get through the naming process, you must choose a registered agent. A registered agent is a person who accepts legal paperwork on behalf of your LLC. When drafting your articles of organization document, you will list the name of the agent and the address.

Search Steps

arching, following these important steps:

  • Step One: Input an entity name, or entity number, into the search bar located on the business search website. You may narrow the results by choosing active businesses only, or by choosing one of the options from the search type drop-down area.
  • Step Two: The next page will then give you a list of the entities contained in the words you inputted. Click on the business entity name or the number to view details about a particular business.
  • Step Three: From there, you can view certain other pieces of information that details the entity you’re searching for. You may also choose to obtain certified documents about whichever entity that draws interest.

Naming Rules

When it comes to naming, be aware of the following rules:

  • LLC names cannot use corporate designators, such as “Corporation,” “Corp.,” or “Inc.”
  • LLC designators should contain one of the following designators: “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” and “Limited Liability Company.”

If you have more questions on how on a PA search LLC, submit your legal inquiry to our UpCounsel marketplace. UpCounsel’s lawyers will provide valuable insight into how you can successfully name your LLC in PA. In addition, they will help you through the LLC registration process and give you additional information on all of the benefits and drawbacks of an LLC business entity.