California LLC Name Search & Lookup (Guide)

If you’re looking to start a business in California, a key step is ensuring your LLC name is available.

You can easily search for your desired LLC name using the California Secretary of State’s online tool. This process helps you avoid potential legal issues and ensures your business name stands out.

Let’s dive into how to conduct a thorough California LLC name search and what to consider during the process.

Should You Conduct a California Name Search or an LLC Lookup?

When starting a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in California, it’s important to check if your desired name is available.

Performing a California name search or LLC lookup is crucial for several reasons:

• Ensure Name Availability: A name search helps confirm that your desired LLC name is unique and not already registered in California, avoiding rejection during filing.
• Verify Compliance: Confirm that your chosen name adheres to California’s naming rules, such as including “LLC” or avoiding restricted and prohibited terms.
• Check Business Status: A California LLC lookup lets you see if an existing business is active, dissolved, or in good standing with the state, providing clarity on its operational status.
• Review Public Information: Gain access to details about existing LLCs, such as their registration date, entity type, and registered agent, which can be useful for research or business planning.
• Avoid Legal Conflicts: Ensures your business name does not infringe on trademarks or create confusion with existing businesses, reducing the risk of legal disputes.
• Plan for Future Branding: Verifying name availability early allows you to secure domain names, trademarks, and other branding elements to align with your LLC name.

California LLC Name Search (step-by-step)

Follow these steps to conduct a California LLC name search.

Step 1: Visit the California Secretary of State’s Website

Begin your search by visiting the California Secretary of State at sos.ca.gov. This site allows you to access California’s business information.

Step 2: Click on the “Business” Section

On the California’s Secretary of State, locate the menu option labeled “Business.” This page covers what you need to know about business Entities.

Step 3: Navigate to “BizOnline”

Once you get to the “Business” section, navigate to and click on the “Bizfile Online” portal. This portal covers different business filings, name reservations, certificates of status, and certified copies of corporations.

Step 4: Select the “Search” Menu

Look for and select the “Search” menu on Califonia’s SOS Bizfile Online portal. This selection directs you to search for business names in the state.

Step 5: Enter your desired LLC name in the search box

Next, input the name you wish to check into the search box. You can enter the full name or just a part of it. Click on the search button to initiate the search process.

California’s Bizfile Online search tool provides an advanced search option for a refined search result. You can filter the search by “Contains (Keyword)” and “Start With,” search type, entity type, status, and initial filing date.

Clicking the search button triggers the system to run through its database and return results based on your input.

Step 6: Review the search results for name availability

After submitting your chosen LLC name, review the search results carefully. This page will show you whether your name is available or already taken.

If you get a “No results were found” result, your desired LLC name may be available for registration.

If you get a list of results for your search term, take note of the name results and their statuses. If you find your desired LLC name on the list, it means the name is already taken.

You will find crucial business details like entity information, initial filing date, status, entity type, and agent.

Clicking on the Blue Entity Information link reveals more details like:

• Standing – SOS
• Standing – FTB
• Standing – Agent
• Standing – VCFCF
• Principal Address
• Mailing Address
• Statement of Info Due Date

Critical LLC Naming Guidelines and Requirements in California

Choosing the right name for your California LLC is a vital step in the formation process. To comply with state regulations, follow these key guidelines:

1. Required Designators

Your LLC name must indicate its legal structure by including one of the following designators:

• “Limited Liability Company”
• “LLC”
• “L.L.C.”

These designators are mandatory as they communicate your business type to the public and distinguish it from other entities like corporations or sole proprietorships.

2. Distinguishability

California law requires your LLC name to be unique and distinguishable from other registered business names. This ensures clarity and prevents customer confusion.

Conduct a California LLC name search through the Secretary of State’s database to check availability. Avoid names that are too similar to existing ones, even if they differ slightly in punctuation, spelling, or spacing.

3. Prohibited Terms

Certain terms are outright prohibited because they can mislead the public about your business type.

Avoid using words like:

• “Corporation”
• “Incorporated”
• “Corp.”
• “Inc.”

These terms imply that your business is a corporation, which is a different legal structure from an LLC.

4. Government Affiliation

California prohibits LLC names that suggest an affiliation with government agencies. Words like the following are not allowed:

• “Federal”
• “State”
• “Police”

Using these terms could create legal misunderstandings or lead the public to believe your business has governmental authority.

5. Restricted Words

Some words imply activities in regulated industries and require prior approval.

Examples include:

• “Bank”: Suggests financial operations that require state or federal authorization.
• “Insurance”: Indicates involvement in the insurance sector, which is heavily regulated.

Before including these words in your LLC name, secure the necessary approvals from relevant regulatory bodies.

6. Professional Licensing Requirements

If your LLC name includes terms associated with regulated professions, such as “Doctor,” “Attorney,” or “Engineer,” you must meet additional criteria:

• At least one member of your LLC must hold the appropriate professional license.
• Provide documentation of licensure when filing your Articles of Organization.

7. No Misleading Names

Your LLC name must accurately reflect your business activities and cannot:

• Imply that your LLC is engaged in illegal activities.
• Mislead consumers about your products or services.

What Words are not allowed in my California LLC name?

When naming your LLC in California, certain words are prohibited or have restrictions.

Here are the key categories:

• Corporate Designators: “Corporation,” “Incorporated,” “Corp.,” “Inc.” These terms suggest that your business is a corporation, which can mislead the public.
• Government Affiliations: “Federal,” “State,” “Police,” “Department,” “Agency.” Using these terms implies an official relationship with government bodies.
• Restricted Professional Terms: “Doctor,” “Attorney,” “Engineer,” “Architect,” “Certified.” These can only be used if a licensed professional is part of your LLC.
• Financial Institution Terms: “Bank,” “Trust,” “Insurance,” “Savings,” “Credit Union.” These indicate regulated financial services, requiring special licenses.
• Educational Terms: “University,” “College,” “Academy,” “School.” These suggest educational services, which may need regulatory approval.
• Words Suggesting Illegal Activities: Terms like “Drug” and “Gambling.” Using such names misrepresents your business and implies illegal operations.
• Misleading or Deceptive Names: Names that imply false capabilities, such as “Best,” “Top,” or “Premier.” Misleading names can confuse the public about your services.
• Unprofessional or Offensive Language: Any offensive or vulgar terms. Such language undermines your business’s professional image.
• Name Already in Use: Any name already registered in California. Your LLC name must be unique to avoid confusion.

How do I File a California LLC Name Reservation? (In steps)

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you reserve your LLC name in California.

Step 1: Confirm Name Availability

Before reserving a name, ensure it is available. Conduct a business name search through the California Secretary of State’s online database.

Verify that your desired name complies with California’s LLC naming guidelines, including uniqueness, required designators, and the absence of restricted or prohibited terms.

Step 2: Obtain the Name Reservation Request Form

Obtain the Name Reservation Request Form (Form NA) from the California Secretary of State’s bizfile Online portal at bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov.

Alternatively, you can request the name reservation form in person at the Secretary of State’s office or by mail.

Step 3: Complete the Form

Fill out the form by providing the desired LLC name, the name and address of the applicant (either an individual or a representative of the LLC), and the type of entity for which the name is being reserved.

Step 4: Submit the Form

File the form in person at the California Secretary of State’s office or by mail to the Secretary of State, Name Availability Unit, 1500 11th Street, 3rd Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814.

Include the required filing fee of $10 (subject to change). Payments can typically be made via check or money order payable to the California Secretary of State.

Step 5: Wait for Confirmation

Once submitted, the Secretary of State will process your name reservation request. If approved, the name will be reserved for 60 days, during which no other entity can register the same name.

Step 6: Use the Reserved Name to Form Your LLC

During the 60-day reservation period, file your LLC’s Articles of Organization to officially register the reserved name.

If you are unable to form your LLC within this period, you may submit another name reservation request to extend the reservation.

Other Business Entities and Naming Considerations

When choosing a name for your LLC or other business entities, there are several important factors to consider. These include trade names, filings for Doing Business As (DBA), and checking domain name availability.

Trade Names and Trademark Search

A trade name is the name your business operates under, which may differ from your registered business name. It’s crucial to conduct a trademark search to ensure that your trade name does not conflict with existing trademarks.

You can search for registered trademarks through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database.

Ensure to check for similar or identical names within your industry. If a conflict exists, you may need to modify your name choice.

Filing for Doing Business As (DBA) in California

In California, if you plan to operate under a name different from your registered business name, you must file for a DBA, also known as a fictitious business name.

The process involves filling out a form and submitting it to the county clerk’s office where your business is located. The filing fee varies by county, ranging from $10 to $100.

After filing, you may need to publish your DBA name in a local newspaper for a set period. This makes your new name known to the public.

Check Domain Name Availability

In today’s digital world, having an online presence is essential. Before finalizing your business name, check if the domain name is available.

A matching domain helps with branding and makes it easier for customers to find you online. You can use various online tools to check domain name availability.

If your preferred name is taken, consider alternative endings like .net or .co, or modify the name slightly. Secure your domain as soon as possible because good names can go fast.

Final Thoughts – Is it Worth it to Search and Reserve My Business in California?

Searching and reserving your business name in California is valuable when forming an LLC. A California LLC name search ensures your desired name is unique and compliant with state regulations, preventing potential rejections or conflicts.

While name reservation is optional, it can be worthwhile if you need time to finalize your LLC formation or secure funding. Reserving your name guarantees exclusivity for 60 days, providing peace of mind that no one else can claim it during this period.

Whether you reserve the name or not, starting with a thorough California LLC name search is crucial to avoid delays and ensure a smooth registration process.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I perform a California business license lookup?

You can perform a business license lookup through your city’s official website. Many cities in California have online databases where you can search for business licenses by name or type.

What is the process for checking the legitimacy of a California-based business?

To check legitimacy, verify the business status through the California Secretary of State’s Business Search. Ensure the business is active and in good standing by reviewing its filing history.

How to conduct a business entity search through the California Secretary of State?

Access the California Secretary of State’s Business Search page. Choose the appropriate search option, like “Corporation” or “LLC.” Enter the business name or number, then review the search results to find the desired entity.

How do I search for and get a Trademark for my business in California?

To search for a Trademark, use the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) online database. If your name is available, you can file for a Trademark through the USPTO and pay the associated fees.

How long does it take to set up an LLC in California?

Setting up an LLC in California typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. This timeframe can vary based on how you file your paperwork and if your application has any issues.