South Carolina LLC Name Search & Lookup (Guide)

SOUTH CAROLINA LLC NAME SEARCH

Starting a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in South Carolina requires you to choose a unique name.

Conducting a South Carolina LLC name search is essential to ensure your desired business name is available. This simple step helps you avoid future legal issues and can set a positive foundation for your business.

In this blog post, you will learn how to perform a name search and what to consider when selecting a name for your South Carolina LLC.

Should You Conduct a South Carolina Entity Search or an LLC Lookup?

When starting an LLC in South Carolina, it’s important to conduct a business entity search.

Here are the key reasons to conduct an entity search:

  • Ensure Name Availability: Both searches help confirm that your chosen business name isn’t already in use, allowing you to move forward with registration without conflicts.
  • Avoid Rebranding Costs: Verifying your name is unique prevents potential legal issues or rebranding expenses, saving you time and money in the long run.
  • Stay Compliant with State Regulations: South Carolina requires that all business names be distinguishable from existing entities. Searching upfront ensures your name meets these requirements.
  • Research Similar Businesses: Entity and LLC searches allow you to see other businesses with similar names, helping refine your brand for better market distinction.
  • Access Important Business Details: An LLC lookup can provide information on existing LLCs, such as registered agents, formation dates, and current status, which can be useful for networking or competitive analysis.
  • Secure Your Business Identity: Searching first protects your brand’s uniqueness, reducing the risk of your chosen name being claimed by another business during registration.

South Carolina LLC Name Search (step-by-step)

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the South Carolina Secretary of State’s website and check if your desired name is available.

Step 1: Visit the South Carolina Secretary of State’s website

Visit the South Carolina Secretary of State’s official website at sos.sc.gov. The homepage provides access to various services, including business registrations and searches. This is your starting point for any LLC name search in South Carolina.

Step 2: Navigate to “Searches” and Click on “Business Entity Search”

South Carolina Secretary of State

On the homepage, look for the section labeled “Searches.” This section contain links to different public database searches in South Carolina.

South Carolina Secretary of State Searches

Within the “Searches” section, locate the link for “Business Entity Search.” This feature allows you to check the availability of your desired LLC name.

Step 3: Enter the desired LLC name in the search field

South Carolina Business Name Search

You will now see a search bar where you can enter the name you wish to check. Type your desired LLC name into the search field. Be sure to input it correctly to get the most accurate results.

You have options to specify your search criteria by “Begins With,” “Contains,” or “Exact Match.” Selecting the right criteria can help narrow down your results.

For instance, “Starts With” will show names that begin with your entered text, while “Contains” will return any names that include your chosen words.

Once you have set your search criteria, look for the “Search” button on the page. Clicking this button will initiate the search process. Wait a moment for the search results to load.

Step 4: Review the search results for name availability

South Carolina Business Name Search The Name is Available

After clicking “Search,” carefully review the results. If the search result shows a green “This name is available,” it means your proposed LLC name is available and not currently in use by any business in South Carolina.

However, if the business name search returns search results, it means your proposed LLC name is currently in use.

South Carolina Business Name Search Results

The South Carolina Business Name Search tool displays the following information for your search query:

  • Entity Name
  • Date of Incorporation
  • Entity Type
  • Entity Status
  • Incorporated State

Clicking any of the blue entity name displayed will take you to a page contained more details like:

  • Effective Date
  • Expiration Date
  • Term End Date
  • Dissolved Date
  • Official Documents On File
  • Registered Agent Name
  • Registered Agent Address

If you find that your desired name is not taken, you can proceed with the registration process.

If your desired name is already in use, revise your choice by tweaking the name or coming up with a new one. After making adjustments, go back to the search tool and repeat the process to check the updated name’s availability.

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Important LLC Naming Guidelines and Requirements in South Carolina

When starting your LLC in South Carolina, the first step is choosing a name. Follow these essential LLC naming guidelines to ensure compliance with the state’s regulations.

1. Include Required Designators

Your LLC name must include specific designators to indicate its business structure. Acceptable terms include:

  • “Limited Liability Company” (e.g., Smith’s Landscaping Limited Liability Company)
  • “LLC” (e.g., Green Solutions LLC)
  • “L.L.C.” (e.g., Tech Innovations L.L.C.)

Using one of these designators clarifies that your business is registered as an LLC.

2. Ensure Distinguishability

The name you select must be distinguishable from other registered business names in South Carolina. For example, if “Coastal Ventures” is already registered, you cannot use “Coastal Ventures LLC” or any similar name that could cause confusion.

3. Avoid Prohibited Words

Certain words are restricted or prohibited in LLC names. Avoid using terms that could mislead the public or imply a connection with government agencies, such as:

  • “FBI” (e.g., FBI Consultants LLC)
  • “Treasury” (e.g., Treasury Financial Group LLC)

Additionally, some terms may require special licenses or permissions, such as:

  • “Bank” (e.g., Pine Valley Bank LLC)
  • “Insurance” (e.g., Sunshine Insurance Agency LLC)
  • “Trust” (e.g., Family Trust LLC)

4. No Identifying Designators in Searches

When checking for name availability, only enter the main part of your proposed name without designators like “LLC.”

For instance, if your desired name is “Happy Paws LLC,” simply search for “Happy Paws” to get accurate results.

5. Consider Trade Names and DBAs

If you plan to operate under a different name than your legal LLC name, consider filing for a Doing Business As (DBA) name.

For example, if your LLC is named “Premium Coffee LLC,” but you want to sell products under the name “Coffee Haven,” you would need to register “Coffee Haven” as a DBA.

What Words are not allowed in my South Carolina LLC name?

When naming your South Carolina LLC, there are certain words you should avoid. Here’s a list of common restricted words and why they may not be allowed:

  • “Bank” – The use of “Bank” or any banking-related term may require approval from financial regulatory authorities to prevent misleading the public into thinking your LLC is a licensed financial institution.
  • “Insurance” – Using “Insurance” often requires special licensing or approval from the South Carolina Department of Insurance, as it suggests your LLC is offering regulated insurance services.
  • “Trust” – “Trust” is restricted because it implies a fiduciary duty that may not apply to standard LLCs. This term generally requires regulatory approval.
  • “Attorney” or “Lawyer” – Words related to legal professions, such as “Attorney” or “Lawyer,” suggest that your LLC provides legal services. Use of these terms typically requires licensing from the state bar association.
  • “University” or “College” – Terms like “University,” “College,” or similar words implying educational credentials are restricted to prevent confusion with accredited educational institutions. Special approval from educational authorities is often required.
  • “Cooperative” – “Cooperative” implies a specific business structure not associated with LLCs. In South Carolina, cooperatives have unique regulations, and only qualified entities can use this term.
  • “Corporation” or “Inc.” – “Corporation,” “Incorporated,” “Corp,” or “Inc.” are not permitted in LLC names, as these terms denote a corporation structure, which differs legally and operationally from an LLC.
  • “Federal” or “National” – Words like “Federal” or “National” are generally not allowed unless specifically permitted, as they may mislead people into thinking your business has government backing or national authority.
  • “Police” or “Firefighter” – Words suggesting government or emergency services, such as “Police” or “Firefighter,” can mislead the public and are therefore restricted.
  • “Bureau” – This word often implies a government function or agency role, which is not applicable to most LLCs. Usage typically requires special approval.
  • “Mutual” – Terms like “Mutual” are generally associated with insurance and investment companies, suggesting shared ownership or benefits. Special licensing is often required.

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

Filing a name reservation for your LLC in South Carolina is straightforward. Follow these steps to secure your desired LLC name:

1. Choose a Unique Business Name

Select a unique name that complies with South Carolina’s naming requirements.

The name must include “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation like “LLC” or “L.L.C” and be distinguishable from any other business names registered with the South Carolina Secretary of State.

2. Complete the Name Reservation Request Form

Download and fill out the Application to Reserve a Limited Liability Company Name (§33-44-106 Form) with the required information:

  • The applicant’s full name
  • Physical address
  • Mailing address (if different)
  • The name of the entity being reserved

3. Submit the Form

You can submit your reservation request in one of two ways:

  • Online: Visit the South Carolina Secretary of State’s Business Filings Online website. Select “Start a New Business Filing” from the available services, create an account, complete the name reservation process, and pay the $25 filing fee.
  • By Mail: Send the completed form with a check or money order for $25, payable to the South Carolina Secretary of State, to the following address: Corporate Filings 1205 Pendleton Street Suite 525 Columbia, SC 29201.

After filing, your chosen LLC name will be reserved for 120 days, giving you time to complete the rest of your LLC formation process in South Carolina.

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Other Business Entities and Naming Considerations

This section covers the essentials of filing for a DBA in South Carolina, the significance of trade names, and the necessity of checking domain name availability.

Filing for Doing Business As (DBA) in South Carolina

If you’re operating a business under a name different from your legal name, you will need to file for a Doing Business As (DBA) in South Carolina. A DBA allows you to use a trade name without creating a separate entity.

To file for a DBA, you must submit an application to the county office where your business is located. This process usually includes a small fee.

You should verify that your chosen DBA does not conflict with existing business names. Checking the South Carolina Secretary of State’s database is essential for this. A clear DBA can help with marketing and branding efforts, so choose wisely.

Trade Names and Trademark Search

A trade name is the name under which you operate your business. It’s vital to ensure that your trade name is unique and legally protected.

Conducting a trademark search can reveal if someone else is using the name or a similar one for their business. It’s advisable to use the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s online database.

If you discover your trade name is available, consider filing for a trademark to protect your brand nationally. This process, while optional, can safeguard your business identity and limit potential legal disputes down the line.

Check Domain Name Availability

Checking domain name availability is key when establishing your business name. Your domain should ideally match your business name closely for easy recognition.

To check for domain availability, use registrars like GoDaddy or Namecheap. If your desired domain is taken, consider slight variations or different domain extensions, such as .biz or .net.

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

Yes, taking the time to search and reserve your business name in South Carolina is a worthwhile step.

A thorough name search helps avoid potential conflicts with existing businesses and keeps your business on the right side of legal requirements.

Reserving your LLC name ensures that no other business can claim it while you complete your formation process. This step buys you time to handle the rest of your business setup without worrying about losing your ideal name to another business.

Related posts on South Carolina LLC:

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a name reservation in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, you do not have to reserve your LLC name. However, if you want to ensure the name is available before filing, a reservation can be helpful.

How much does it cost to reserve your LLC name in South Carolina?

The fee to reserve an LLC name in South Carolina is $25. This reservation holds the name for you while you prepare to file your LLC formation documents.

How long does a South Carolina LLC Name Reservation last?

A name reservation in South Carolina lasts for 120 days. After this period, if you haven’t filed your LLC, the reservation will expire.

Do I need a business license in South Carolina if I have an LLC?

Yes, you may need a business license even if you have an LLC. Local regulations vary, so check with your city or county government for specific requirements.

How do I change my South Carolina LLC name?

To change your LLC name, you must file Articles of Amendment with the South Carolina Secretary of State. There is a $110 fee associated with this filing.

How can I perform an LLC name search in South Carolina online?

You can perform an LLC name search online through the South Carolina Secretary of State’s website. Enter the desired name in the search tool to check its availability.

What guidelines must I follow when choosing an LLC name in South Carolina?

Your LLC name must be unique and not overly similar to existing businesses. It must also include “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company” in the name.

Is there a way to search for an LLC in South Carolina for free?

Yes, you can search for an LLC in South Carolina for free using the online business entity search tool provided by the Secretary of State’s office.

What steps should I take to reserve a business name in South Carolina?

To reserve a business name, fill out the name reservation application on the Secretary of State’s website. Submit the form with the $25 fee.

How do I check if a business name is already taken in South Carolina?

Check if a business name is already taken by using the online search tool on the South Carolina Secretary of State’s website. Enter the name you want to check for availability.

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