Texas LLC Name Search & Entity Lookup (Guide)

If you’re starting a limited liability company in Texas, you must find the perfect name, that is unique and not taken by another Texas LLC.

A Texas LLC name search helps ensure your chosen name is available and meets state requirements. This step helps establish your business and avoid legal issues.

This guide walks you through the Texas LLC name search process.

You’ll learn to search for name availability, understand naming rules, and reserve your name, giving your business the best start possible in the Texas market.

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

When starting an LLC in Texas, conducting a name search or performing an LLC lookup is crucial.

Here are key reasons why you should consider it:

• Ensures Name Availability: A name search confirms that the name you want for your LLC is not already in use. Texas law mandates that every LLC has a unique name to avoid confusion in the marketplace, so this search is a critical first step.
• Avoids Legal Complications: By ensuring the name isn’t already taken, you reduce the risk of legal issues down the line. Using a name already registered by another business can lead to cease-and-desist orders, fines, or rebranding costs.
• Helps with Branding Choices: If your initial name choice isn’t available, a search allows you to explore similar alternatives or variations that fit your brand. This way, you can make adjustments before filing your LLC paperwork.
• Saves Time and Resources: Confirming your Texas LLC name availability early prevents you from investing time and money in a name that might not be viable, keeping the registration process smooth and efficient.
• Research Existing LLCs: An LLC lookup provides public information on existing Texas LLCs. This can be useful for competitive analysis, understanding market presence, or researching industry trends by observing how competitors name and structure their businesses.
• Verify Business Details: With a lookup, you can access details like the LLC’s registered agent, filing history, and status, which is valuable if you’re considering partnerships or contracts with other LLCs.
• Rebranding Insights: If you’re rebranding or forming a new business with an existing market, an LLC lookup can help you avoid commonly used terms or styles. This makes your brand stand out by checking what names are prevalent or overused in the industry.

SOSDirect Texas LLC Name Search (step-by-step)

You need to follow a series of specific steps to conduct an LLC name search in Texas:

Step 1: Visit the Texas Secretary of State’s website

Start by opening your web browser and visiting the Texas Secretary of State’s official website at sos.state.tx.us. This site provides essential links and resources for business-related services in Texas.

Step 2: Navigate to “Business Services” and click on “SOSDirect”

Once you are on the Texas Secretary of State’s homepage, place your cursor on “Business Services” and click on “SOSDirect: Business Searches & Formation.” This is Texas’s online platform for business filings and searches.

Step 3: Create an account or log in to SOSDirect

To proceed, you must create a new account or log into an existing SOSDirect account. For returning users, enter your login credentials.

If you are creating a new account, be ready to provide basic information like your business name, account address, and credit card information.

However, there is a free option.

You can perform your Texas LLC name search and lookup for free using the Texas Comptroller’s Taxable Entity Search tool. This tool is not only free but also doesn’t require an account.

This quick, no-cost tool lets you confirm name availability in seconds, making it an ideal first step in setting up your Texas LLC.

Step 4: Enter the desired LLC name in the “Entity Name” search field and review the results

In the search tool, enter your desired business name under “Entity Name” and click “Search.” If a red bar appears across the top saying, “Business Name [your search] was not found,” this means your chosen name is currently available.

If a green bar appears across the top saying, “X matches found for the search string [your search],” this means your chosen name is currently unavailable. You will need to think of a different name or make adjustments to your original idea.

If you confirm that your desired name is available and distinguishable, you can proceed with the registration process.

Important LLC Naming Guidelines and Requirements in Texas

There are specific guidelines you must follow when naming your Texas LLC:

1. Unique and Distinguishable Name

Texas requires every LLC name to be unique and clearly distinguishable from other entities registered with the state. This means your desired name cannot be identical to or too similar to any existing LLC already on file.

2. Required Business Designators

Texas law mandates that LLC names include a designator that identifies the business as a Limited Liability Company.

Acceptable designators include:

• “LLC” or “L.L.C.”
• “Limited Liability Company”
• “Limited Company,” “Ltd Co,” or “Ltd. Company”

This designation helps clarify the business structure to the public and is a requirement for registration.

3. Prohibited Words and Restricted Terms

Some words are prohibited or restricted in LLC names to avoid misleading the public. For example: words like “bank,” “university,” or “insurance” are restricted and often require special permissions or licensing.

Misleading terms implying that the LLC is a government agency, such as “FBI” or “State Department,” are prohibited.

4. No Misleading Names

Your LLC’s name must accurately reflect its purpose and avoid causing confusion. The name cannot imply that your business is something it is not.

For instance, naming an LLC “Texas Medical Center” would be misleading unless the business operates within the medical field and meets the necessary legal requirements.

5. Complying with Texas State Law

Ensure that your chosen name adheres to all Texas state laws and is not violating any trademarks.

While the Texas Comptroller’s search tool helps confirm name availability, conducting a federal trademark search is also recommended to avoid future legal issues with brand recognition.

6. Name Reservation Option

If you find a name you like but aren’t ready to register your LLC, Texas offers a name reservation option.

By filing Form 501, you can reserve your name for up to 120 days, giving you ample time to prepare the necessary documents without the risk of someone else claiming the name.

What Words are not allowed in my Texas LLC name?

In Texas, certain words cannot be used in your LLC name to prevent misleading the public or implying a false affiliation.

Here are the key word restrictions:

• Bank / Banking / Trust: These words are associated with financial institutions and typically require special approval from the Texas Department of Banking.
• Insurance: Using “Insurance” implies that the business is an insurance provider, which is regulated and requires licensing from the Texas Department of Insurance.
• University / College: Terms like “University” or “College” suggest the business is an educational institution, requiring approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
• Attorney / Lawyer: These terms imply that the business provides legal services, which require appropriate licensing from the Texas State Bar.
• Architect / Engineering: Using terms like “Architect” or “Engineering” implies professional services that require state certification from the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.
• Doctor / Medical / Clinic: Terms indicating medical services, such as “Doctor,” “Medical,” or “Clinic,” imply that the business provides healthcare services, which are regulated by the Texas Medical Board.
• Credit Union: The term “Credit Union” is restricted to certain financial institutions and requires approval from Texas financial regulatory bodies.
• Treasury / State Department: Words implying affiliation with government agencies, such as “Treasury” or “State Department,” are prohibited as they could mislead the public into believing the LLC is government-operated.
• Corporation / Incorporated: Terms like “Corporation” or “Incorporated” are restricted as they are used specifically for corporations, not LLCs, to avoid confusion regarding the business structure.

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

Filing a name reservation for your LLC in Texas involves several clear steps:

1. Choose a Unique Business Name Complying with Texas Naming Requirements

Select a business name that meets Texas guidelines, which require the name to include the words “Limited Liability Company” or the abbreviation “L.L.C.” or “LLC.”

Your chosen name must also be distinguishable from other businesses registered with the Texas Secretary of State. Ensure the name doesn’t conflict with any restricted or prohibited terms as outlined by Texas law.

2. Fill Out the Name Reservation Request Form

Texas allows you to reserve your LLC name by submitting an Application for Reservation or Renewal of Reservation of an Entity Name (Form 501).

You’ll need to provide key details like the applicant full name, physical address, mailing address, and name of the entity being formed. This ensures your chosen name is temporarily protected while you complete the LLC registration process.

3. Submit the Form

There are several ways you can submit the form.

• File Online (Fastest Method): Visit the Texas SOSDirect website to file your name reservation online. This is the quickest and easiest way to reserve your LLC name.
• File by Mail: Mail the completed Form 501 – Application for Reservation or Renewal of Reservation of an Entity Name to P.O. Box 13697 Austin, Texas 78711-3697.
• File by Fax: Send the completed Form 501 by fax to (512) 463-5709.
• In-Person Filing: If you’re in or near Austin, deliver your form directly to the James Earl Rudder Office Building at 1019 Brazos St. Austin, Texas 78701.

The fee for reserving an LLC name in Texas is $40. Payments can be made by personal check (payable to the Texas Secretary of State), money order, LegalEase debit cards, and major credit/debit cards.

Once submitted, your LLC name will be reserved, giving you exclusive rights to that name for up to 120 days while you finalize your LLC registration.

Other Business Entities and Naming Considerations

Choosing the right name for your business is crucial. Besides checking the name availability for your LLC, you should consider other naming aspects like trade names, DBA, and domain name.

Trade Names and Trademark Search

A trade name is the name under which you do business. It can differ from your legal LLC name. Before you settle on a trade name, ensure it is not already in use.

Conduct a trademark search to check for existing trademarks. You can use the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website for this purpose.

Filing for Doing Business As (DBA) in Texas

If you plan to operate under a name different from your LLC’s legal name, you’ll need to file for a Doing Business As (DBA) in Texas. This filing allows you to legally use a trade name of your choice.

To get started, choose your desired DBA name and check its availability through the Texas Secretary of State’s database to ensure it’s unique and complies with state requirements.

Once you have confirmed the name’s availability, complete the DBA application using the Texas Secretary of State’s online portal for quick processing.

After filling out the application, submit the required fee ($25) along with your completed form to finalize your DBA registration. Once approved, you can use your DBA name for marketing, transactions, and business representation.

However, keep in mind that a DBA doesn’t provide legal protection like a trademark, so if brand protection is essential, consider applying for a trademark as well.

Check Domain Name Availability

In today’s digital landscape, establishing an online presence is crucial for the success of your business. When selecting your business name, it’s important to check if the corresponding domain name is available.

To do this, visit a domain registrar such as GoDaddy or Namecheap. Once there, enter your desired domain name to see if it’s available. Review the results to explore availability and variations of your name.

Aim for a domain that closely matches your business name, as this makes it easier for customers to find you online.

Additionally, consider securing similar domain names or common misspellings to protect your brand from potential confusion or competition.

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

Conducting a thorough search and reserving your business name in Texas is not just a formality; it’s a crucial step in establishing a solid foundation for your company. The benefits of this process far outweigh any initial efforts.

By searching for name availability, you ensure that your chosen name is unique, which helps avoid potential legal disputes or branding issues down the line.

Reserving your business name temporarily protects your chosen name while you complete the registration process. This means you can move forward with your business plans without the risk of someone else claiming your desired name.

In a competitive market like Texas, taking these proactive steps can significantly contribute to your business’s success.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process for searching for a DBA name in Texas?

To search for a DBA (Doing Business As) name, visit your county clerk’s office or their website. Many counties provide online tools to check for existing DBA registrations.

Are there any fees associated with conducting a Texas LLC name search?

There is a $1 fee to search for an LLC name through the Texas SOSDirect online database. Also, fees apply when you file to register your business name or LLC.

How can I access the Texas Secretary of State’s business records?

You can access business records online through the Texas Secretary of State’s SOSDirect platform. This service allows you to search for and view various business documents.

What steps should I follow to ensure my LLC name complies with Texas state regulations?

First, conduct a name search to check availability. Next, make sure the name meets all naming guidelines. Finally, reserve the name if needed, before filing your formation documents.

Can I perform a business license search online in Texas?

Yes, you can perform a business license search online. Visit the Texas Secretary of State’s website or your local county clerk’s site to find information about business licenses in Texas.