Enter a company name concept and our AI will generate available LLC name alternatives and variations. Verify each suggestion with your state's Secretary of State before filing.
Ensure name availability before LLC formation and legal documentation
Comprehensive search across official state business registries
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Finding a truly available LLC company name requires searching multiple databases — not just one. Entrepreneurs routinely make the mistake of checking only their state's Secretary of State database, then discovering after they've printed business cards and launched a website that another company has federal trademark rights to that name, or that the domain was registered years ago. A complete LLC name availability search covers at least five distinct databases, each protecting different types of rights.
Understanding the difference between these registries is critical. State SOS registration prevents others from registering the exact same (or non-distinguishable) entity name in that state. Federal trademark registration protects the name nationally for use in commerce in specific categories. Domain registration simply prevents others from using that web address. Common-law trademark rights arise from actual use in commerce regardless of registration. You need to clear all of these to use a name safely.
| State | Database URL | Search Type |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware | icis.corp.delaware.gov | Entity name search, free |
| California | bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov | Name availability search, free |
| Texas | mycpa.cpa.texas.gov/mvsearch | Entity search, free |
| New York | apps.dos.ny.gov/publicInquiry | Corporation & LLC search, free |
| Florida | search.sunbiz.org | Division of Corps search, free |
| Wyoming | wyobiz.wyo.gov/Business | Business entity search, free |
If your first-choice LLC name is unavailable, you have several options: (1) Modify the name with a descriptive qualifier ("Premier," "Advanced," "Elite," your city name, or your specialty area) to create a distinguishable variation. (2) Use a DBA trade name — form your LLC under a different legal name and operate publicly under your preferred trade name. (3) Contact the existing registrant — many inactive LLCs are shell entities whose owners would release the name if asked. (4) Choose an entirely different name that is more available and trademarkable. Option 4 is often the best long-term choice because it avoids ongoing confusion with an existing entity.
No — SOS database searches and trademark searches are entirely separate. The SOS database shows entity registrations in that state only. A name can be available in the SOS database while being federally trademarked by a company in another state. Always conduct a separate USPTO TESS search to check for trademark conflicts. Failing to do so can result in being forced to stop using your name and rebrand — after you have invested in marketing, signage, and customer relationships.
For trademark purposes, search as far back as possible — common-law rights can exist for decades based on continuous use in commerce. The USPTO TESS search covers all live and recently-dead trademark applications. For SOS searches, also look at recently dissolved or inactive entities — some states allow these to block new registrations for a period after dissolution. For Google searches, check the first 3 pages of results and look at the "About this result" dates to identify businesses that have been using the name historically.