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Checking and Registering Business Names:
- The LLC’s name must not be the same as or too similar to the name of any other business entity in the state, including corporations, limited partnerships, and other LLCs.
- The state’s online database of registered business names may be used to verify names.
- The first step is to search for the business name on the Secretary of State website in the state where the business will be registered.
- If the business name is not trademarked, it is likely available for use.
Using Personal Names in LLCs:
- Limited liability companies can use personal names in a variety of ways: first names, last names, initials plus a last name, or a personal name that’s only part of the business name, such as “Joe’s Bar and Grill.”
Company Name Abbreviations:
- Can I abbreviate a company name in a cover letter? You can use abbreviations in a cover letter, but it is not recommended.
Using "Co" in Business Names:
- Can I add "co" at the end of my business name?
- Co is an abbreviation for the word "company" and can be used at the end of a business name. A business name is the name a business trades under and is publicly known for.
DBA Name Registration:
- The purpose of registering a DBA name is to notify the public that a particular person or business entity is conducting business under a name other than its legal name.
- You may abbreviate “Limited” as “Ltd.” and “Company” as “Co.”
Legal Restrictions and Permissions:
- This means that there are no legal restrictions on using the name for a new or existing company.
- You may use another company’s name with written permission.
- Be careful that the name will last long and not appear dated. Examples of endings include "LLC", "Ltd", "Inc", "Co".
Name Change Considerations:
- The name should relate to your audience and indicate what the business does. A name change can also be a public relations boost by creating a campaign to announce the change.
- An example is MailChimp which is lighthearted and ties into a fun mascot.
Business Name Availability:
- Yes, a business name must be registered unless it meets one of the exceptions. You can check online to see if a business name is available before registering it.
