Photo by: Lara Jameson courtesy of Pexel.com

Picking a name for your LLC is a critical first step in starting your business. Your business name will be how customers recognize and identify with your brand. However, selecting the perfect name is more complicated than just picking what sounds good to you. When choosing a name for your LLC, you need to ensure it is unique, follows your state’s naming guidelines, and is clear about your business offers.

Every state has different LLC naming rules, requirements, and restrictions. Certain words or phrases may be prohibited depending on the state. Some names could also already be registered by another entity. It is vital to check your proposed business name against your state’s LLC naming requirements before making a final pick. The last thing you want is to do all that paperwork only to have your name rejected.

Wherever you are, we’ll help you get it right. This article outlines the LLC naming rules and LLC naming requirements for each of the 50 states in the United States (and the District of Colombia, too). We hope that with the help of this comprehensive guide, you will be able to avoid common LLC naming issues that entrepreneurs often encounter when filing for a business formation. 

General Rules for Naming an LLC

Yes, LLC naming rules differ from state to state. But there are specific regulations that apply across the board irrespective of the industry or state you want to set up shop in. First off, your LLC’s name must clearly identify that it’s a limited liability company. You are required by law to do this by including any of these appendages: Limited Liability Company, Limited company, Company, LLC, L.L.C., LC, Co. at the end of the legal business name.

You’ll also want to avoid any names that imply you’re a government agency when you’re not, e.g. IRS, CIA, U.S. Military, FBI, etc. Furthermore, certain industry-specific terms like Bank, University, Attorney, etc., are restricted words and may require some extra paperwork and a licensed professional as a board member of the business. 

Also, it’s critical not to use words that may mislead the public into thinking that your business is a different entity from that which it has been registered as. An example is appending Inc., Corp., LLP, etc to an LLC business name to make it look like a corporation.  

Lastly, every LLC needs a unique name to avoid being confused with other companies, both within and outside your state of operation. Thankfully, an LLC name availability search is usually a quick online process these days. While some states will allow duplicate names if the businesses are in different industries, choosing a distinctive LLC name for your business makes branding easier down the road.

These blanket rules, combined with each state’s specific LLC naming requirements, which we’ll outline below, will help you pick a solid name as you launch your new venture. 

LLC Naming Requirements and Rules by State

With the general LLC naming rules in mind, let’s dive into the more nuanced requirements for business names in each state across the country.

TIP: To quickly find the LLC name requirements for your state, Windows users can press Ctrl + F, Mac users can press Cmd + F, then type in your state’s name and hit the enter button.

Alabama

Requirements:

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. 

Required words: 

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

Restricted words:

• Language implying the business is registered for an impermissible purpose

Search for available Alabama LLC names here.

Alaska

Requirements:

Your chosen name must adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined.

Required words: 

• Limited Liability Company
• L.L.C.
• LLC
• Limited can be abbreviated as Ltd.
• Company can be abbreviated as Co.

Restricted words:

• City, 
• borough 
• village 
• Terms implying entity is a municipality

Search for available Alaska LLC names here.

Arizona

Requirements:

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined.

Required words: 

• Limited Liability Company 
• Limited Company 
• L.L.C. 
• L.C. 
• LLC 
• LC 
• Lowercase variations of the above

Restricted words:

• Corporation, 
• Incorporated 
• Association 
• Or any abbreviation of the above 
• Bank, 
• Deposit, 
• Credit Union, 
• Trust 
• Trust Company 

Search for available Arizona LLC names here.

Arkansas

Requirements:

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined.

Required words: 

• Limited Liability Company 
• Limited Company 
• L.L.C. 
• L.C. 
• LLC 
• LC 
• Limited can be abbreviated as Ltd.
• Company can be abbreviated as Co.

Restricted words:

• Statute silent

Search for available Arkansas LLC names here. 

California

Requirements:

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined.

Required words: 

• Limited Liability Company 
• LLC 
• L.L.C. 
• Limited can be abbreviated as Ltd. 
• Company can be abbreviated as Co.

Restricted words:

• Corporation 
• Incorporated 
• Or any abbreviation of the above

Search for available California LLC names here.

Colorado

Requirements:

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined.

Required words: 

• Limited Liability Company 
• LLC 
• L.L.C. 
• Limited can be abbreviated as Ltd. 
• Company can be abbreviated as Co.

Restricted words:

• No Statutory Provision

Search for available Colorado LLC names here.

Connecticut

Requirements:

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined.

Required words: 

• Limited Liability Company 
• LLC 
• L.L.C. 
• Limited can be abbreviated as Ltd. 
• Company can be abbreviated as Co.

Restricted words:

• Statute silent

Search for available Connecticut LLC names here.

Delaware

Requirements:

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined. Your Delaware LLC name can contain foreign words, as long as their English translation is provided during the filing process.

Required words: 

• Limited Liability Company 
• L.L.C. 
• LLC 
• Association 
• Company 
• Club 
• Foundation 
• Fund 
• Institute 
• Society 
• Union 
• Syndicate 
• Limited 
• Trust 
• An abbreviation of the above

Restricted words:

• Statute silent

Search for available Delaware LLC names here.

District of Colombia

Requirements:

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined.

Required words: 

• Limited Liability Company 
• Limited Company 
• L.L.C. 
• LLC 
• L.C. 
• LC
• Limited can be abbreviated as Ltd. 
• Company can be abbreviated as Co.

Restricted words:

• Bank, 
• Banking, 
• Credit Union, 
• Insurance 
• Or similar words without written approval of the Mayor 

Search for available District of Colombia LLC names here.

Florida

Requirements:

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined. You need to file additional paperwork or obtain a license to attach professional terms to your business name. 

Required words: 

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

Restricted words:

• Doctor
• Bank
• Credit Union
• Engineer
• Architect, etc.
• Wordings that state or imply that an LLC is registered for an impermissible purpose
• Wordings that state or imply that an LLC is connected with a state or federal government agency
• Wordings that state or imply that an LLC is chartered under US law

Search for available Florida LLC names here.

Georgia

Requirements:

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined. Georgia has many restricted words that require additional paperwork and/or state approval. 

Required words: 

• Limited Liability Company 
• Limited Company 
• L.L.C. 
• LLC 
• L.C. 
• LC
• Limited can be abbreviated as Ltd. 
• Company can be abbreviated as Co.

Restricted words:

The Office of Commissioner of Insurance has to give you written approval to use these words in your Georgia LLC name:

• Reassurance
• Fidelity
• Insurance
• Surety
• Indemnity
• Assurance
• Reinsurance

The Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission has to give you written approval to use these words in your Georgia LLC name:

• Trust Company
• Bancorp
• Banking House
• Savings & Loan
• Banker
• Bank
• Banque
• Credit Union
• Bankruptcy
• Banc
• Trust
• Banking Company

The Department of Banking and Finance has to give you written approval to use these words in your Georgia LLC name:

• University
• College

Search for available Georgia LLC names here.

Hawaii

Requirements:

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined. Using a non-distinguishable LLC name is permissible in Hawaii in a special case where the current owner of the LLC provides you with written permission or a court order permits you. 

Also, all letters in your Hawaii LLC name must strictly be in English alphabets. 

Required words: 

• Limited Liability Company 
• LLC 
• L.L.C. 
• Limited can be abbreviated as Ltd. 
• Company can be abbreviated as Co.

Restricted words:

• Statute silent 

Search for available Hawaii LLC names here.

Idaho

Requirements:

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined.

Required words: 

• Limited Liability Company 
• Limited Company 
• L.L.C. 
• L.C. 
• LLC 
• LC 
• Limited can be abbreviated as Ltd.
• Company can be abbreviated as Co.

Restricted words:

• Wordings that state or imply that an LLC is registered for an impermissible purpose
• Wordings that state or imply that an LLC is affiliated with a government agency

Search for available Idaho LLC names here. 

Illinois

Requirements:

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined.

Required words: 

• Limited liability company 
• L.L.C. 
• LLC
• If your business is organized to accept and execute trusts, the LLC name must include the word trust.

Restricted words:

You are prohibited from using the following words in your Illinois LLC name except if you or your business is certified in the respective fields. You may also need to file additional paperwork to use these terms:

• Banking
• Bankers
• Bank
• Underwriters
• Surety
• Insurance

Other prohibited words for Illinois LLC name include:

• Corporation, 
• Corp., 
• Incorporated,
• Inc., 
• Ltd., 
• Co., 
• Limited Partnership or L.P.
• A fiduciary unless otherwise permitted by the Corporate Fiduciary Act

Search for available Illinois LLC names here. 

Indiana

Requirements:

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined. 

Required words: 

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

Restricted words:

• Statute silent 

Search for available Indiana LLC names here.

Iowa

Requirements:

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined. Using a similar LLC name is permissible in exceptional cases where the current owner of the LLC provides you with written permission or a court order permits you. 

If the current owner of a name permits you to file a similar name, they have to request a name change to distinguish it from yours.

Required words: 

• Limited Liability Company 
• Limited Company 
• L.L.C. 
• L.C. 
• LLC 
• LC 
• Limited can be abbreviated as Ltd.
• Company can be abbreviated as Co.

Restricted words:

• Statute silent 

Search for available Iowai LLC names here.

Kansas

Requirements:

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined. Using a similar LLC name is permissible in exceptional cases where the current owner of the LLC provides you with written permission. 

If the current owner of a name permits you to file a similar name, they have to request a name change to distinguish it from yours.

Required words: 

• Limited Liability Company
• Limited Company
• L.L.C.
• L.C.
• LLC
• LC

Your Kansas LLC name may also contain one of the following words or their respective abbreviations:

• Institute
• Limited
• Society
• Club
• Foundation
• Association
• Fund
• Trust
• Company
• Syndicate
• Union

Restricted words:

• Statute silent 

Search for available Kansas LLC names here.

Kentucky

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined. Using a similar LLC name is permissible in exceptional cases where the current owner of the LLC permits you to do so. 

Required words: 

Must end with one of these:

• Limited Liability Company
• Limited Company
• LLC
• LC
• Limited can be abbreviated as Ltd. 
• Company can be abbreviated as Co.

Restricted words:

• Statute silent 

Search for available Kentucky LLC names here.

Louisiana

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined. Using a similar LLC name is permissible in exceptional cases where the current owner of the LLC provides you with written permission.  

Required words: 

• Limited Liability Company
• L.L.C
• LC

Restricted words:

• Banking
• Trust 
• Building and Loan
• Bank
• Savings 
• Homestead
• Banker
• Trustee
• Credit Union
• Safe deposit

The following are also prohibited when naming a Louisiana LLC:

• Wordings that state or imply that an LLC is organized for any purpose other than what is permitted by law and its article of organization
• The phrase Doing Business As or its abbreviation, DBA
• Wording that deceptively or falsely suggests a charitable or nonprofit nature 
• Wording that states or implies that the business is an administrative agency of Louisiana or any of its political subdivisions or the United States
• Wording that consists of or comprises immoral, deceptive, or scandalous matters.

Search for available Louisiana LLC names he

Maine

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined. Using a non-distinguishable LLC name is permissible in exceptional cases where the current owner of the LLC provides you with written permission. 

Required words: 

Must end with one of these:

• Limited Liability Company
• Limited Company
• LLC
• LC
• Limited can be abbreviated as Ltd. 
• Company can be abbreviated as Co.

Restricted words:

• Obscene wording 
• Wording that inappropriately promotes abusive or unlawful activity 
• Wording that falsely suggests an entity is affiliated with public institutions

Search for available Maine LLC names here.

Maryland

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined. Using a non-distinguishable LLC name is permissible in exceptional cases where the current owner of the LLC provides you with written permission. 

Required words: 

Must end with one of these:

• Limited liability company
• L.L.C.
• LLC
• L.C.
• LC

Restricted words:

• Language implying the business is organized for an impermissible purpose

Search for available Maryland LLC names here.

Massachusetts

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined. This law applies to both LLCs filed within Massachusetts and those filed outside but permitted to operate within the state.

Required words: 

Must end with one of these:

• Limited Liability Company
• Limited Company
• L.L.C.
• L.C.
• LLC
• LC

Restricted words:

• Statute silent

Search for available Massachusetts LLC names here.

Michigan

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined. 

Required words: 

Must end with one of these:

• Limited Liability Company
• Limited Company
• L.L.C.
• LLC
• L.C.
• LC

Restricted words:

• Language stating or implying the business is organized for an impermissible purpose

These words are also prohibited in Michigan LLC names:

• Corporation, 
• Incorporated
• Abbreviations of the above terms

Search for available Michigan LLC names here.

Minnesota

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined. 

Required words: 

Must end with one of these:

• Limited liability company
• LLC

Restricted words:

• Corporation, 
• Incorporated
• Abbreviations of the above terms

Search for available Minnesota LLC names here.

Mississippi

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined. 

Required words: 

Must end with one of these:

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

Restricted words:

• Corporation 
• Incorporated 
• Limited
• Limited Partnership 
• Bank 
• Trust 
• Trustee 
• Insurer or Insurance Company
• Abbreviations of the above terms

Search for available Mississippi LLC names here

Missouri

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined. 

Required words: 

Must end with one of these:

• Limited Liability Company
• Limited Company
• L.L.C.
• LLC
• L.C.
• LC

Restricted words:

• Corporation, 
• Incorporated 
• Limited partnership 
• Limited Liability Partnership 
• Limited Liability Limited Partnership 
• Ltd. 
• Abbreviations of the above terms
• Wordings that state or imply that an LLC is registered for an impermissible purpose
• Wordings that state or imply that an LLC is affiliated with a state or federal government agency

Search for available Missouri LLC names here

Montana

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined. 

Required words: 

Must end with one of these:

• Limited Liability Company
• Limited Company
• L.L.C.
• LLC
• L.C.
• LC
• Limited can be abbreviated as Ltd. 
• Company can be abbreviated as Co.

Restricted words:

• Wordings that state or imply that an LLC is organized to be a business other than a limited liability company

Search for available Montana LLC names here

Nebraska

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined. This law applies to both LLCs filed within Nebraska and those filed outside but permitted to operate within the state.

Required words: 

Must end with one of these:

• Limited Liability Company 
• Limited Company 
• L.L.C. 
• L.C. 
• LLC 
• LC 
• Limited can be abbreviated as Ltd.
• Company can be abbreviated as Co.

Restricted words:

• Statute silent

Search for available Nebraska LLC names here.

Nevada

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined. Your business also needs to get authorization from the Nevada Secretary of State to operate within the state.

Required words: 

• Limited Liability Company
• Limited-Liability Company
•  Limited Company
• Limited
• L.L.C.
• LLC
• L.C.
• LC
• Ltd.
• Company can be abbreviated as Co.

Restricted words:

Your Nevada LLC name is prohibited from using the following terms except if you get approval from the Nevada State Board of Accountancy:

• Auditor
• Auditing
• Accountancy
• Accountant
• Accounting

Your Nevada LLC name is prohibited from using the following terms except your entity’s articles of organization explicitly state that it is formed to conduct business exclusively as a Trust company or Bank. Additionally, you must get authorization from the Nevada Commissioner of Financial Institutions to use these terms:

• Bank
• Trust

Lastly, your Nevada LLC name is prohibited from using the following terms except the State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors certifies that the principals of the LLC are licensed to practice engineering within the state of Nevada:

• Registered Engineer
• Engineer
• Professional Engineer
• Engineering
• Engineered
• Licensed Engineer

Search for available Nevada LLC names here.

New Hampshire

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined. Your LLC name can contain the names of members or managers of the entity.

Required words: 

Your New Hampsire LLC name can contain any of these terms:

• Society
• Company
• Limited
• Trust
• Foundation
• Syndicate
• Club
• Institute
• Fund
• Association
• Union
• Limited Liability Company’’
• L.L.C.’’
• Similar Abbreviations of the above terms

Restricted words:

• Wordings that state or imply that an LLC is organized for an impermissible purpose

Search for available New Hampshire LLC names here

New Jersey

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined. 

Required words: 

Your New Hampsire LLC name can contain any of these terms:

• Limited Liability Company’’
• L.L.C.’’
• Limited may be abbreviated as Ltd.
• Company may be abbreviated as Co..

Restricted words:

Some restricted words require additional paperwork to include them in your New Jersey LLC name. Other words are entirely prohibited. Here’s a list of restricted and prohibited terms:

• Little League
• Metropolitan
• Handicapped
• Funeral Homes
• Cemetery
• Realtor
• Postal
• Underwriters
• Trust
• Urban Renewal
• Olympia
• Olympic
• District of Columbia
• D.C.
• Blind
• Wordings that state or imply that an LLC is organized for an impermissible purpose

Search for available New Jersey LLC names here

New Mexico

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined. 

Required words: 

Must end with one of these:

• Limited Liability Company
• Limited Company
• L.L.C.
• LLC
• L.C.
• LC
• Limited may be abbreviated asLtd. 
• Company may be abbreviated as Co.

Restricted words:

• Statute silent

Search for available New Mexico LLC names here

New York

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name and any trademarks must also be reserved or already registered with the state of New York. Lastly, you must obtain approval from relevant agencies to include terms related to licensed professions or businesses in your New York LLC name.

Required words: 

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

Restricted words:

• Arboretum
• Annuity
• Surety
• Fidelity
• Olympiad
• College
• Guaranty
• Council
• Casualty
• Labor
• Loan
• Museum
• Academy
• Doctor
• Handicapped
• Blind
• Industrial Organization
• Preschool
• Benefit
• Elementary
• Finance
• Historical Society
• Prekindergarten
• Trust
• Bond
• Mortgage
• Investment
• Insurance
• United Nations
• Indemnity
• Underwriter
• Historical
• Acceptance
• Endowment
• Title
• America Espirito Sport Fraternite
• Citius Altius Fortius
• University
• Library
• Secondary
• Kindergarten
• Exchange
• Lawyer
• Institute
• Savings
• Education
• School
• Bank
• Agency

Other prohibited terms include:

• Attorney
• Community
• Chamber of Commerce
• Partnership
• Urban Relocation
• Incorporated
• Board of Trade
• Corporation
• State Trooper
• Urban Development
• Olympic or Olympics
• Cooperation
• Cooperative
• Tenant Relocation
• Redevelopment
• State Police

Search for available New York LLC names here

North Carolina

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your LLC name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined. Furthermore, your chosen name and any trademarks must be reserved or already registered with the state of North Carolina. 

Required words: 

• Limited Liability Company
• L.L.C.
• LLC
• Ltd. Liability Co.
• Limited Liability Co.
• Ltd. Liability Company

Restricted words:

You must file additional paperwork and also obtain approval from relevant agencies to include these licensed professional terms in your North Carolina LLC name:

• Licensed Engineer
• Auditor
• Surveyor
• Architectural
• Accountancy
• Surveying
• Trust
• Engineered
• Professional Engineer
• Accountant
• Registered Engineer
• Banker
• Engineering
• Cooperative
• Banking
• Certified Public Accountant
• Architect
• Auditing
• Architecture
• Survey
• Engineer
• Mutual

Search for available North Carolina LLC names here

North Dakota

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined. Using a non-distinguishable LLC name is permissible in exceptional cases where the current owner of the LLC provides you with written permission. 

Required words: 

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

Restricted words:

• Corporation 
• Incorporated 
• Limited
• Limited Partnership 
• Limited Liability
• Limited Partnership
• Abbreviations of the above terms 
• Language implying the business is organized for an impermissible purpose

Search for available North Dakota LLC names here.

Ohio

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must be reserved or already registered with the state of Ohio. 

Required words: 

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

Restricted words:

You must file additional paperwork and also obtain approval from relevant agencies to include these terms that are related to licensed professions or businesses in your Ohio LLC name:

• Bank
• Credit Union
• Savings
• Education
• Trust
• Etc.

These words are entirely prohibited:

• Obscene words
• Ethnic, religious, racial, sexual orientation or any other gender or hereditary-specific slurs

Search for available Ohio LLC names here.

Oklahoma

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must be reserved or already registered with the state within the last three years. Your LLC name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined. 

Required words: 

• Limited Liability Company
• Limited Company
• L.L.C.
• LLC
• L.C.
• LC
• Limited may be abbreviated as Ltd. 
• Company may be abbreviated as Co.

Restricted words:

• Statute silent

Search for available Oklahoma LLC names here.

Oregon

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined.

Required words: 

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

Restricted words:

• Corporation 
• Incorporated
• Limited 
• Limited Partnership 
• Limited Liability Partnership 
• Abbreviations of the above terms

Search for available Oregon LLC names here

Pennsylvania

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must be reserved or already registered with the state of Pennsylvania. Your LLC name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined. 

Required words: 

• Company
• Limited
• Limited liability company
• Abbreviations of the above terms

Restricted words:

You must file additional paperwork and also obtain approval from relevant agencies to include these licensed professional terms, institutions or businesses in your Pennsylvania LLC name:

• Guaranty
• Pharmacist
• Seminary
• Fraternal
• Banking
• University
• Public Accountant
• Medicines
• Beneficial
• Reinsurance
• Architecture
• Bond
• Pharmacy
• Apothecary
• Indemnity
• Druggist
• Title
• College
• Certified Public Accountant
• Mutual
• Surveyor
• Homeopathic
• Architect
• Assurance
• Electricity
• Endowment
• Reassurance
• Drug Shop
• Homeopathy
• Medicine Store
• Engineer
• Insurer
• Gas Utilities
• Fidelity
• Engineering
• Drugs
• Trust
• Bank
• Annuity
• Banker
• Surveying
• Insurance
• Pharmaceutical
• Surety
• Casualty

Search for available Pennsylvania LLC names here

Rhode Island

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined.

Required words: 

Your LLC name shall end with any of these terms

• Limited-Liability Company
• Or L.L.C. in upper or lower case. Or without punctuation.

Restricted words:

• Statute silent

Search for available Rhode Island LLC names here

South Carolina

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined.

Required words: 

• Limited Liability Company
• Limited Company
• L.L.C.
• LLC
• L.C.
• LC
• Limited can be abbreviated as Ltd.
• Company can be abbreviated as Co.

Restricted words:

• Statute silent

Search for available South Carolina LLC names here

South Dakota

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined. 

Also, a South Dakota LLC may use the name of another domestic or foreign company authorized to do business in South Dakota under the following circumstances:

• The LLC has merged with the other company
• The LLC was formed through a reorganization with the other company
• The LLC has acquired all the assets, including the name, of the other company

Required words: 

• Limited Liability Company
• Limited Company
• L.L.C.
• LLC
• L.C.
• LC
• Limited can be abbreviated as Ltd.
• Company can be abbreviated as Co.

Restricted words:

• Statute silent

Search for available South Dakota LLC names here

Tennessee

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined.

Required words: 

• Limited Liability Company
• L.L.C.
• LLC
• Similar words or abbreviations of the above terms

Restricted words:

• Corporation 
• Incorporation
• Abbreviations of the above terms

These are entirely prohibited:

• Wordings that state or imply that an LLC is organized for an impermissible purpose
• Wordings that state or imply that an LLC is affiliated with a state or federal government agency
• Wordings that state or imply that an LLC is sponsored by, affiliated with, or organized by any veterans’ service, fraternal, religious, professional, or charitable organization. The exception is when the LLC is certified in writing. 

Search for available Tennessee LLC names here

Texas

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined.

Required words: 

• Limited Liability Company
• Limited Company
• Abbreviations of the above terms

Restricted words:

• Wordings that state or imply that an LLC is organized for an impermissible purpose

Search for available Texas LLC names here

Utah

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined.

Required words: 

• Limited company
• Limited liability company
• L.C.
• LC
• L.L.C.
• LLC
• Limited may be abbreviated as Ltd.  
• Company may be abbreviated as Co. 

Restricted/Prohibited words:

• Wordings stating or implying that the LLC is organized for an impermissible purpose
• Wordings related to the Olympics (e.g. Olympic, Olympiad, Citius Altius Fortius) without written consent of the United States Olympic Committee.
• Wordings stating or implying that the LLC is a University, College, Institute, or Institution without written consent from the Division of Consumer Protection.

Search for available Utah LLC names here

Vermont

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must be reserved or already registered with the state of Vermont. Your LLC name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined. 

Required words: 

• Limited company
• Limited liability company
• L.C.
• LC
• L.L.C.
• LLC
• Limited may be abbreviated as Ltd.  
• Company may be abbreviated as Co. 

Restricted words:

• Statute silent.

Search for available Vermont LLC names here

Virginia

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must be reserved or already registered with the state of Virginia. Your LLC name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined. 

Required words: 

• Limited liability company
• Limited company
• LLC
• LC
• L.L.C.
• L.C. 

Restricted/Prohibited words:

• Wordings that or imply that the entity is a corporation or limited partnership
• Any word or phrase that is prohibited by the law of Virginia

Search for available Virginia LLC names here

Washington 

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must be reserved or already registered with Washington and can contain members of the entity. Your LLC name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined. 

Required words: 

• Limited Liability Company
• Limited Liability Co.
• L.L.C.
• LLC

Restricted/Prohibited words:

• Bank 
• Banking
• Corporation
• Incorporated
• Corp
• Ltd.
• Inc.
• Banker 
• Trust
• Partnership
• Cooperative 
• Industrial
• Loan
• LP
• L.p
• LLP
• L.L.P.
• LLLP
• L.L.L.P. 
• Building
• Savings
• Home
• Association
• Society
• Any combination of the above words
• Any word or phrase prohibited by the laws of Washington
• Wordings that state or imply that an LLC is organized for an impermissible purpose

Search for available Washington LLC names here

West Virginia

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must be reserved or already registered with the state of Virginia. Your LLC name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined. 

Required words: 

• Limited Liability Company
• Limited Company
• L.L.C.
• LLC
• L.C.
• LC
• Limited may be abbreviated as Ltd. 
• Company may be abbreviated as Co.

Restricted words:

• Statute silent

Search for available West Virginia LLC names here

Wisconsin 

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must be reserved or already registered with the state of Virginia. Your LLC name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined. 

Required words: 

• Limited Liability Company
• Limited Liability Co.
• L.L.C. 
• LLC

Restricted words:

• Wordings that state or imply that an LLC is registered for an impermissible purpose

Search for available Wisconsin LLC names here

Wyoming

You will need a unique, original name for your LLC. Your chosen name must be reserved or already registered with the state of Virginia. Your LLC name must also adhere to the general rules for Naming an LLC as previously outlined. 

Required words: 

• Limited Liability Company
• LLC
• L.L.C.
• Limited Company
• LC
• L.C.
• Ltd. Liability Company
• Ltd. Liability Co.
• Limited Liability Co.

Restricted words:

• Wordings that state or imply that an LLC is registered for an impermissible purpose
• Wordings implying the an LLC is a corp., statutory close corp., or nonprofit corp.

Search for available Wyoming LLC names here

Wrapping Up

Regardless of the state you want to register your LLC in, it’s critical that you choose a name that meets the regulations of the territory, rightly represents your business’s core offerings, and stands your company out from competitors. 

If you’ve been able to come up with a name that ticks all the boxes; bravo! The next step is picking a domain name to match. You can simplify the process and save time by browsing our Premium Marketplace for the perfect domain name to go with your new LLC name.

Frequently Asked Questions About LLC Naming Requirements and Rules 

Should I put a comma before LLC?

There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to using commas in an LLC name. While it does not affect the legal status either way, it is crucial to be consistent with the use of the punctuation. If commas are included in the LLC’s articles of organization, the same name with commas should be used on all business documents and contracts. 

What words cannot be used in an LLC name?

While the restrictions vary by state, certain types of words are generally prohibited from use in an LLC name. This includes words that state or imply government affiliation. Examples of these words are Department or Bureau. 

Professional designations or industry identifiers also cannot be used if the business or principals of the entity are not licensed or registered in the field. Examples include Engineering, Doctor, Attorney, Credit Union, Insurance, Mortgage, Bank, Banking, etc. 

Additionally, vulgar, offensive, or socially sensitive terms may not be allowed for legal compliance. Overall, words that inaccurately or illegally characterize the nature of the services being offered by an LLC cannot be used in the LLC’s name.

Can you have symbols in your LLC name?

While some symbols and punctuation may be permitted in an LLC’s official legal name, their use is limited when it comes to tax documentation. Specifically, the IRS does not accept symbolic or punctuation characters in the company name fields on tax forms.

Should I put LLC on my logo?

No, you shouldn’t include LLC in your logo, as there is no legal requirement to do so. In fact, putting LLC on your logo can actually hurt your branding efforts by confusing customers and making the logo harder to trademark. In general, an LLC logo should aim to establish brand recognition without visually denoting its structure.