This means the name cannot conflict with any name on the state business entity filing officer’s records. The name must also meet any requirements regarding prohibited or required words and phrases.

You must comply with the state’s naming requirements to expand your company to another state. There are also other names that your L.L.C. or corporation may use. These include assumed names, fictitious names, and domain names.

These are eight things to consider when changing or selecting your business name just like reborn baby nursery names for nursing businesses.

1. A legal name is required

for your business to be able to file the necessary documents legal name of an L.L.C. or corporation is what you use to file your state paperwork to create your L.L.C. or corporation.

It is listed on your formation document the name must comply with the state’s requirements for naming L.L.C.s and corporations.

2. One legal name can be used,

but you can also have more than one assumed name One “legal” name can be used for a business. It can, however, have multiple names. You can also use other business names as D.B.A.s if you have them.

For example, if your L.L.C.’s legal name was “Smith and Jones, L.L.C.,” then you can file a D.B.A. for “Best Painters” and another D.B.A. for “World Wide Painters.” These D.B.A. names can be used on your website, in ads, promotions, etc.

3. You must make your legal business name distinctive

Your L.L.C. or corporation legal name must be distinct from other entities listed with the state filing officer. The state could refuse to file documents to form your L.L.C./corporation if it is not. It is possible to file for an assumed or D.B.A. name in certain states. In many states, assumed names can be used to identify different companies.

Tip: Every state decides whether a name can be distinguished enough to be acceptable for filing.

4. The correct words should be included in your legal business name

States require that your L.L.C. or corporation’s legal name have specific words that indicate your business structure. Corporations A corporation name must typically include words such as Corporation, Incorporated, Company, Limited, or Abbreviations like Corp., Inc., Co., and Ltd.

Limited Liability Companies: The legal name of an L.L.C. must contain words such as Limited Liability Company, Limited Company, or Abbreviations such as L.L.C. (Limited Liability Company), L.L.C., L.C.L.C., or L.C. Liability Co.

5. No prohibited words or phrases should be included in your legal name

Some states have strict rules about what words can be used in business names. These are words the state considers to be inappropriate. Some words are used to protect the public from being misled. For example, a state may not allow the term “Insurance” to be used in the name or business name of a company that is not an insurance company.

It may also require approval from the Insurance Department before the word can be used. They also ban comments that suggest it is a type of entity it isn’t. For example, a limited liability company cannot have the name “corporation.”

6. Respect laws in all other states you’re qualified to do business

Your L.L.C. or corporation must meet the foreign state requirements to do business outside of its state of formation. This is known as foreign qualification. Most L.L.C. and corporate laws require that a foreign L.L.C./corporation name meet the exact requirements of a state’s domestic corporations or L.L.C.s. In addition, foreign states may need you to register an assumed or D.B.A. name if you wish to conduct business under it.

Name your corporation or limited liability company (L.L.C.), but there’s more than choosing the right name for your business. Before you file to form an L.L.C. or corporation, ensure that your name complies with the state L.L.C. and corporation laws.

This article covers the following:

1. A legal name is required for your business to be able to file the necessary documents

2. One legal name can be used, but you cannot have more than one assumed name

3. You must make your legal business name distinctive

4. The correct words should be included in your legal business name

5. No prohibited words or phrases should be included in your legal name

6. Respect laws in all other states you’re qualified to do business

7. If your L.L.C. or corporation isn’t available, you can adopt a fictitious title

8. Select a memorable name

9. Do a trademark search

10. Do a state-issued name check

11. Reserve your name to save time

Summary

This means the name cannot conflict with any name on the state business entity filing officer’s records. The name must also meet any requirements regarding prohibited or required words and phrases. You must comply with the state’s naming requirements to expand your company to another state. There are also other names that your L.L.C. or corporation may use. These include assumed names, fictitious names, and domain names.