Before you form a limited liability company (LLC), register a trade name, or start a corporation, you’ll need to complete a business name search with the Pennsylvania Business Search tool to see if your name is unique.
In our Pennsylvania Business Name Search guide, we’ll show you exactly how to check LLC name availability in Pennsylvania.
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Search NowHow to Check if Your Pennsylvania LLC Name Is Available
Checking if your desired LLC name is available involves a few key steps, such as ensuring your business name follows state requirements and performing a domain name and state search. These are the steps you need to take to determine if your business name is available in Pennsylvania.
1. Follow LLC Naming Rules
Before you perform an LLC name search, you need to make sure your business name follows the state’s business name requirements.
Some key guidelines for Pennsylvania LLC names include:
- Your name must include “company,” “limited,” or “limited liability company;” an abbreviation of one of those terms; or words or abbreviations with the same meaning.
- Your name must be distinguishable from any existing business in the state. This includes Pennsylvania reserved names.
Keep an eye out for restricted words. These words, such as “FBI” or “Treasury,” are often restricted to keep your LLC from sounding like an official institution.
Pennsylvania also has the following restrictions for LLC names:
- Your name can’t include any words that imply it’s a business corporation, such as “corporation” or “incorporated” or an abbreviation of these terms.
- You may need approval from the state’s Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, Department of Education, Department of Banking and Securities, Insurance Department, or Public Utility Commission to include certain restricted words.
For more information, check out the PA Business One-Stop Shop website.
Distinguishability
It’s important that your name be distinguishable from all other business names. In Pennsylvania, a distinguishable name is one that’s substantively different from all other existing or reserved business names in the state.
Business entity type identifiers (e.g., “LLC” and “Corporation”) do NOT make a name distinguishable in Pennsylvania.
Failure to use a distinguishable name could result in the rejection of your formation filing.
2. Search for LLC Names
To start, you’ll need to confirm that your business name is available at the state level. This ensures the name you’ve selected isn’t already in use by another business in the state. You can check your business name availability by searching the Pennsylvania Business Search online database.
3. Check Available Domain Names
When choosing a business name you’ll need to find out whether or not a good web domain name is available. Having a URL that clearly matches your business name is important. This small step can make a big difference in how prospective customers find your business.
The best way to determine if your desired URL is available is to search for it using your preferred domain registry, such as GoDaddy.
What if my LLC name is already taken? Our free AI-powered LLC name generator will give you thousands of new ideas.
4. Reserve Your LLC Name
You may reserve your LLC name in Pennsylvania for up to 120 days before you officially register it with the state. This prevents other businesses from registering your name until you have the opportunity to register it yourself.
You can file a name reservation online or by mail with the Pennsylvania Department of State. The filing fee is $70.
5. Conduct a Trademark or Service Mark Search
Protect your business identity with a meticulous trademark search. Use the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)‘s online database to check if your desired name or logo is already trademarked. Remember, state-level LLC name availability doesn’t ensure federal trademark clearance. Need professional guidance? Our review of trademark services for startups can help.
6. Form Your Pennsylvania LLC
Pennsylvania requires you to form an LLC by submitting a Certificate of Organization to the Department of State. This process registers your business with the state and secures your business name — a crucial final step in your LLC name search process.
Your Certificate of Organization must include the LLC’s name, registered office address, and the name of each of the LLC’s organizers. Pennsylvania also allows you to include optional provisions, such as stating whether the LLC is managed by managers or members, giving you flexibility in defining your business structure.
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Start NowPennsylvania LLC Name Search FAQ
How do I check if an LLC name is taken in Pennsylvania?
To conduct an LLC or Pennsylvania corporation search, you can use the state’s Business Search tool to see if your business name is available.
Should I name my LLC after myself?
While there’s no rule against naming a Pennsylvania limited liability company after yourself, most experts advise against doing this.
One of the benefits of starting an LLC is the ability to choose a different name for your business, which can make it sound more professional.
To explore other naming options, use our free AI-powered LLC name generator.
What words can’t be used in a Pennsylvania LLC name?
Business names generally can’t include words that imply the company is a banking or financial institution or that it’s affiliated with a local, state, or federal government agency.
Additionally, you may need approval from Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, Department of Education, Department of Banking and Securities, Insurance Department, or Public Utility Commission to include certain restricted words.
Should I use an LLC name generator?
If you’re having trouble choosing a name for your LLC, an LLC name generator can help you come up with some ideas.
What is a brand name?
A brand name is a name a company gives to a product or line of products. It can be the same as the company’s name or something different.
Learn more about branding with your business entity name with our How to Name Your LLC guide.
Do I have to include LLC in my name?
Yes. Pennsylvania requires that its LLCs use “company,” “limited,” or “limited liability company,” or an abbreviation of one of those terms, or words or abbreviations with the same meaning in their legal name.
Do I need to renew my business name in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania doesn’t require LLCs to renew their name.
Can my business name be different from my LLC name in Pennsylvania?
Some companies choose to operate under a name that’s different from their legal name. This can either be called a “doing business as” (DBA) name or a fictitious name in Pennsylvania.
In Pennsylvania, LLC fictitious names are filed with the Department of State.
Learn more about fictitious names with our Pennsylvania DBA guide.
Does my LLC need a DBA name?
Your LLC doesn’t need a DBA name unless it plans to do business under a name other than its legal name. Learn more about Pennsylvania DBA names by reading our guide to filing for a DBA and selecting Pennsylvania from the drop-down menu.