Texas LLC Name Search — How to Check Availability

Before filing your Certificate of Formation, you must confirm your desired LLC name is available on the Texas Secretary of State records. Texas requires that every business entity name be "distinguishable" from all other entities currently on file — including active corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and other registered organizations.

How to Search the Texas Business Name Database

The Texas Secretary of State maintains a searchable database through SOSDirect:

1. Go to https://direct.sos.state.tx.us/
2. Select "Name Availability Search" (no SOSDirect account required for searching)
3. Enter your desired LLC name
4. Review results — the system shows existing entities with similar names
5. If no conflicts appear, your name is likely available

Important: The SOSDirect name search is preliminary. The Secretary of State makes the final determination of distinguishability when you actually file your Certificate of Formation. A clear search does not guarantee approval.

You can also call the SOS at (512) 463-5555 for a preliminary name availability check, though this is informal and not binding.

Texas LLC Naming Rules

Under the Texas Business Organizations Code, your LLC name must meet these requirements:

Required designator — one of these must appear in the name:

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

Distinguishability standard:

• Your name must be distinguishable on the records of the Secretary of State from every other entity name or reserved name
• Minor differences do not make names distinguishable — "ABC LLC" and "ABC Limited Liability Company" are considered the same
• Punctuation, articles ("the," "a"), and spacing differences are typically not enough to distinguish names
• A different entity type suffix is not sufficient — "ABC LLC" conflicts with "ABC Inc."

Restricted words requiring additional approval:

• "Bank," "banking," "trust," "trust company" — requires Texas Department of Banking approval
• "Insurance," "surety," "mutual" — requires Texas Department of Insurance approval
• "University," "college" — requires Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approval
• Words implying government affiliation are prohibited outright

General restrictions:

• Cannot contain language stating or implying the entity is organized for a purpose other than permitted by law and its certificate of formation
• Cannot be the same as or deceptively similar to a state agency name

What "Distinguishable" Means in Practice

The Texas SOS uses a strict standard. These would likely be considered NOT distinguishable:

• "Texas Home Services LLC" vs. "Texas Home Service LLC" (singular vs. plural)
• "DFW Marketing LLC" vs. "DFW Marketing, LLC" (comma difference)
• "Elite Consulting LLC" vs. "The Elite Consulting LLC" (article added)
• "Johnson Holdings LLC" vs. "Johnson Holdings L.L.C." (designator variation)

These would likely be considered distinguishable:

• "Lone Star Builders LLC" vs. "Lone Star Designs LLC" (different word)
• "Capital City Consulting LLC" vs. "Capital Consulting Group LLC" (different structure)

Name Search Strategies

If your first choice is taken:

1. Add a geographic modifier — "Austin Digital Marketing LLC" instead of "Digital Marketing LLC"
2. Add an industry descriptor — "Smith Construction Services LLC" instead of "Smith LLC"
3. Use a distinctive coined word — unique invented names rarely conflict
4. Check if the conflicting entity is still active — inactive/forfeited entities still reserve the name for 3 years after termination

Before committing to a name, also check:

• Texas trademark database (Secretary of State)
• Federal trademark database (USPTO TESS)
• Domain name availability
• Social media handle availability
• Texas Assumed Name records (county clerk level)

FAQ

How long does a name search take?

Searching SOSDirect is instant. You get results in seconds. However, the final determination happens when you file your Certificate of Formation — processing takes 5-7 business days.

Can I reserve a name before filing?

Yes. File Form 501 (Application for Reservation of Entity Name) with a $40 fee. This reserves the name for 120 days while you prepare formation documents. See our name reservation guide.

What if my desired name is taken by an inactive entity?

Involuntarily terminated entities (forfeited for non-compliance) retain their name on the SOS records. You generally cannot use a name that is still on file, even if the entity is no longer active. You can petition the SOS or wait until the name clears, but this is unreliable. Choose a different name.

Does registering my LLC name protect it as a trademark?

No. Filing a Certificate of Formation gives you the right to use the name as a business entity name in Texas, but it does not provide trademark protection. For trademark rights, you need actual use in commerce and/or state/federal trademark registration.

Can I include "Texas" or "TX" in my LLC name?

Yes. There is no restriction on including state names or abbreviations in your LLC name, as long as the name meets all other requirements and is distinguishable.