Tennessee LLC Name Search – How to Name Your LLC


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is Tennessee’s Secretary of State page includes a name availability checker. Check out LLC Name Search to learn more.

Meanwhile, if you’re interested in learning more about starting an LLC in Tennessee or forming an LLC in general, you can check out How to Start an LLC.

How to Name an LLC in Tennessee

Time needed: 5 minutes

There are guidelines to follow in doing a Tennessee LLC name search. To learn more, check out LLC Naming Guidelines or read Foreign LLC Application for Registration if you’re planning to register a foreign LLC.

  1. Check Name Availability

    Search the Business Entity Records in Tennessee’s Official Secretary of State page to check if your chosen business name is available. You may also try typing your trademark, business, or domain name on any search engine to generate businesses with similar names and to ensure your trademark is unique and meets the state’s requirements.

    Check out How to File a DBA to learn more about registering a DBA or trademark. For social media pages, use Social Searcher to avoid using similar page names.

  2. Check Domain Availability

    If your business name is still available, you must register for a domain name using Namecheap, Google Workspace, or other domain name sites. So customers can easily find your business over the Internet. Use the Kinsta app to manage your domains efficiently.

  3. File Name Reservation

    A Name Reservation Certificate is required along with a Certificate of Formation. You can reserve a name online, by mail, or in-person with a $20 filing fee (plus tax for online).

    File your Certificate of Formation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of Tennessee. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to the Secretary of State’s office at 6th FL – Snodgrass Tower ATTN: Corporate Filing, 312 Rosa L. Parks AVE, Nashville, TN 37243.

Check Name Availability
Download Reservation form

Guidelines to Follow in Naming LLC

  • Use a business name with the abbreviation “LLC” or the phrase “Limited Liability Company.”
  • Your decided business name must not coincide with any existing government entity. Otherwise, you might have to face legal lawsuits when filing your LLC.
  • Use the LLC name availability checker to ensure your business name is unique.
  • Get a license first if you plan on using restricted words to avoid any complications.

Note that you must put adequate effort into naming your LLC because this name will be with your business for a long time. Making your LLC name unique is vital as it would prevent people from confusing your business with others, not to mention it would be easier for them to recall your business, products, or services.

How to Do Tennessee LLC Online Name Search

Naming any business is a vital step in establishing an LLC. The name you wish to choose needs to adhere to the guidelines along with being appealing to the consumers. Tennessee LLC name search may prove helpful in searching for the name availability. Here are the steps you can follow to search for any business name if your LLC is based in Tennessee:

  • Step 1: Visit Tennessee’s Secretary of State’s website
  • Step 2: The webpage displays the list of Business Services available, like ‘Form or register a new business’, ‘Find and update a business record’, and so on. Click on the ‘Search business availability’ option.
  • Step 3: A business information search page will appear. You need to fill in the details in the search tabs provided. You can also provide the control number. ‘Starts with’ and ‘contains’ options may help you in refining your search.

F.A.Qs

What is a Trade Name?

A trade name (doing business as (DBA) name) is the official name under which a proprietor or company chooses to do business.

Is having a domain name necessary?

Having a domain isn’t necessary, but it is recommended. If you have a domain name, customers will find you more accessible through online means with your online website.

What if my name is unavailable?

For domestic LLC, you can simply brainstorm for another name if the one you pick is no longer available. For foreign LLC, you must think up a “fictitious name,” which you’ll use only in the state.

How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in Tennessee

To reserve an LLC name in Tennessee you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Tennessee Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $20.

Reserving a name for your LLC is important because it ensures that no other business in Tennessee can use the same name. This can help protect your brand and prevent any confusion among customers. To reserve an LLC name in Tennessee, you will need to follow a few simple steps.

First, you will need to visit the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website and navigate to the Business Services section. Here, you will find a link to reserve a business name. You will need to create an account or log in if you already have one.

Next, you will need to search for the availability of the name you wish to reserve. The Tennessee Secretary of State’s website has a search tool that allows you to check if the name you want is already in use. You can also search for similar names to see if there are any potential conflicts.

Once you have found an available name, you can proceed with reserving it. You will need to fill out a form with the desired name, along with your contact information. There is a fee for reserving a name, which can vary based on how long you want to reserve it for.

After submitting the form and paying the fee, your name will be reserved for a specific period of time. In Tennessee, you can reserve an LLC name for up to four months. This gives you ample time to complete the necessary paperwork to officially register your business.

It is important to note that reserving a name does not automatically create an LLC. You will still need to complete the necessary paperwork, including filing Articles of Organization with the Tennessee Secretary of State. Reserving a name simply holds that name for your future use.

Overall, reserving an LLC name in Tennessee is a simple process that can help protect your business’s identity and brand. By taking the time to reserve a name, you can ensure that your business stands out in the marketplace and avoids any potential conflicts with other businesses.

If you are unsure of how to reserve an LLC name or need assistance with the process, it may be helpful to consult with a business attorney or advisor. They can provide guidance and support to ensure that your business is set up for success from the start.

In Conclusion

LLC names are important as it is the main identity of your business. While naming your LLC make sure to choose the one that suits the nature of your business. Follow the naming guidelines before you start filing your LLC name

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