Open your state’s website for filing steps and forms.
Texas LLC Name Availability Search
Check your LLC name in Texas, then review your formation options.
Check a business name.
Checking your name.
Checking name availability in your selected state.
Your result
Final name approval is made by the state.
About this check
STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS
Texas LLC Naming Rules and Legal Standards
State examiners evaluate proposed entity names against codified statutes. Review the rules on entity designators, distinguishability, and name reservations before filing.
Must contain the phrase "limited liability company" or "limited company," or an abbreviation of one of those phrases (e.g., "LLC," "L.L.C.," "LC," "L.C.").
Statute:
Tex. Bus. Orgs. Code § 5.056
Must be distinguishable in the records of the Texas Secretary of State from the name of any existing filing entity, a registered foreign filing entity or its fictitious name, a reserved or registered name, and any registered series of a Texas LLC.
Statute:
Tex. Bus. Orgs. Code § 5.053
The following words are restricted or require regulatory approval in Texas:
Authority:
Texas Secretary of State - Business & Public Filings Division
OFFICIAL ENTITY INFORMATION
Texas Filing Agency & Quick Facts
Essential administrative details from the official filing authority for Texas business registrations.
Filing Agency
Texas Secretary of State - Business & Public Filings Division
Agency Website
Official Database
Business Entity Records
Official Search Tool
LLC Formation Fee
$300
Certificate of Formation for a Texas LLC. Texas SOS Form 205 instructions list a $300 filing fee.
Name Reservation
$40
Effective hold period: 120 days.
Hold window: 120 days for a statutory fee of $40. Paying the $40 fee by credit card adds a statutory 2.7 percent convenience fee, which brings the card total to $41.08. Paying by check or money order keeps it at $40.
Filing link:
Official Reservation Portal
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Texas LLC Naming Questions
Common legal and procedural questions regarding business name availability in Texas.
What entity designators are accepted for an LLC in Texas?
Must contain the phrase "limited liability company" or "limited company," or an abbreviation of one of those phrases (e.g., "LLC," "L.L.C.," "LC," "L.C.").
Codified in Tex. Bus. Orgs. Code § 5.056.
How does Texas determine if a business name is distinguishable?
Must be distinguishable in the records of the Texas Secretary of State from the name of any existing filing entity, a registered foreign filing entity or its fictitious name, a reserved or registered name, and any registered series of a Texas LLC.
Codified in Tex. Bus. Orgs. Code § 5.053.
Can I hold or reserve an LLC name in Texas before filing?
Yes. You can reserve a business name for 120 days by paying the statutory fee of $40. Paying the $40 fee by credit card adds a statutory 2.7 percent convenience fee, which brings the card total to $41.08. Paying by check or money order keeps it at $40.
A name reservation is optional and protects your candidate name while you prepare formation documents.
Does a clear search result guarantee state approval?
No. This is a preliminary record search, not state approval. Official clearance is determined solely by state filing examiners when your formation documents are received and reviewed.