How To Change An LLC Name (2024 Guide)

There are several reasons why you may want to change the LLC name, including the following:

• Avoid brand confusion: If your name is too similar to a competitor or a brand in another industry, you may want to change the name to avoid confusion in the marketplace.
• Align with business growth: Perhaps your business has grown beyond what was initially envisioned. Maybe you provide more products or services than when the business was launched, and you want your business name to reflect that expanded scope. If this is the case, you may want to change the LLC’s legal name.
• Make legacy adjustments: If a founding member of the LLC has died or left the firm, the company may want to change the legal name to remove this person’s name from the business name.

Numerous steps should be considered before you begin the process of changing the name of your LLC, which we have listed here.

Consider Alternative Options

Changing the legal name of an LLC involves additional time, money and resources, so you should first consider whether there are other ways to achieve the desired outcome. For instance, if you want to distinguish your LLC from another company with a similar name, you may be able to accomplish this by filing a “doing business as” (DBA) or trade name.

If there is an error with the legal name, you may be able to file a Certificate of Correction to fix typographical errors with the LLC name instead of undergoing the process of a name change.

Plan for Rebranding Efforts

Changing the LLC name involves more than just filing paperwork with the state agency and updating your LLC operating agreement. It also involves updating your website, replacing marketing materials and company swag, updating company signage, notifying the public of the name change and notifying customers, clients, suppliers and vendors of the name change. Before you change the LLC’s legal name, you should assess what will need to be completed as part of the rebrand so that there are no surprises.

Confirm That the New LLC Name Is Available

Before you change the LLC name, you’ll need to confirm that the name you want is available in your state. You should also do a Google search to see if there are any conflicting results and search the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database to confirm that the name isn’t trademarked for the types of goods or services you offer.

Confirm Requirements to Change the LLC Name

If the new name is available, you’ll next want to look at the LLC’s articles of organization to confirm the corporate governance requirements necessary to change the LLC name. For instance, the articles of organization may require approval of LLC members to change the name. If your operating agreement doesn’t mention name changes, consult your state’s LLC laws for guidance.

To officially change your LLC’s name, you’ll need to approve the change formally and file documents with the state.

Prepare and Update LLC Documents

1. Adopt a resolution approving the name change. If approval of LLC members is required, the resolution will need to be signed by a requisite number of the members. In many states, you will not need to file a resolution with the state to change your LLC’s name.
2. Make sure your LLC is in good standing with the state. “Good standing” usually means that your LLC has filed required annual reports, paid reporting fees and maintained a registered agent. You may not be able to change your LLC’s name if it is not in good standing.
3. File Articles of Amendment with the Secretary of State or applicable state agency. This happens at the same time that you submit the required filing fee. Exact forms and requirements vary by state but, in many states, you can file this document online.
4. Amend your LLC Operating Agreement to reflect the new name. This should be your last step before filing your new documentation.

Notify Agencies and Other Related Parties

After you’ve formally changed your LLC name, you’ll need to inform everyone you do business with.

1. Notify local, state and federal regulatory agencies, taxing authorities and licensing agencies.
2. Update the LLC name on business accounts.
3. Notify customers, clients, vendors and suppliers of the LLC name change.
4. Update LLC business name on marketing materials, including company website, swag and other collateral.

While the process of filing an LLC name change isn’t difficult, there are several things to consider before changing the name and several steps to take after the name change to achieve the desired outcome.