How to Check LLC Name Availability In Texas

Are you interested in forming an LLC in the state of Texas? Knowing how to check LLC name availability is one important step on your path towards business success. As a business lawyer, I’m here to help guide you through that process and ensure that everything goes smoothly. If you need  help give our office a call now.

In this blog post, I’ll explain exactly how to see if a particular name is available when it comes to registering your LLC with the Texas Secretary of State. Keep reading for helpful tips and advice on the importance of choosing a unique business name!

One of our most popular questions is always about how to choose a name for your Texas business, LLC or entity. I wanted to answer that question (just generally) in a quick video from our Business Attorney YouTube Channel. Please call (832) 509-0445.

Choosing a Business Entity Name in Texas

Video Summary:

Today we’ll be discussing how to name your Texas business entity, and how to search for available names.

First, you should consider what you want to call your company (before you begin to spend time and money on marketing, letter head, graphics, web design, logos, websites, and business listings).

It’s advisable to consider a name that is easily identifiable (to employees, customers, on internet listings). It helps when the business name is easy to spell, and easily recognizable in association to your business or service.

It’s important to engage a business law firm such as this one. We will perform the necessary research to ensure that your LLC, or business entity name complies with all local, state, and federal regulations (Trademarks, Availability, etc.).

Searching for Business Name At Texas Secretary of State

You can conduct a preliminary search for name availability online at the Texas Secretary of State’s website. In the alternative, call our law firm at (832) 509-0445 and we will perform all the necessary due diligence for you (*recommended option).

10 Steps To Form An LLC In Texas

  1. Choose a name for your LLC.
  2. File a Certificate of Formation with the Texas Secretary of State.
  3. Appoint a registered agent for your LLC.
  4. Create an operating agreement for your LLC.
  5. Obtain any necessary licenses and permits for your business.
  6. Open a business bank account for your LLC.
  7. Comply with all annual reporting requirements.
  8. Hold annual meetings of your LLC’s members/managers.
  9. Keep accurate records of your LLC’s finances.
  10. Dissolve your LLC when it is no longer needed.

You can see that there are more than a few things that might go wrong in this process, or that you may need some specialized knowledge and training to complete. If you need help checking your LLC name availability, then give our LLC attorneys a call.

Forming a Business Entity in Texas

When picking a business name, you have to consider that the name needs to be legally available in the State of Texas, and also anywhere else you choose to operate. We can help with this process.

When you file for a name with the Tx Secretary of State, they will warrant that this name is not authorized to be used in violation of the Trademark Act of 1946. Therefore, State and Federal Trademark compliance will need to be considered. A trademark may be in use properly, even though it is not actually registered. Which is one reason why we suggesting always engaging an attorney for this process.


The Houston Business Attorneys help large and small businesses in the Houston, Tx area. Call now for a free consultation.

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LLC Name Availability Check FAQ

Is my LLC name already taken?

It might be available. You need to verify with the Texas Secretary of State first. We can do this for you. Call our LLC lawyers today.

How do I do a taxable entity search with the Texas Comptroller?

You can visit the Comptroller website for more info at mycpa.cpa.state.tx.us/coa, but the best course of action is to contact a business attorney and a certified public accountant who focus on helping business entities with taxes.

What agency handles business name registration?

In Texas, you will want to check with the Secretary of State first. There may be other State, Local, and Federal agencies that you will need to consult with as well, depending on the type of business you are engaging in. Contact your attorney for more info.

Business Law References

  1. Texas Comptroller Taxable Entity Search https://mycpa.cpa.state.tx.us/coa/
  2. Texas Secretary of State Name Filings https://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/namefilingsfaqs.shtml#:~:text=If%20you%20wish%20the%20secretary,by%20the%20secretary%20of%20state.
  3. Search the Texas Secretary of State Website https://www.sos.texas.gov/search.shtml