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naming rulesUpdated 2026-03-31

Georgia LLC Name Rules

Restricted Words and Regulated Terms

Georgia prohibits or restricts certain words in LLC names to protect the public from confusion with regulated industries and institutions. You cannot use banking, trust, credit union, savings and loan, or educational terms unless you obtain prior approval from the appropriate state regulator.

Banking and Financial Terms

You cannot use Bank, Banc, Banque, Banker, Banking Company, Banking House, Bancorp, Bankruptcy, Bancshares, or Bankshares in your LLC name without written approval from the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance. These restrictions are codified in Georgia SOS Name Availability Standards (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 590-7-2).

Similarly, Credit Union and Savings & Loan are restricted and require the same approval. If your LLC name contains any of these words, you must obtain written approval from the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance before the Secretary of State will approve your Articles of Organization.

Trust-Related Terms

The words Trust, Trust Company, Trusted, and Trusting all require approval from the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance. This restriction applies even if your LLC does not actually provide trust services—the word itself triggers the requirement.

Educational Institution Terms

If your LLC name includes College or University, you must obtain written approval from the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission before filing. This rule prevents confusion with accredited educational institutions.

Obtaining Approval Before Filing

All restricted-word approvals must be obtained before you submit your Articles of Organization. The Secretary of State will not approve your filing if restricted words are present without documented regulatory approval. Contact the relevant state agency early in your naming process if you plan to use any of these terms.

Name Search and Availability Check

You can search Georgia's business entity database for free using the Georgia Secretary of State's online search tool at https://ecorp.sos.ga.gov/BusinessSearch. This database includes all active and inactive LLCs, corporations, limited partnerships, and other registered entities in Georgia.

To perform a name search, visit the Business Search URL and enter your proposed LLC name. The system will return all matching or similar names on file. Review the results carefully to confirm that no other entity has a name that is confusingly similar to yours.

The search tool also allows you to search by entity type, control number, and registered agent name. If you are unsure whether your proposed name is distinguishable, you can search for variations and related terms to get a complete picture of what is already registered.

Perform your name search before you reserve or file your LLC name. This step takes only a few minutes and can save you from filing rejection or costly rebranding later.

Name Reservation Process and Duration

If you want to lock in your LLC name before you file your Articles of Organization, you can reserve the name with the Georgia Secretary of State for a fee of $35.00 (consisting of a $25 filing fee plus a $10 service charge). A name reservation lasts for 30 days from the date of approval, or until you file your Articles of Organization, whichever comes first.

To reserve a name, you submit a Name Reservation request through the Georgia Secretary of State's online filing system at https://ecorp.sos.ga.gov/Account. The Secretary of State will review your request and either approve or deny it based on the distinguishability standard. If approved, you receive a name reservation number that you can reference when you file your Articles of Organization.

The 30-day reservation period gives you time to prepare your Articles of Organization, arrange for a registered agent, and finalize other formation details without worrying that someone else will file an LLC with your chosen name. However, the reservation is not a guarantee of approval—the Secretary of State still reviews your Articles of Organization for compliance with all naming rules when you file.

If your 30-day reservation expires before you file, you can reserve the name again for another $35. Alternatively, you can proceed directly to filing your Articles of Organization without a reservation, but you risk rejection if the name is no longer available.

DBA and Trade Name Registration

Georgia does not register trade names or "doing business as" (DBA) names with the Secretary of State. If you want to operate your LLC under a name different from the legal LLC name on file with the Secretary of State, you must register that DBA name locally.

You register a DBA by filing with the clerk of superior court in the county where your business is located. This is a local filing, not a state filing. Each county has its own fee schedule and filing procedures, so you must contact your county clerk's office directly to learn the specific requirements and costs for your county.

When you file a DBA, you are notifying the county that you are operating under an assumed name. This filing is often required before you can open a business bank account, obtain a local business license, or sign a commercial lease under the DBA name.

Some counties require you to publish notice of your DBA in a local newspaper. Check with your county clerk to determine whether publication is required in your jurisdiction. Publication requirements and costs vary significantly by county.

If you operate under a DBA without registering it with your county clerk, you may face penalties and may be unable to enforce contracts signed under the DBA name. Register your DBA promptly after forming your LLC if you plan to use a name other than your legal LLC name.

Contact Information and Filing Resources

The Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division is your primary resource for LLC naming rules and filing. You can reach them at:

The Corporations Division staff can answer questions about name availability, restricted words, and the filing process. They cannot provide legal advice, but they can clarify how Georgia's naming rules apply to your specific LLC name.

You can also submit questions through the Secretary of State's website. Response times vary, but the Corporations Division typically replies within 2-3 business days. For time-sensitive questions, calling the phone number above is faster.

Keep the Secretary of State's contact information handy throughout your LLC formation process. You will need it to reserve your name, file your Articles of Organization, and handle annual registrations and other compliance filings.

FAQ

Q: What happens if I file an LLC name without the required designator?

A: The Georgia Secretary of State will reject your Articles of Organization filing. You must include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C." in your legal business name. Resubmit your filing with the designator included.

Q: Can I use "Ltd." or "Inc." instead of "LLC" in my Georgia LLC name?

A: No. Georgia requires one of three specific designators: "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C." Alternative abbreviations like "Ltd." or "Inc." are not permitted and will result in filing rejection.

Q: How long does a name reservation last in Georgia?

A: A name reservation lasts for 30 days from the date of approval, or until you file your Articles of Organization, whichever comes first. If the 30 days expire without filing, you can reserve the name again for another $35 fee.

Q: Do I need approval to use the word "Trust" in my Georgia LLC name?

A: Yes. The words "Trust," "Trust Company," "Trusted," and "Trusting" all require written approval from the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance before you file your Articles of Organization. This applies even if your LLC does not provide trust services.

Q: Where do I register a DBA in Georgia?

A: You register a DBA with the clerk of superior court in the county where your business is located—not with the Georgia Secretary of State. Each county has different fees and publication requirements, so contact your county clerk directly for specific procedures.

Q: Can two Georgia LLCs have the same name?

A: No. Your LLC name must be distinguishable upon the records of the Georgia Secretary of State from all other filed corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships. Identical or confusingly similar names will be rejected.

Q: Is the name search tool free?

A: Yes. The Georgia Secretary of State's Business Search tool at https://ecorp.sos.ga.gov/BusinessSearch is free and available to the public. Use it to verify your proposed name is available before filing or reserving.

Q: What is the filing fee for Articles of Organization in Georgia?

A: The Articles of Organization filing fee is $110 ($100 filing fee + $10 service charge) when filed online. Standard processing takes about 7 business days.

Q: Can I place the LLC designator at the beginning of my business name?

A: Yes. You can place the designator at the beginning, middle, or end of your business name. For example, "LLC Consulting Group" and "Consulting Group LLC" are both compliant with Georgia's naming rules.

Q: What restricted words require approval from the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission?

A: The words "College" and "University" require approval from the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission before you file your Articles of Organization. Contact the Commission through the Georgia Secretary of State's office for approval procedures.

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