Texas Secretary of State requires "distinguishable" LLC name. 22% rejection rate statewide. Search SOSDirect database thoroughly. Cannot conflict with existing TX business, assumed name, or trademark filed with Texas SOS.
Texas LLC Name Requirements
Must contain "Limited Liability Company", "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Ltd. Liability Co." Must be distinguishable from all existing Texas entities. Cannot contain restricted words without approval. Cannot falsely suggest government or corporate affiliation.
What "Distinguishable" Means in Texas
More lenient than "too similar" standard in other states. Names must be meaningfully different when spoken. Minor differences that create distinguishability: Additional descriptive word, Different industry-specific term, Geographic distinction, Distinct first word.
Texas Distinguishability Examples
Likely distinguished: "Apex Marketing" vs "Apex Consulting". "Blue Sky LLC" vs "Bluesky LLC" = NOT distinguished (spacing only). "Texas Home Services" vs "Home Services of Texas" = NOT distinguished (word order). "AAA Plumbing" vs "AAA Services" = likely distinguished (different focus).
Common Texas Mistake: Filing LLC name similar to a filed assumed name (DBA). Texas checks DBAs too. Someone's DBA in Harris County blocks your LLC statewide. Check both entity database AND assumed name database.
Searching Texas Business Names
Use Texas Comptroller Taxable Entity Search for active businesses. Use SOSDirect for entity name availability. Check both databases (not identical). Search assumed names separately at county level.
SOSDirect Search Process
Navigate to Name Availability section. Enter your desired name without designator. System returns conflicts immediately. Shows active entities, reserved names, and marks on file. Run multiple variations to be safe.
Texas Assumed Names (DBAs)
Texas maintains statewide assumed name registry (unlike most states). Assumed name filed in ANY Texas county creates statewide conflict. Your LLC name can't match any DBA in Texas. Check county clerk records for comprehensive search.
County-Level DBA Records
Each of 254 Texas counties maintains own records. Many not digitized/searchable online. High-population counties searchable: Harris County (Houston), Dallas County, Tarrant County (Fort Worth), Bexar County (San Antonio), Travis County (Austin). Rural counties often require phone call or visit.
Restricted Words in Texas
Require state approval or licensing: Bank, Trust, Credit Union (Department of Banking). Insurance, Surety (Department of Insurance). Lottery, Casino (specific restrictions). Engineer, Architect (requires license verification). Attorney, Law (must have licensed attorney as member/manager).
Getting Texas Approval
Submit request to relevant state agency. Include professional licenses. May require board resolution. Processing: 2-4 weeks typically. Some words never approved for LLCs (e.g., "Bank").
Texas Name Reservation
Reserve name for 120 days. Costs $40 online via SOSDirect. Prevents others from taking name. Renewable for additional 120 days. Useful for competitive names in major metros.
When to Reserve in Texas
Operating in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio (high competition). Name is single common word or short phrase. Need time to secure funding or location. Coordinating multi-state formations. Want trademark clearance first.
Professional LLCs in Texas
Licensed professionals can form PLLC. PLLC name must indicate professional service. All members/managers must be licensed. Additional restrictions on name use. Same $300 filing fee as regular LLC.
Texas PLLC Professions
Required for: Accountants, Architects, Attorneys, Chiropractors, Dentists, Engineers, Optometrists, Physicians, Veterinarians, Mental health professionals, Physical therapists. Name often must include profession ("Smith Medical PLLC").
Texas LLC formation: $300 filing fee online (SOSDirect). Processing time: 5-7 business days standard. Expedited options: 2-3 business days (+$25), 24 hours (+$100). Rejected names require new filing and fee.
Series LLC Naming in Texas
Texas allows Series LLCs. Master LLC name follows standard rules. Each series can have own name: Must include "Series" or abbreviation. Must reference master LLC. Example: "Acme Holdings LLC - Series A", "Acme Holdings LLC - Retail Series".
Series LLC Name Strategy
Master LLC: Generic holding company name. Individual series: Specific operational names. Each series protected under master LLC. Separate branding possible per series. Check domain availability for each series name.
Foreign LLC Registration
Formed LLC in another state? Operating in Texas requires foreign registration. Name must be available in Texas. If taken: File under different name, Register with amendment to name, Use assumed name in Texas.
Texas Foreign LLC Costs
Foreign LLC registration: $750. Certificate of Existence from home state: $20-50. Registered agent in Texas: $100-300/year. Total first year: $870-1,100.
Trademark vs Texas Registration
Texas LLC registration provides NO trademark rights. Only prevents identical name in Texas. Someone in other states can use your name. Federal trademark needed for nationwide protection.
Texas SOS Trademark Registry
Texas maintains separate trademark registry (rare among states). $50 per class. Provides Texas-only protection. Not substitute for USPTO federal filing. Mainly used by TX-only small businesses. Check this registry during name search.
Domain and Online Presence
Secure .com domain before filing LLC. Texas customers expect YourName.com. Check social media handles. Consider geographic domains (.texas, .houston) as secondary.
Texas Business Domain Priority
Must have: .com (non-negotiable for credibility). Should have: Instagram, Facebook handles. Nice to have: LinkedIn company page, Twitter/X handle. Texas-specific: .texas TLD (low priority, .com matters more).
Changing LLC Name After Formation
File Certificate of Amendment with Texas SOS. $150 filing fee. Requires member/manager vote per Operating Agreement. Processing: 5-7 business days. Update with: Texas Comptroller (franchise tax), IRS (informational), Banks and vendors, Licenses and permits.
Name Change Costs
TX SOS amendment: $150. New website/materials: $500-5,000. Updated business cards/signage: $200-2,000. Bank/vendor notifications: Time investment. Lost brand equity: Unquantifiable. Total: $850+ plus disruption.
Multi-Entity Name Strategy
Building multiple businesses? Reserve core brand variations. File primary operating LLC first. Use DBAs for sub-brands or test concepts. Register trademarks for valuable brands. Consider holding company structure.
Texas Franchise Tax Consideration: Multiple LLCs mean multiple franchise tax reports. DBAs under one LLC = single tax report. Structure affects admin burden and costs.
Texas LLC Name Checklist
Search Texas SOS entity database. Search Texas Comptroller database. Check county assumed name records (major counties minimum). Search USPTO federal trademarks. Check Texas SOS trademark registry. Verify .com domain available. Check social media handles. Confirm restricted word approval if needed. Reserve name if in competitive market ($40). File formation documents via SOSDirect ($300).
Trademark Lens searches Texas databases, USPTO trademarks, domains and social simultaneously. Identifies conflicts before you spend $300 on filing fees.