A Texas LLC name must include "Limited Liability Company," "Limited Company," or an abbreviation such as LLC or L.C., and must be distinguishable from every other entity name, reservation, and registration on file with the Texas Secretary of State. Some words need approval from another state agency first.
Required Words (the Designator)
Every Texas LLC name must end with an organizational designator. You can't leave it off, and you can't use a corporation's designator such as Inc. or Corp.
- Accepted for an LLC: Limited Liability Company, Limited Company, LLC, L.L.C., LC, L.C.
- A professional LLC (PLLC) must instead include "Professional Limited Liability Company" or an abbreviation such as PLLC.
The Name Must Be Distinguishable
Under Texas Business Organizations Code section 5.053, your name must be distinguishable in the Secretary of State's records from existing Texas entities, out-of-state entities registered in Texas (including their fictitious names), registered series, and any active name reservation or name registration.
The detailed tests are in Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Chapter 79, Subchapter C. In general, small differences like the designator, punctuation, spacing, or "the" don't make two names distinguishable. Adding a different word usually does.
Letters-only names are treated as one word. For example, the state's own rules say "A and B Trucking, Inc." is distinguishable from "AB Trucking, LLC."
Words That Need Approval From Another Agency
Texas won't accept certain words unless you include a consent or no-objection letter:
- Bank, trust, trust company, or similar terms: no-objection letter from the Texas Banking Commissioner.
- College, university, medical school, law school, and similar terms: no-objection letter from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
- Architect, architecture, interior design, landscape architecture: approval from the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners.
- Words protected by federal law (for example, "Olympic") need consent from the organization that controls them.
- Names can't suggest the LLC is a government agency, and can't imply a purpose the LLC isn't allowed to have.
Check Availability Before You File
Search the Secretary of State's records first. For an informal early answer, the Corporations Section will give a preliminary opinion by phone at (512) 463-5555 or by email. That opinion isn't final. The name is only approved when your filing is accepted, so don't order signs or cards until then.
The Texas Comptroller's free Taxable Entity Search is another way to see which names are already in use.
Reserving a Name (Optional)
If you're not ready to file, you can reserve a name for 120 days with Form 501. The fee is $40. You can renew by filing again during the last 30 days of the reservation, and there's no limit on renewals. A reservation can be used to form any type of entity.
Doing Business Under a Different Name (Assumed Name / DBA)
If your LLC will use any name other than its exact legal name, file an Assumed Name Certificate (Form 503) with the Secretary of State. The fee is $25. Since September 1, 2019, LLCs file only with the Secretary of State, not with the county clerk.
A certificate lasts up to 10 years. If your information changes in a way that makes it misleading (such as a new address or name), file a new certificate within 60 days. Texas law has civil and criminal penalties for using an assumed name without filing.
Filing an assumed name doesn't give you exclusive rights to it. Several businesses can file the same assumed name.
Heads Up: Texas Changed Its Online Filing System in September 2026
On September 29, 2026, the Texas Secretary of State replaced SOSDirect and SOSUpload with a new system called SOSPortal. Filing, searching, and ordering copies all happen there now. Older guides (including ours, before this update) may still mention SOSDirect.
SOSPortal accepts ACH and credit card payments and uses multi-factor sign-in. Prepaid client accounts from SOSDirect did not carry over.
Want a Checklist Built for Your Business?
Answer five questions and we'll save your Texas business details for your personalized roadmap.
Free • About 60 seconds • No purchase required
Common Mistakes
Leaving off the designator or using "Inc." or "Corp." for an LLC.
Assuming a preliminary name check by phone or email is final approval.
Using a trade name on signs and invoices without filing an Assumed Name Certificate.
Assuming state approval means you own the name. Approval doesn't protect you from a trademark claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Texas LLC name have to include "LLC"?
It must include "Limited Liability Company," "Limited Company," or an abbreviation of either, such as LLC, L.L.C., LC, or L.C.
How long does a Texas name reservation last?
120 days. The fee is $40 (Form 501), and you can renew during the last 30 days of the reservation.
Where does a Texas LLC file a DBA?
With the Texas Secretary of State using Form 503, for $25. LLCs no longer file assumed names with the county clerk.
Official Sources
This guide is general information, not legal, tax, or insurance advice. Requirements can change; verify with the agency before acting.
Related LLC Guides
How to Start an LLC in Texas
The full step-by-step guide, fees, and ongoing requirements.
Read the GuideTexas Registered Agent Requirements
Who can be a registered agent in Texas, the physical address rule, consent requirements, how to change agents (Form 401), and what happens if you don't keep one.
Read the GuideTexas Contractor Licensing and Registration
Texas has no statewide general contractor license, but electricians, HVAC, and plumbing businesses need state licenses and insurance, and most cities require registration.
Read the GuideTexas Professional Licenses and PLLCs
When a Texas business needs a professional LLC (PLLC), who can own one, and how to find the state licenses and permits your business needs.
Read the GuideSurety Bonds for Texas Businesses
When Texas businesses need surety bonds: public works performance and payment bonds under Government Code Chapter 2253, bid bonds, and local or industry bonds.
Read the GuideBusiness Insurance Requirements in Texas
Texas business insurance: optional workers' compensation and the DWC Form-005 non-subscriber notice, license-required liability insurance, commercial auto, and professional liability.
Read the Guide