How to Change Your LLC Name

Learn how to change your LLC name with availability checks, an Amendment to Articles of Organization, and updates to the EIN, bank, and IRS records.

Why owners change an LLC name

Businesses rebrand, owners get married, or the old name simply stops fitting. Changing your LLC name is a legal process, but it is a short one. The key is to do it in the right order: check availability, file the amendment, then update every record that carries the old name. Learning how to change your LLC name takes about a week of calendar time and a filing fee of $25 to $200, depending on your state. The LLC itself stays the same, so you keep your EIN and your tax history.

Step 1: Check name availability

Your new name must be available in your state and must include an entity designator such as LLC or Limited Liability Company. Search your Secretary of State's business database to confirm no other company is using it. Also check the federal trademark database if you plan to use the name nationwide. Some states let you reserve a name for a small fee while you prepare the amendment. Pick a name that is easy to spell and search, because customers will type it into Google.

Step 2: File the Amendment to Articles of Organization

The official document is usually called an Amendment to Articles of Organization or a Certificate of Amendment. You file it with the Secretary of State, and the fee ranges from about $25 to $200 depending on the state. The form asks for your current name, your new name, and the date of the change. Most states process online amendments within a few business days. Once approved, the new name is official, and you should update your operating agreement to match. See our start an LLC guide for the filing basics.

Step 3: Update the IRS and your EIN

A name change does not require a new Employer Identification Number. The EIN belongs to the entity, and the entity continues. You do need to tell the IRS about the new name so your account records match. Send a letter to the IRS with your EIN, your old name, and your new name, or update the responsible party and address through the IRS business account. If you file a return before the IRS processes the change, use the new name and note the old one. Our EIN number page has the details.

Step 4: Update your bank, permits, and accounts

After the state approves the change, update everything that carries the old name. Start with your business bank accounts and credit cards, because the bank will want to see the approved amendment. Then update business licenses, sales tax permits, insurance policies, and vendor contracts. Tell your customers, suppliers, and the post office about the new name. Update your website, email, and social profiles so customers are not confused.

When you need a DBA instead

Sometimes you do not want to change the legal name at all. You can register a DBA, which stands for doing business as, to operate under a different name while the LLC keeps its legal name. A DBA is cheaper and faster than an amendment, usually $10 to $100 per county or state. It does not change your EIN, your tax classification, or your legal identity. Use a DBA for a product line or a storefront brand, and use a formal amendment when the company itself is rebranding.

Costs and timing by state

Amendment fees vary widely. States like Texas and Florida charge around $25 to $30, while others charge $100 or more. Processing times range from same-day online approval to several weeks by mail. Some states also require you to be current on annual reports before they accept the amendment. Check your Secretary of State website for the exact fee and form. If you are also updating your registered agent, see our registered agent page for how that filing works.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to change an LLC name?

The amendment filing fee ranges from about $25 to $200 depending on your state. Add a small fee if you reserve the name first or pay for expedited processing.

Do I need a new EIN when I change my LLC name?

No. The EIN belongs to the LLC, and the entity continues after a name change. You only need to notify the IRS of the new name.

How long does a name change take?

Online amendments are usually approved within a few business days. Mail filings can take several weeks. Updating your bank, permits, and accounts adds a few more days.

Can I change my LLC name to anything I want?

Only if the name is available in your state and includes an entity designator like LLC. You cannot use a name that is confusingly similar to another registered business.

Do I need to update my operating agreement?

Yes. Amend the operating agreement to reflect the new name so your internal records match your state filing.