How to Change Your LLC Name

Step-by-Step Process

1. 1

   Review Your Operating Agreement and Get Member Approval

   Before you file anything with the state, check your LLC's operating agreement for name-change provisions. Most agreements require either a majority vote or unanimous consent of all members. If your LLC has multiple members, hold a formal vote and document the resolution in writing with signatures from all approving members.

   If your operating agreement is silent on name changes, your state's default LLC statute governs. In most states, a majority of members can approve an amendment. Solo LLC owners can skip the vote but should still create a written resolution for your records.

   • Pull out your operating agreement and search for "amendment" or "name change" provisions
   • Draft a member resolution documenting the approved new name and the date of the vote
   • Have all approving members sign the resolution
   $0Same day Internal LLC records (no state filing required for this step)

   Common Mistakes

   • Filing the state amendment before getting the required member vote, which can invalidate the filing
   • Not documenting the vote in writing, which creates disputes later if members disagree
2. 2

   Search Your State Database for Name Availability

   Every state requires your new LLC name to be "distinguishable" from existing business names on file. If you skip this step and your chosen name is taken, the state will reject your amendment, and you will lose time (and possibly your filing fee). Search your state's business entity database before filing.

   Here are the free search tools for the top states:

   • California: BizFile Online
   • Texas: SOSDirect
   • Florida: Sunbiz
   • New York: NY DOS Entity Search
   • Delaware: Delaware Division of Corporations

   Also confirm your new name complies with your state's naming rules. Most states require "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" in the name. If you want guidance on choosing a strong name, see our guide on how to register a business name.

   $0 (most states offer free online searches); New York charges $5 per name for formal availability inquirySame day Your state's Secretary of State website (see links above)

   Common Mistakes

   • Searching only for an exact match instead of checking for names that are deceptively similar
   • Forgetting to include the required LLC designator (LLC, L.L.C., or Limited Liability Company) in the new name
3. 3

   File the Articles of Amendment (or Certificate of Amendment) with Your State

   This is the core filing that legally changes your LLC name. The form name varies by state: California uses the "Amendment to Articles of Organization," Texas and Delaware call it a "Certificate of Amendment," and Florida uses "Articles of Amendment." You will need to provide your current LLC name, the new name, your state filing number, and the effective date.

   State filing fees as of 2026:

   • Florida: $25 (filed via Sunbiz)
   • California: $30 (filed via BizFile Online)
   • New York: $60 (paper filing to NY Department of State; add $5 for a stamped copy)
   • Pennsylvania: $70 (Bureau of Corporations)
   • Texas: $150 (filed via SOSDirect)
   • Delaware: $200 (filed with Division of Corporations; add $50 for a certified copy)

   If your LLC is registered as a foreign LLC in other states, you must also file an amendment in each of those states.

   $25 to $200 depending on your state1 to 10 business days for online filings; 4 to 6 weeks for New York paper filings Your state's Secretary of State or Division of Corporations (see links in description)

   Common Mistakes

   • Filing the wrong form (New York has three different amendment forms; use the Certificate of Amendment for 'name change only')
   • Not requesting a stamped or certified copy of the approved amendment, which you will need for the IRS, banks, and other updates
   • Forgetting to file matching amendments in every state where the LLC is foreign-qualified
4. 4

   Notify the IRS of Your LLC Name Change

   The IRS needs to know about your new name so your EIN records stay accurate. The good news: you do not need a new EIN for a name-only change. The IRS keeps your existing EIN and simply updates the name linked to it.

   How you notify the IRS depends on your LLC's tax classification:

   • Multi-member LLC (filing Form 1065): Check the "Name Change" box on Form 1065, Page 1, Line G, Box 3 when you file your next return
   • LLC taxed as S Corp (filing Form 1120-S): Check the box on Form 1120-S, Page 1, Line H, Box 2
   • Single-member LLC: There is no "Name Change" box on Schedule C, so you must send a written letter to the IRS at the address where you file your return. Include your EIN, old name, new name, and a copy of the state-stamped Certificate of Amendment

   IRS processing takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks. If you have not received confirmation within 60 days, mail a second copy of your letter marked "Second Request." For more on S Corp elections, see our guide on how to start an S Corp.

   $04 to 6 weeks for IRS processing IRS (via your next tax return or by mail to the IRS address where you file your return; see IRS.gov for your specific address)

   Common Mistakes

   • Sending the IRS letter to the wrong address (the correct address depends on your state and entity type)
   • Assuming single-member LLCs can just check a box on their tax return (they cannot; a written letter is required)
5. 5

   Update Your State Tax Agency and Local Licenses

   Your state's Department of Revenue (or equivalent tax agency) maintains separate records from the Secretary of State. You must notify them separately. In Texas, contact the Comptroller of Public Accounts. In California, notify the Franchise Tax Board. In Florida, update your records with the Department of Revenue.

   Also update any local business licenses, professional permits, or industry-specific registrations that display your LLC name. Common items to check include:

   • City or county business licenses
   • Sales tax permits
   • Professional licenses (real estate, contracting, healthcare)
   • Health department permits
   • Alcohol or food-service licenses

   Failing to update these can result in fines or suspended permits. If you need a refresher on annual filings, check out our LLC annual report requirements guide.

   $0 to $100 (varies by agency; most state tax updates are free)1 to 2 weeks Your state's Department of Revenue or tax agency, plus any local licensing offices

   Common Mistakes

   • Only updating the Secretary of State and forgetting the separate state tax agency
   • Missing city or county license renewals that still show the old LLC name
6. 6

   Update Your Bank Accounts, Contracts, and Financial Accounts

   Your bank will need a copy of your state-stamped Certificate of Amendment to update your business account name. Most banks process this in 1 to 5 business days, but call ahead because some require you to visit a branch in person. Bring your amendment document, your EIN confirmation letter, and a government-issued ID.

   Make a checklist of every financial account and relationship that references your LLC name:

   • Business checking and savings accounts
   • Business credit cards and lines of credit
   • Payment processors (Stripe, PayPal, Square)
   • Accounting and payroll software
   • Insurance policies (general liability, E&O, workers' comp)
   • Vendor contracts and service agreements
   • Lease agreements

   For help choosing a new account, see our list of the best business bank accounts.

   $0 (most banks do not charge for name updates)1 to 2 weeks to update all accounts Each bank or financial institution individually (bring your stamped Certificate of Amendment)

   Common Mistakes

   • Depositing checks under the new LLC name before the bank has updated the account, which can cause rejected deposits
   • Forgetting to update payment processors and invoicing software, leading to mismatched transaction records
7. 7

   Revise Your Operating Agreement and Update Marketing Materials

   Your operating agreement is an internal document, but it should reflect the current legal name of your LLC. Draft an amendment to the operating agreement stating the new name, the effective date, and have all members sign it. Keep this with your LLC records alongside the member resolution from Step 1.

   Finally, update all external-facing materials where your old name appears:

   • Website, domain name, and email addresses
   • Social media profiles and business directories
   • Signage, business cards, and letterhead
   • Google Business Profile and Yelp listings
   • Trademark registrations with the USPTO (if applicable)

   If you filed a DBA under your old name, you may also need to cancel that DBA and file a new one. See our DBA filing guide for details. For LLCs that are dissolving instead of renaming, our how to dissolve an LLC guide covers that process.

   $0 to $500+ (legal drafting is free if DIY; trademark updates cost $125 per class at the USPTO)1 to 4 weeks for full rollout Internal LLC records; USPTO (if you hold registered trademarks)

   Common Mistakes

   • Not formally amending the operating agreement, which creates confusion if disputes arise or new members join
   • Leaving the old LLC name on contracts or vendor agreements, which can cause enforceability issues