One of the first steps in opening a new business is giving it a name.
You will want to choose a catchy, recognizable name that distinguishes your company from the competition.
In Texas, the name must also be unique. Fortunately, it is easy to quickly check if your new business’s name is available in Texas.
If you have questions about the Texas business name search, please contact us online today or call us at 512-410-0343 to schedule a confidential case review.
Starting a Texas business?
We’ll Check Your Business Name for Free
Not sure whether your desired business name is available in Texas? Contact Massingill and we’ll run an initial Texas business name availability search for you at no cost.
If the name looks available, we can also help you take the next step: forming your LLC, corporation, partnership, or professional entity correctly.
Request a Free Name SearchChecking the Name Is Only the First Step
A Texas business name search can tell you whether a name appears to be available, but it does not form your company, protect your brand, create an operating agreement, or resolve ownership issues between founders.
If you are starting an LLC, corporation, partnership, or professional entity in Texas, Massingill can help you choose the right structure, file the formation documents, prepare internal agreements, and avoid common mistakes that create legal problems later.
Talk to a Texas Business Formation Attorney
5 Ways to Check Business Name Availability in Texas
1. Email
The Texas Secretary of State’s email for business inquiries is corpinfo@sos.texas.gov. They will answer any questions regarding whether your business’s name is already taken.
2. Call
The Texas Secretary of State’s office will also answer business name availability questions at 512-463-5555. This hotline is staffed Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time.
3. Fax
The Texas Secretary of State can be reached via fax at 512-475-2761. There may be fees associated with making an inquiry via fax.
4. Mail
The Texas Secretary of State Corporations Section can be reached by mail at:
Business & Commercial Section
Secretary of State
P.O. Box 13697
Austin, Texas 78711
There may be fees associated with making inquiries by mail.
5. In Person
The Secretary of State Corporations Section is also open in person from Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The address is 1019 Brazos St., Austin, Texas 78701.
Online Texas Business Name Availability Search
Searching a Texas online database might be the simplest way to find out if your business’s name is available in Texas.
Comptroller
The Texas Comptroller’s Taxable Entity Search provides a free avenue to determine if your business’s name is already claimed.
Simply type your desired company name in the search field, then press search, and a list of business entities that contain the name will be produced. If no matches are found, your business’s name is likely available.
Secretary of State
The Texas Secretary of State also runs an online business service called SOSDirect. You can search to see if your business’s name is available through this site.
However, you must create an account and pay a one-dollar fee for each search.
Factors to Consider Before You Start a Texas Business Name Search
Some rules and regulations govern the naming of your business in Texas. The regulations differ depending on the type of business entity.
To start, a business’s name can include only the following characters:
- Numbers in Arabic numeral format,
- Letters A through Z (lowercase or capitalized), and
- The following symbols: “!?=+-$%#*@[]/()&.
Additionally, there are several naming conventions every business must follow, including:
- Corporation names must include “corporation,” “company,” “incorporated,” “limited,” or an abbreviation of one of those terms;
- Limited liability company names must include “limited liability company,” “limited company,” or an abbreviation of one of those terms;
- The name must be unique;
- The name cannot imply an illegal purpose;
- The name cannot include “lottery” or “lotto” in it;
- The name cannot contain grossly offensive words;
- The name cannot imply a connection to a government entity; and
- Other requirements depending on the business.
Applying a name that violates these rules wastes time and money.
What to Do After Your Texas Business Name Is Available
If your desired name appears to be available, the next step is deciding how the business should be legally structured. Before filing, consider:
- Whether an LLC, corporation, professional entity, or partnership is the right fit;
- Who will own the business and how profits, losses, and voting rights will be handled;
- Whether you need a company agreement, bylaws, shareholder agreement, or partnership agreement;
- Who will serve as registered agent;
- Whether the name creates trademark or branding concerns;
- Whether licenses, permits, or professional rules apply; and
- How the business will handle future buyouts, disputes, or ownership changes.
A quick name search is useful, but strong formation documents are what help prevent expensive disputes later.
Texas Business Name Search FAQs
Does an available business name mean my LLC is formed?
No. A name search only helps determine whether a name may be available. You still need to file formation documents with the Texas Secretary of State and prepare the internal documents your business needs.
Should I form an LLC before or after checking name availability?
You should check name availability before filing formation documents. But before filing, you should also decide who owns the company, who manages it, how decisions are made, and what happens if an owner leaves.
Can two Texas businesses have similar names?
Sometimes, but similar names can create filing problems, branding confusion, or trademark concerns. The Secretary of State’s name rules are only one part of the analysis.
Do I need a lawyer to form a Texas LLC?
You are not required to use a lawyer, but legal guidance can help avoid mistakes involving ownership, management rights, company agreements, liability protection, and future disputes.
Download Our Free Texas Business Startup Checklist
Starting a business in Texas involves more than choosing a name and filing paperwork. Click here to download our free Texas Business Startup Checklist.
Expert Guidance for Securing Your Business Name in Texas
If you need to register a business in Texas, Massingill is here to help. Our experienced business attorneys make the legal processes required to start a business simple.
Our team will focus on the legal issues, so you don’t have to. Contact us today online or call 512-410-0343 to schedule your free consultation.
Where You Can Find Our Austin, Texas Office
Joshua Massingill
Joshua Massingill is an attorney practicing in Austin, Texas. He serves on the Texas State Bar’s Law Practice Management Committee, the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation (LEEF) Board of Directors, and the Success-Werx Board of Advisors. He mentors young entrepreneurs in Leander ISD’s INCubatorEDU program and is active in his church.
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