Free Georgia Business Name Check
Starting a business? Use our free name check tool to check your business name against the Georgia Secretary of State records.
By clicking "Check Availability," I agree to LegalZoom's Terms of Use. This search is a preliminary check of state databases and does not include variations or trademarks. Results do not guarantee name availability or compliance with legal requirements.
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They made starting a business easy
They made starting a business easy. It took me an hour to get all the right documents done for starting an LLC. After an hour my business was registered and ready to go.
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Such an easy process helping us set up…
Such an easy process helping us set up our LLC! LegalZoom thinks of everything that we are still learning.
Legal Zoom made setting up my LLC so…
Legal Zoom made setting up my LLC so easy. They asked all the right questions and got my business going!
Fast process and very easy steps
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The experience of setting up my own LLC…
The experience of setting up my own LLC was both quick, easy and simple
Efficient and professional assistance…
Efficient and professional assistance in quickly setting up my LLC. Started an application with Tailor Brands and later learned my expedited fee was only to submit to the State within two days, even though their website advertised 24 hours for an LLC formation and EIN. Should have started with Legal Zoom! Spoke with Gianna on the phone to set it up, logged into my account, and was done in an hour! Thorough and reliable.
BEST PHONE CALL IN THE 364.25 DAYS OF 2025
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Super easy to navigate
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My LLC setup
My LLC was set up quickly and efficiently, Thank you for the great job. Due today and completed today.
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Starting a new LLC. Ali walked me through the entire process in less than 10 minutes. Quick, easy and highly professional. Thanks!!
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Legal Zoom enabled me to very quickly and economically set up my LLC
They made creating my llc such an easy…
They made creating my llc such an easy process and gave me plenty of options. I genuinely never even thought of. So happy I had this option.
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LegalZoom was great to start my first LLC
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Legalzoom help me set up my LLC efficiently. The instructions were simple, and I had a positive experience overall.
Legalzoom made starting my LLC fast, easy, and stress-free.
legal Zoom Concierge
legal Zoom Concierge agent, Jelly, called me and walked me through the process of selecting how I wanted to set up my LLC with through explanations. I recommend using the Legal Zoom concierge for customers not yet familiar with the process of creating and LLC.
So Helpful…
Legal Zoom is quick and easy to create a New Corporation. The price is fair. Thank you for all your assistance.
I’m new to all this basically my first…
I’m new to all this basically my first time filing for a corporation on my own and I didn’t last in 30 minutes. This is great thank you it just walks you through everything you need with answering questions. Did you already know
Leogilyn Pavo was so helpful
Leogilyn Pavo was so helpful. I needed to change my business address and Leogilyn walked me through the process step by step. Leogilyn even looked up specific answers about my corporation so I could fill out the required forms correctly. I couldn’t have done this without Leogilyn’s help!
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Genaro was a great listener, remembered everything we spoke about and then walked me through the process of moving my LLC into a Corporation. Glad I called rather than try to do online - we got it all done in about 20 minutes.
Spoke clearly, was professional and very knowledgeable about his business
Edgar was so pleasant and professional and I will be sending more people to him for their corporation needs as well!! He is so knowledgeable about the sales products he sells. This was a flawless and simple process bc of him!
Nonprofit Advisor, Daniel Morgan is great
When I spoke with my nonprofit advisor Daniel, he was very thorough with explaining everything to me. I am new to this process and he made this experience a pleasant one.
I'm a lawyer with almost 40 years of…
I'm a lawyer with almost 40 years of experience. I'm a DIY around the house handyman, and I DIM in law, but was short on time to establish a New York non-profit corporation in advance of actually moving to New York. Legal Zoom and Ms. Angeles were amazing. This project was accomplished with their professional zeal, and saved me a pile of time and money. Respect!
Legal Zoom takes the guesswork out
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Legal Zoom was incredibly user friendly…
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Gail Vyeda Deserves Recognition — Outstanding Support!
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The couple of representatives I spoke with while in the process of registering my nonprofit and applying for the 501(c)3 status were professional, friendly, knowledgeable.
LegalZoom has been a great source to…
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Willie is the man!!
Willie did a great job answering all my questions and helping me understand different aspects of what what happens when starting my nonprofit with Legalzoom. Great customer service experience!
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Being a business owner of two businesses...
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Gerald was extremely helpful to me in…
Gerald was extremely helpful to me in getting my order processed. He made it easy for me to just answer a question and continue with the process of setting up my nonprofit.
Outstanding Work
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Kurt was very helpful and provided all the information needed to successfully complete the DBA process.
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KIERVE has Excellent Customer Service
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Joe was extraordinary! I called to add a DBA to my existing LLC, and he got straight to the point with exactly what I needed. He went above and beyond by taking the time to answer my questions thoroughly and even checked my account. He pointed out a couple of things for me to review, and if that wasn’t enough, he even sent me a screenshot so I knew exactly what he was referring to. Wow—what an asset to your company! Loyal customer here!
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Love how easy to understand the process…
Love how easy to understand the process of formation they have made!
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The request I made for formation documents was taken care of immediately and professionally. They were very helpful in getting me what I needed.
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Using Legal Zoom made my business…
Using Legal Zoom made my business formation very easy. The program is user friendly and explains every step clearly.
Legal Zoom is a true one stop shop
This is the second company I have formed using Legal Zoom. They say what they are going to do and they do it. Legal Zoom provides all the tools and services you will need to quickly start your company, allowing you to focus on your business. The business formation specialist I spoke with, Juan was great; extremely knowledgeable and professional while giving me the feeling that I was talking with an old friend.
The agent was extremely helpful and…
The agent was extremely helpful and gave me the info that I was looking for. As soon as I got off of the phone with her, I got the official acceptance of my business formation!
Seamless Support from Day One
I was impressed by how quickly Alan, my Business Formation Specialist, reached out to me. Having support from day one is incredibly reassuring, especially as I navigate starting my first business. I look forward to seeing how my relationship with LegalZoom and my experience with their services evolve.
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I recently utilized LegalZoom's services. The platform was user friendly, making the complex process of business formation straight forward and accessible. The customer service team was knowledgeable and responsive, promptly addressing all my inquiries. The efficiency and professionalism demonstrated by LegalZoom have provided me with confidence and peace of mind. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking reliable business formation assistance.
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The business formation specialist Ramses Cardenas understood my needs and articulated well the company's product. I chose the pro package because it was my best option based on the information Ramses supplied. The process was quick easy and to the point.
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Find a name, launch your dream
A great name is the foundation for your brand and your legal structure. Our guide makes it fast and easy to find a name that works, so you can focus on launching your dream company.
Find a name, launch your dream
A great name is the foundation for your brand and your legal structure. Our guide makes it fast and easy to find a name that works, so you can focus on launching your dream company.
Pick the perfect name
Choose a business name that speaks to your company’s values and services. Avoid names that use unusual characters or that are overly complicated.
File business formation documents with the Georgia Secretary of State. You can also reserve your business name for up to 30 days.
Registering a business in Georgia only protects your business name within the state. For comprehensive, nationwide protection, consider filing for a trademark.
Start your business, guided by experience
Start your business, guided by experience
From naming your business to registering it as an LLC, our services help ensure accuracy and let you start your business with confidence. Let us handle the details so you can focus on your vision.
From naming your business to registering it as an LLC, our services help ensure accuracy and let you start your business with confidence. Let us handle the details so you can focus on your vision.
100% Accurate Filing Guarantee
100% Accurate Filing Guarantee
We're committed to the highest quality and accuracy. If your filing is rejected or incorrect
due to our error, we'll correct it with the government agency at no additional cost to you.
We're committed to the highest quality and accuracy. If your filing is rejected or incorrect due to our error, we'll correct it with the government agency at no additional cost to you.
How to Conduct a Georgia Business Search
Run a Georgia business name lookup to see if your preferred business name is available for use in the state. It can also give you information about companies already on file.
How to Conduct a Georgia Business Search
Run a Georgia business name lookup to see if your preferred business name is available for use in the state. It can also give you information about companies already on file.
Key takeaways
Check with the Georgia Secretary of State (SoS) to confirm if your chosen business name is available or if it’s already claimed by another company.
LegalZoom’s free business name search is a preliminary check for the availability of your preferred business name with the state.
The Secretary of State may reject your application if your preferred name is too similar or identical to one already in use.
Conduct a comprehensive search before filing your business formation documents to reduce your risk of your application being rejected.
Get into the details of a business name search below, and learn more about registering a business in Georgia.
Why conduct a Georgia business search
A Georgia business name search helps you confirm whether your preferred name is available before you file formation documents with the Georgia Secretary of State. If your name is already in use or too similar to an existing entity, the Georgia Corporations Division will reject your filing, costing you time and money and potentially delaying your business launch.
Example: If “Peach State Provisions” is already registered, choose a different or more distinguishable name, like “Georgia Home Goods,” to help avoid confusion.
Who needs to conduct a Georgia business name search
Any business planning to register with the Georgia Secretary of State’s Corporations Division should run a business name lookup before filing formation documents. Georgia requires all business names to be distinguishable from those already registered. If your name is too similar to one already registered, your business registration may be rejected.
These are the business entities that should run a name check before filing:
Limited liability companies. Georgia LLCs should run a business name search before filing their formation documents. LLCs must also include “LLC,” “Limited Liability Company,” or “L.L.C.” in their business name.
Georgia corporations. Corporations registering in Georgia should check their preferred business name before registering in the state. They must also include “Incorporated,” “Inc.” or “Corp.” in their name.
Nonprofits. Like for-profit corporations, Georgia nonprofit organizations must follow naming guidelines and must register with the state to qualify for nonprofit tax incentives.
Limited partnerships. These entities should search for business names with the Georgia SoS before registering. They must also adhere to name availability rules by including “Limited Partnership” or “LP” in their name.
Sole proprietorships and general partnerships. Though these business entities typically don’t have to file formation documents with the Secretary of State, they may still want to run a business name search for any trade names or “doing business as” names they wish to use.
A full list of name requirements can be found in the Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia. Read more about each of these entity types below.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
The simplest, most flexible way to structure your business to protect personal assets.
Read about LLCs
Corporation
(S corp or C corp)
Corporation
(S corp or C corp)
A more complex structure with the ability to issue shares and go public, or go global.
Explore corporations
Partnership
(LP or LLP)
Partnership
(LP or LLP)
Allows business partners to work together while maintaining some liability protections.
Partnership basics
Doing business as
(DBA)
Doing business as
(DBA)
A way to change your public-facing name without having to make changes to your business entity.
Dig into DBAs
What are Georgia’s business naming rules?
Georgia requires businesses to register and operate under unique and distinguishable names that keep customers from confusing one business with another. These are some of the rules you’ll need to keep in mind when coming up with your business name:
Your name must be distinguishable. The name you choose must be unlike any other registered with the Georgia Secretary of State.
Your name must include the required designator. Depending on your business entity type, you must include “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” “Limited Liability Company,” “Limited Company,” “LTD,” “Co,” “LC,” or similar designation in your registered name.
You must avoid using restricted terminology. Businesses cannot use "association," "corporation," "incorporation," or abbreviations of these unless they operate as an association or corporation.
You must avoid using names that imply government affiliation. Businesses cannot use terms that imply a government agency (e.g., State Department, CIA, Treasury).
You must get approval for certain names. You may need to get approval from the a governing agency like the Department of Banking and Finance if you use terms like “bank” or “credit union,” the Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner if you use terms like “insurance” or “surety,” and the Public Postsecondary Education Commission if you use “university” or “college” in your name.
Note: Georgia imposes a length restriction of 80 characters, including spaces and punctuation, for all business names registered with the state.
The Secretary of State will review your name to ensure it complies with all appropriate regulations. If it doesn’t, your application may be rejected.
How to conduct a Georgia business name search with LegalZoom
LegalZoom’s free Georgia Business Name Check tool searches the Georgia Secretary of State database for names registered in the state. Type your preferred business name in the tool and select the type of business you’re starting (LLC, corporation, or nonprofit) from the dropdown menu. Then, let the tool search for exact matches and close variations of your business name.
The instant check is free to use and gives you a preliminary idea of your name’s availability based on the names already on file with the Georgia Secretary of State. You should still search for similar names and consider running state and national trademark searches.
Other ways to search for Georgia businesses
Though searching for a business by name is a great way to see what other names are currently in use, there are other Georgia business lookups that you may need to run. The method you choose will largely depend on the information you have before starting your search.
Control number
Georgia assigns a unique identifier number to each registered business. This number is called the control number, and you can search for businesses by this number on the SoS’ website.
This search can be useful if you don’t have the company’s name but do have their control number, which you may find in certain types of credit report or legal document.
Registered agent
If you have the name of a business’ registered agent, you can also use that to search. Registered agents are the required legal point of contact for corporations and LLCs registered in Georgia. They receive communications on behalf of the business and their contact information is available as part of the public record.
Step 1: Find the agent. Use the Georgia Secretary of State’s business search tool to search for an agent. You can search by the agent’s first or last name, or a portion of it.
Step 2: Contact the agent. Once you have the list of agents, you can contact the agent you’re interested in to learn more about a business they represent.
This search is typically only needed if you’re trying to send legal documents to a business or need contact information that isn’t otherwise available or disclosed by the state.
Employer identification number (EIN)
If you have a business’ employer identification number, you may be able to search for information using this number, however, you won’t be able to run the search through the SoS.
Use a third-party service provider. Companies like Dun & Bradstreet allow you to search for a company using its EIN, often for a fee.
Run a search with credit bureaus. You can research and identify companies using their EINs through credit bureaus. For example, an Experian Business Credit Report allows you to check a company’s financial and legal standing before partnering with them or using their services.
Most businesses won’t need to run EIN searches. However, if you’re trying to get more information about a company’s financial history or credit information, these searches could help. EIN searches can be common for B2B transactions where you might only have the other company’s tax ID for compliance reasons.
Need name ideas?
LegalZoom offers a free AI-powered business name generator tailored to over 40 industries, including real estate, construction, and photography. It's fully customizable to your business, your market, and your brand.
Other searches to do before registering your business in Georgia
Business name searches are a great place to start, but there are a few other searches you’ll want to run before filing your formation documents with the state to make sure your business name is the best choice.
LegalZoom trademark search
Registering a business name in Georgia only protects it within state lines. Other businesses in other states can legally use it, unless the name is trademarked. LegalZoom’s trademark searches let you see if your business name is already registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). You have two options.
Use LegalZoom’s free trademark search tool. LegalZoom’s Free Trademark Search checks the United States Patent and Trademark Office database for names matching your search terms. You can browse the status and class details of each matching result.
Get more information with a comprehensive trademark search. Our Comprehensive Trademark Search executes a full-scope search of existing and pending marks with the USPTO and provides ranked results to help pinpoint potential conflicts. You can select between a federal search and a combined federal, state, and common law search, based on your specific needs.
With our free trademark lookup tool, you can search as many names as you want. When you’re ready to register your trademark, turn to LegalZoom’s Premium Trademark Registration service—the #1 trademark filer with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. 1
State and USPTO trademark search
It’s a good idea to search for existing trademarks using your business name or any other assets you’re thinking of using in your business. In Georgia, you can search for trademarks registered in the state by using the Georgia Corporations Division trademark search tool.
You can also run a search for nationally registered trademarks through the USPTO’s Trademark Center database or use LegalZoom’s free trademark search tool.
Both tools let you search for nationally registered trademarks. If you find that another business is already registered under your preferred name, you can make a change before infringing on their trademark.
These searches are essential for core assets, such as:
Your business name
Taglines
Brand-specific symbols
Georgia trade name search
Trade names, sometimes called “doing business as” names, are registered with the Clerk of the Superior Court in the county where the business operates. To search for that trade name, you’ll need to go to the county’s Superior Court website or contact the local court for help with a records search.
Domain name search & social media search
Your brand’s identity relies on your business’ online presence, like your domain name and social media accounts. Both are major parts of modern marketing strategies, and a unique online presence can help set your business apart from the competition.
Check availability. Make sure your preferred domain name for your website is available by checking with major domain registrars, like GoDaddy or Namecheap, to see if your preferred name is available as a top-level domain such as .com or .net.
Use search engines. Search for your preferred domain name or any variations you may want to use on major search engines. This includes sites like Google, Bing, Yahoo, and DuckDuckGo.
Browse social media. Check different social media platforms, like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, for channels that use names similar to or identical to your preferred name.
When your online accounts match your legal business name, customers are less likely to mix your business up with your competitors.
What to do after a Georgia business name lookup
Once you know that your business name is available, you can register your business with the state.
Register your name with the Georgia Secretary of State by submitting your formation documents, or reserve your name if you’re not ready to register just yet. You can also work with a business formation service like LegalZoom to start your Georgia business with confidence.
Register trademarks for any slogans, names, logos, or symbols you want to use. LegalZoom’s trademark registration service is the #1 trademark filer with the USPTO. 1
Register a trade name if you want to run your business with a name that’s different from the one you use to register your company with the state. This can be a good choice if you want to drop “Inc” or “LLC” from your name. It can also be a good choice if you decide to change your name or want to use a more colloquial name in public. LegalZoom’s trade name filing service handles the paperwork for you.
What to do after you’ve registered your business name
Reserve a domain name and social handles
Reserve a domain name and social handles
Your online presence is just as important as your storefront. Here’s how to secure it:
Claim your domain name
Choose a domain that matches your business name as closely as possible.
Check social media availability
Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn are key for connecting with customers.
Think long-term
Even if you don’t plan to use all platforms right away, securing them now ensures you won’t lose them later.
Protect your brand with a trademark
Protect your brand with a trademark
A trademark ensures your business name is legally yours and provides:
Exclusive rights
Prevents competitors from using your name.
Legal protection
Enforces your rights in court if necessary.
Brand credibility
Demonstrates professionalism and trustworthiness.
LegalZoom’s trademark registration service connects you with experienced attorneys who guide you through every step of the process, increasing your likelihood of approval.
LegalZoom can help you file your state's formation paperwork for as little as $0 + state filing fees.
Frequently asked questions
How can I reserve a business name in Georgia?
You can reserve a Georgia business name for 30 days by filing a name reservation application with the Georgia Secretary of State online or by mail. The fee is $25 online or $35 by mail, and it is nonrefundable.
Does running a business name search in Georgia cost anything?
If you use LegalZoom’s business name search tool or run a search directly through the Georgia Secretary of State’s website, your business name check will be free. Both tools are free to use, and you can search for as many names as you want to find a unique choice that matches your brand and your values.
Does a business name search guarantee availability in Georgia?
Unfortunately, no. Running a business name search with either LegalZoom’s free name check tool or through the Georgia Secretary of State’s database is just a preliminary search. This means they can give you a general idea of whether another business is using a name identical to or similar to your preferred name.
If you want to guarantee availability for your business, you’ll need to file formation documents with the state. If your registration is approved, your name is clear and available. If it’s rejected, your name may already be registered by someone else.
What if the business name I want is already taken?
If your preferred business name is already taken by another Georgia business, you can try changing your preferred name to make it more distinguishable or choose a different name entirely. Try to come up with several options before you run your first business name search. This way, you’ll already have a few backups in mind before you pay to register your business. If you’re not sure where to start, consider using LegalZoom’s name generator for inspiration.
Can I use a business name that’s similar to an existing one in Georgia?
Generally, no. Georgia requires that your business name be "distinguishable" from all other entities registered with the Secretary of State. Even if a name doesn't appear as an exact match in the search, the SoS may reject your filing if it's too similar. Consider running your name by a legal professional if you're unsure.
Get helpful tips and information
1 LZ Legal Services is the number one law firm filer by volume for US-based businesses at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
