California LLC search: official name lookup and availability

Use the official California search

Start with the registry run by the California Secretary of State. Third-party directories can be useful for discovery, but the state record is the source to verify an entity's legal name, identifier and current public status.

Open the official California search ↗

• Search price: Free online search
• Name reservation: An available name can generally be reserved for 60 days through the Secretary of State.
• Formation cost guide: See California LLC fees and annual requirements

How to search without missing a match

Begin with the distinctive words. Entity endings, punctuation, spacing and plurals can hide close records when a search is too exact. Search several versions and open each likely match before concluding that a name is clear.

1. Open bizfile Online and select Business Search.
2. Search the key words without the LLC ending, then try exact and broader versions.
3. Review active, suspended, cancelled and terminated matches rather than assuming an inactive name is reusable.
4. Check the USPTO trademark database, web results and relevant domains for brand conflicts.
5. Reserve the name for 60 days if timing requires it, or submit the formation filing and wait for acceptance.

You can search by:

• Exact or partial business name
• California Secretary of State file number
• Close spellings, spacing and plural variants

What the result can tell you

A business lookup serves two jobs: finding an existing company and researching a proposed name. For due diligence, match the legal name and state identifier rather than relying on the brand shown on an invoice or website.

• Current entity status and formation or registration date
• Principal, mailing and agent-for-service-of-process details
• Statements of Information and available filing history
• Entity type and California file number

Status labels are state-specific. Active or in good standing generally means the registry currently recognizes the entity, while inactive, dissolved, cancelled, forfeited or revoked records need further review. A status page is not proof of ownership, creditworthiness, licensing or tax compliance with every agency.

Search result versus name approval

No online search gives a complete brand clearance. The state checks distinguishability under its entity rules when it reviews the reservation or formation filing. Trademark owners can still object to a confusingly similar commercial name even when the Secretary of State accepted the LLC filing.

• California applies a distinguishable-in-the-records standard and also rejects names likely to mislead the public.
• An online search is preliminary and does not reserve the name.
• The state advises against making financial commitments until the filing is accepted.

Also search the USPTO trademark database, general web results, relevant app stores, social platforms and domains. If the name is important to a launch, consider a trademark professional before investing in branding.

Review the official California reservation process ↗ · Read the nationwide LLC lookup guide