You can reserve a California LLC name for $10, and that reservation holds the name for 60 days while you prepare your formation filing. Start with the free bizfile Online search from the California Secretary of State to check availability, then file a name reservation request and pay the $10 fee. The reservation does not form your LLC, and it does not replace the $70 Form LLC-1 filing, but it gives you time to finish paperwork before someone else claims the name.
Start With the Free bizfile Online Search
The smartest first step costs nothing. The California Secretary of State offers a free bizfile Online search that lets you look up existing business names before you spend money on a reservation or a filing. Test several versions, including exact spellings, plurals, and close variations. A name that looks different to you may still be too close in the eyes of the state.
A search result is a strong signal, but it is not a guarantee. The Secretary of State makes the final decision when your reservation or formation document is reviewed. Keep backup names ready, so if your first choice is taken or too similar to an existing name, you can move on without losing momentum.
The Rules Your Name Must Pass
California has clear rules for LLC names, and most rejections come from a small set of avoidable mistakes. First, your name must include a proper LLC designator at the end, such as LLC, L.L.C., or Limited Liability Company. Without one of those endings, the state will not accept the name as an LLC name. Second, your name must be distinguishable from other names already on record. It cannot be the same as, or deceptively similar to, an existing name, and changing punctuation or a single letter is usually not enough.
Third, some words are restricted. You cannot use words such as bank, trust, or inc in a way that suggests your LLC is something it is not, and certain regulated terms may need extra approvals. Before you pay, check the california llc name requirements carefully so your request matches the rules on the first try and avoids a second fee and wait.
How the $10 Reservation Works, Step by Step
Reserving a name is separate from forming your LLC, and it follows a simple sequence. First, confirm availability with the free bizfile Online search. Second, prepare a name reservation request with the exact name you want, including the LLC designator, spelled exactly as you plan to use it. Spelling matters, because the state reserves the name as written. Third, submit the request and pay the $10 fee.
Once approved, your reservation holds the name for 60 days, so mark the end date on your calendar right away. Use the window to prepare Form LLC-1, choose a registered agent, and confirm your domain name. If you are not ready to file within 60 days, do not assume the reservation renews on its own.
After Reservation: Form LLC-1 and the $800 Annual Tax
A reservation is only a hold, not a business. To form the LLC, file Form LLC-1, Articles of Organization, with the California Secretary of State and pay the $70 filing fee. That filing creates the LLC and puts your chosen name on record as an active entity, provided the name still passes review at that stage. Check that the name on Form LLC-1 matches the reserved name exactly, because a mismatch can slow approval.
California LLC owners also need to budget beyond the filing fee. California charges an $800 annual tax for LLCs, and that cost applies even in years when the business earns little or nothing. Build it into your first year budget before you reserve a name. The $10 reservation, the $70 filing, and the $800 annual tax are three different costs.
Words, Professions, and Trademarks to Watch
Two checks often confuse new founders: the state name check and the trademark check. Passing the Secretary of State review does not mean you own trademark rights to the name, and owning a trademark does not guarantee the state will accept your LLC name. These are separate systems with separate records. Before you invest in a logo or website, search federal and state trademark records as well as the bizfile Online database.
Professional rules add another layer. Professionals generally cannot use an LLC for licensed professional services in California in the same way other businesses can, and many licensed professionals must use a professional corporation or another approved structure instead. Licensed professionals should confirm the correct entity type with a qualified advisor before reserving an LLC name.
FBN and DBA Rules When You Trade Under Another Name
Your LLC legal name is not always the name customers see. If you plan to do business under a different name, California fictitious business name rules, often called FBN or DBA rules, may apply. If you operate under a name different from your LLC legal name, you may need to file a fictitious business name statement with your county, and in many counties you must also publish notice as required.
Keep your legal name, your DBA name, and your trademark strategy aligned, and keep records of every filing. Consistent names across contracts, invoices, and bank accounts reduce confusion for customers, banks, and regulators.
Conclusion
Reserving a California LLC name for $10 is a simple, low cost way to protect a good name for 60 days while you get ready to file. Search first with the free bizfile Online tool, choose a distinguishable name with a proper LLC designator, avoid restricted words, and file Form LLC-1 within your window. Budget for the $70 filing fee and the $800 annual tax, check trademarks separately, and handle any DBA filing if you trade under another name.
