In short
- The Secretary of State lists an amendment to the company's Articles, the document that formed it, for changing the legal name.
- An LLC files an Amendment to Articles of Organization (form LLC-2). A stock corporation files a Certificate of Amendment. The fee is $30 for either.
- The new name has to meet the Secretary of State's name rules.
- After the state filing, other offices, like the IRS, have their own ways to update the name.
Before filing: check the new name
The Secretary of State reviews the new name when the amendment is filed. On its name availability page, it says a name must be "distinguishable in the records" from existing companies of the same type, and it "may not be likely to mislead the public."
- The bizfile business search shows names already on file. The Secretary of State says it "is only a preliminary search." The final check happens when the amendment is filed.
- An LLC's name has to include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC" or "L.L.C." The Secretary of State's name guidelines say "Limited" and "Company" may be shortened to "Ltd." and "Co." They also list words an LLC name cannot use: bank, trust, trustee, incorporated, inc., corporation, corp., insurer and insurance company.
- A new name can be held for 60 days with an optional name reservation. The Secretary of State's forms page lists the fee as $10.
Every company's situation is different. A licensed California attorney can tell you what applies to yours.
The state filing, step by step
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The company approves the new name
For a corporation, the Secretary of State's name change form asks how the board of directors and the shareholders approved the change. For an LLC, a licensed California attorney can explain how a name change is approved.
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File the amendment
An LLC files an Amendment to Articles of Organization, form LLC-2. The Secretary of State also has a name-change-only version, form LLC-2-NA. A stock corporation files a Certificate of Amendment of its Articles of Incorporation. Its name-change-only version is form AMDT-STK-NA. The Secretary of State lists the fee as $30 for each.
Both can be filed online on bizfile Online, the Secretary of State's filing website. The Secretary of State's bizfile Online account guide lists name change amendments among the filings that need access to the company's online record.
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Confirm the change
The bizfile business search shows the company's name on record.
Sources: the Secretary of State's name availability page, LLC forms page, corporation forms page, and the name change forms linked above.
After the state filing: telling other offices
The Secretary of State's filing changes the legal name on the state record. Other offices keep their own records. These are the published ways to update them.
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The IRS
The IRS says a corporation can report a name change by marking the name change box on its current year Form 1120, and a partnership by marking the box on its current year Form 1065. Otherwise, the IRS says to write to it. Its business name change page has the details for each kind of business. The IRS also says "in some situations a name change may require a new Employer Identification Number (EIN) or a final return," and points to IRS Publication 1635.
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The Franchise Tax Board
For corporations, the Franchise Tax Board says: "To change your corporation's name, contact the California Secretary of State's Office (SOS)." Its corporation help page has more.
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Employer and sales tax accounts
An employer can report a legal business name change to the Employment Development Department through its e-Services for Business, as its changes to your business page explains. A business with a seller's permit can update its account information online with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration; its Notice of Business Change form (CDTFA-345) covers changes such as a new address or a new "doing business as" name.
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Local licenses and permits
City and county license offices keep their own records. CalGold, a state website, lists the offices that issue permits for each city and county.
Fictitious business names (DBAs)
A name a business uses that is different from its legal name is called a fictitious business name, sometimes called a DBA. The Secretary of State's FAQs say fictitious business names "are filed with the county in which the principal place of business is located," not with the Secretary of State.
Common surprises
- A name search is not approval. The Secretary of State says names are reviewed when the document is filed.
- The IRS has its own process. Its business name change page explains how each kind of business reports a new name.
These are the general rules the state publishes, not advice for your company. Check with a licensed professional before acting on them.
Questions about changing the name
How do I change my LLC name in California?
The Secretary of State lists an Amendment to Articles of Organization, form LLC-2, for changing an LLC's name. The fee is $30, and it can be filed online on bizfile Online.
How do I change a corporation name in California?
For a stock corporation, the Secretary of State lists a Certificate of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation. The fee is $30. The name-change-only form asks the corporation to state how the change was approved.
Can I keep the same EIN after a name change?
The IRS new EIN page lists a name change among the changes that do not need a new EIN for a corporation, partnership or LLC. The IRS business name change page also says "in some situations a name change may require a new Employer Identification Number (EIN) or a final return," and points to IRS Publication 1635.
Do I need to tell the IRS about a business name change?
The IRS has its own process. Its business name change page explains how each kind of business reports a new name, for example by marking the name change box on a current year return or by writing to the IRS.
What are the rules for LLC names in California?
The Secretary of State says an LLC name must include Limited Liability Company, LLC or L.L.C. (Limited and Company may be shortened to Ltd. and Co.), must be distinguishable from existing LLC names, and may not be likely to mislead the public. Its name guidelines list words an LLC cannot use.
Related guides
About this information
Corpgate, Inc. is not a law firm or a tax professional and does not give legal or tax advice. This page is general information about California business filings, drawn from official government sources, and it may not fit your situation. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship with anyone. Fees, deadlines and rules change; check the official source linked on this page before you act. For advice about your own corporation or LLC, talk to a licensed California attorney or tax professional. Corpgate, Inc. provides registered agent service and does not prepare legal documents.