Ohio lesson 1 of 6
Name your Ohio LLC
The Ohio Secretary of State will bounce Form 610 back to you if the name is not distinguishable from a name already on file. Search first, because a rejection resets your place in the queue.
Required wording
An Ohio LLC name must contain the words Limited Liability Company, or an abbreviation such as LLC, L.L.C., Ltd or Limited. The designator has to appear, though you have some flexibility in how it is abbreviated.
- Acceptable: Buckeye Freight LLC, Buckeye Freight Limited Liability Company
- Not acceptable: wording implying the entity is a corporation or a government body
- Words like bank or trust need sign-off from the relevant Ohio regulator before they can be used
The distinguishable standard
Ohio requires a name to be distinguishable on the record from every other active name in the Secretary of State's database, not just an exact match. Run a search on the Secretary of State's business search tool before you file.
If your paperwork is not ready yet, you can reserve a name for 180 days for $39 by filing Form 534B, though most filers skip this and file the Articles directly.
A name that differs from your LLC's registered name for advertising purposes is a trade name or fictitious name in Ohio, filed separately with the Secretary of State.
🇺🇸 Check United States company name availability
Search the official United States state registry before you file. Opens the government portal in a new tab.
Tip: also confirm the .com domain and matching social handles are free before you commit.
Key takeaways
- End the name with LLC, L.L.C., Ltd or the words in full.
- Ohio applies a distinguishable standard, not just an exact-match check.
- A $39 reservation on Form 534B holds a name for 180 days if you need time.
Official sources
Or let us file your Ohio LLC for you
Everything above is yours to use for free. If you would rather hand it over, we prepare and file the Articles of Organization (Form 610), act as your registered agent, and track your ongoing deadlines.
Last reviewed: September 2026 - reviewed by Gullia Filing Legal & Formation Team