How to search and claim an LLC name in Ohio
- Search Ohio's official entity records at no cost, leaving “LLC” off the name.
- Make sure the name ends with one of Ohio's accepted endings, such as “Limited Liability Company” or “L.L.C.”
- Hold the name with a $39 reservation for 180 days if you need time before filing.
- File the Articles of Organization with the Ohio Secretary of State for $99.
What an Ohio LLC name must include
Ohio accepts these endings for a limited liability company:
- Limited Liability Company
- L.L.C.
- LLC
- Limited
- Ltd.
- Ltd
Ohio accepts “Limited”, “Ltd.” or even “Ltd” as an LLC ending, alongside “limited liability company”, “L.L.C.” and “LLC”. The name rules are in Ohio Rev. Code § 1706.07; no restricted-word list could be confirmed on an official page.
How Ohio decides two names are the same
Ohio won't file Articles of Organization if your LLC's name can't be distinguished on the Secretary of State's records from another LLC, corporation, LLP or limited partnership. The other holder's written consent, filed with the Secretary of State, lifts that bar (§ 1706.07). A match with any of those entity types is therefore a reason to choose another name unless you can get that consent.
Where the rules are written. Ohio Rev. Code § 1706.07 (LLC name, Ohio Revised LLC Act ch. 1706); § 111.16 (fees).
Searching for an LLC name in Ohio
Ohio's business search is free online. The state's sites blocked automated reading while we researched, so the figures here are from search listings of the official pages; confirm them before you file. Formation filings go through the Secretary of State's online filing portal, and reservations through Ohio Business Central.
Open the official Ohio entity search
Leave the ending off when you search, so every version of the name shows up, then compare each result word by word. If one matches apart from spacing, punctuation or a plural, change a real word in your name.
Holding the name: Ohio LLC name reservation
Ohio holds a reserved LLC name for 180 days for $39; a transfer or cancellation costs $25. File the Name Reservation form or reserve online through Ohio Business Central.
Forming the LLC in Ohio
The Articles of Organization (Form 610) cost $99 for a domestic LLC and can be filed online.
File the Articles of Organization online
Ohio LLCs appear to have no annual report to the Secretary of State, though we couldn't confirm that on an official page we could load. The Secretary of State levies no franchise tax, but the Commercial Activity Tax may apply once receipts pass its threshold (not covered here). No newspaper notice is required. Order a Certificate of Good Standing from the Secretary of State when you need one.
When the LLC trades under another name
An LLC that trades under another name registers it with the Secretary of State as a trade name or fictitious name for $39, renewed every five years. The registration doesn't replace the LLC's legal name, which stays the one in its Articles of Organization.
Sources
- Business filing forms, ohiosos.gov, checked 2026-10-07
- ohiosos.gov, checked 2026-10-07
- Chapter 1706, codes.ohio.gov, checked 2026-10-07
- 2026 state agency fees sos (PDF), lsc.ohio.gov, checked 2026-10-07
These are the official pages behind every fact above. If one of them now says something different, it's right and this page is out of date.
A few were read from search results, not the page itself, because the site refused direct requests; treat the facts they back as provisional until the Ohio Secretary of State confirms them.
Common questions
Can two LLCs in Ohio have the same name?
No. Ohio accepts a new LLC name only if it can be told apart from every name on its record.
How long can I hold an LLC name in Ohio?
180 days, for $39.
Does a new Ohio LLC have to publish a notice?
No. Ohio has no newspaper publication requirement for LLCs.
How much is the Ohio LLC filing fee?
$99, paid when you file the Articles of Organization.