Upon the initial establishment of an LLC, there is a thorough consideration of a name for the business which aligns with the business idea, branding, and vision.
Over time however, businesses do change, markets change, industries grow, and in some cases, the name of the business no longer aligns with the future of the company. This is where the legal name change of the LLC comes in.
Unlike the fanciful idea of changing the name of an LLC for the purpose of the website and the business cards, the name of the LLC is in fact, a legal name which changes through a legal procedural system which needs to be registered with the state, the IRS, the banking institutions and the rest in legal compliance in order to maintain compliance with the legal system.
It is a linear process, however an overlooked step can create compliance gaps, tax confusion, and in some situations, loss of liability protection.
This document is going to change every individual’s view on the process of changing an LLC name in 2025 by explaining the step by step reasoning why a name change is necessary, the subsequent actions that follow, the expenses that are incurred, and the necessary changes that are to be done post the approval of the new name.
Why Change the Name of Your LLC?
The reason behind changing the name of the LLC differs from one business owner to another. Here are a few of the more popular reasons:
1. Rebranding for Growth
In the early stages of a business, it is usual to think of a name that will grow with the business. A name like “Denver T-Shirts LLC” for a business with future plans to deal with shoes, bags, and even accessories will seem limiting. A new name and a new business strategy will enhance the perception of the business while also making it more developed in its new offerings.
2. The Business Model has Shifted
A business is said to have shifted its direction once it has stopped offering certain products and is exclusively making new offerings. For example, a local bakery business that has now shifted to offering online baking courses has changed the old made more for a business model that is not outlined to fit with the rest of its offerings. A change in the LLC name will assist in the migration to the new business model.
3. Shifting to a New Level
The name of your business may have worked for the domestic market but will not assist in your plans to go global. The more negative perception a name has in another country, the more ineffective it is to deal with it.
4. Legal Issues
A new name may be needed to mitigate the chances of being sued. The name of the LLC could be in contention with another registered business. Legal problems arise when there is a clash with the trademark of a different business.
5. Updating Your Brand
In some situations, the approach taken is purely aesthetic and rational. It is shown that with a simpler, cleaner, and more contemporary logo, the brand name becomes easier and quicker to remember which translates to more investors, partners, and consumers.
How to Change the Name of an LLC in 2025.
Changing the name of an llc in 2025 will require a couple of steps. Each stage will broken down further down the guide.
1. Confirm with Your State Requirements
Every state has their own nomenclature rules regarding LLC name changes. The majority of states require a name change request to the Secretary of State called Articles of Amendment, while others may have more creative names such as Certificates of Amendment along other variations.
👉 Pro Tip: Confirm with your state’s buck Chapter 3 of the business secretary. Contact the Secretary of State to clarify the form which has to be completed, the cost, and the preferred method of filing: is it electronic or postal.
2. Select and Confirm Your New Name
This is an important step, you want a name that is legally available and branded with a positive image and can survive the test of time.
In the process of selection:
- Confirm the name is available in the state: Business name search in the state’s database.
- Trademark clearance: search the USPTO database and ensure that there is no conflict with the national trademarked brands.
- Check the domain: and ensure there is a matching website domain for your new name.
- Confirm the name: ensure the name complies with the legal requirement of having the term “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company” as well as other protected terms “Bank”, “Attorney” or “University” without proper proper licensing.
This prevents, in the long run, costly rebranding or lawsuits.
3. Amend Articles of Organization
This is the most vital step, the official filling with your state where the LLC is located to change the legal name of the LLC.
Typical information required includes:
- Current name of the LLC
- New name of the LLC
- When is the change effective (can be immediate or a set date in the future)
- The state issued LLC ID number for your company
- An authorized member or a manager’s signature
Filing fees amounting to $20 to $200 depending on the state, some states charge accelerated processing fees.
Once a submission is approved, the confirmation document (for example, stamped Articles of Amendment) will be sent which will prove that the new name is legally accepted.
4. Amend the Operating Agreement
If your LLC has an Operating Agreement, it now must be amended to reflect the new name. Even if your state does not require it, this document is necessary for the clarification of the members and partners of the business. Amend:
- The LLC name throughout the agreement
- Any associated particulars such as, company letterheads, and record books
5. Notify the IRS
Once the state has approved your new LLC name, the next steps involve filing the IRS to ensure all tax records align appropriately.
Based on how your LLC is taxed:
- Single member LLC (disregarded entity): Issue a signed letter to the IRS, enclosing your EIN and new name.
- Multi member LLC taxed as a partnership: Claim the alteration on your next Form 1065 return.
- LLC taxed as a corporation (C or S Corp): Claim the alteration on your next Form 1120 or Form 1120-S return.
👉 Note: A name change does not require a new EIN.
6. Amend The Business Licenses and Permits
All your business licenses on local, state, and federal levels must be amended as well. These include:
- City business licenses
- Health permits
- Sales tax permits
- Professional permits (real estate, medical, etc.)
The failure to update will incur the risk of holding invalid licenses.
7. Update Bank Accounts and Financial Records
- Business checking and savings accounts
- Credit cards
- Merchant accounts (Stripe, Paypal, Square, etc.).
This is important for making sure payment and tax reporting assimiliation does not become muddled.
8. Update Contracts, Leases, and Agreements
All legal documents that have historically been signed under the old name of the LLC have to be modified. This includes:
- Office or retail leases
- Supplier contracts
- Employment contracts
- Client contracts
This ensures that contracts are able to be enforced under the new name of the LLC.
9. Update Business Branding
This is the last step. Change your brand and also its identity in every possible place. This is the most tedious step, yet the most apparent. Change:
- Website domain and email addresses
- Social media accounts and pages
- Logos, business cards, and physical signage
- Advertising and other promotional materials
- Invoice formats and statement headers
How Much Does It Cost to Change an LLC Name?
This is purely based on state laws and your personal approach to rebranding.
- Costs for filing with the state: Fee of $20–200 depending on the state.
- Optional name reservation: $10–50 if you reserve the name prior to filing.
- Additional payment for faster processing in some states: $25–100.
- Costs to rebrand: these may include a website domain, redesigned logo, and other promotional materials which price ranges from a few hundred to a few thousand.”
How Long Does It Take?
- Online filings: Typically within a handful of workdays.
- Mail filings: 2 to 6 weeks based on the efficiency of the state you’re in.
- Expedited Service: An additional cost. Some states provide same-day or next-day approvals.
Overall, the process takes anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks on average.
Can you just file a DBA instead?
Alternately, a DBA, or Doing Business As, a trade name, or a fictitious name is another option to consider instead of changing the legal name of your LLC.
Pros of a DBA:
- More economical and quicker.
- You can conduct business under several different brand names without the need to change the legal name of the LLC.
Cons of a DBA:
- You do not change the legal name of the LLC with the state.
- Your LLC name is still a requirement and is used in banking, tax filing with the IRS, and on other legal documents.
If you wish to have the new name as your legal name, you will have to file an amendment. For simple name operation with multiple names, a DBA is more appropriate.
Concluding Remarks
Changing your LLC name can be a thrilling development whether it be rebranding, expanding, or starting anew. Completing the paperwork is a subtle challenge, however, following the specified steps guarantees a smooth transition.
Updating your headquarter’s record is not the only step. You also have to update the IRS, banks, contractors, and vendors as well as your business’s new name and brand from all of your business’s touchpoints.
If you prefer a hassle free approach, Bizstartz will take care of your work from filing the articles of compliance to the IRS and revising the compliance report so you can focus your energy on expanding the business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Am I required to obtain a new EIN after changing an LLC name?
No, you have to inform the IRS otherwise the tax records will be inaccurate.
2. What is the duration for changing an LLC name?
On average it takes close to 1 to 3 weeks depending on how fast the state is and the filing method used.
3. Is “discontinuance of use” relative in any way in the context of the LLC as a legal name?
There is still a possibility of using the name informally as a trademark. However, as a legal name you will have to account for the possibility of registering the name as a DBA if you wish to pursue its use in the future.
4. Within the context of the LLC, explain how a DBA is distinct from a legal name change.
A DBA allows a business to function under a name without changing business legal name that still remains a DBA. An amendment to the record serves as a legal name change to the registered LLC for the state in question.
5. Is it possible that I, as a Bizstartz Associate, could assist you in the Name Change of your LLC?
Absolutely! Bizstartz focuses on the formation of the LLC to the amendment of its name, the issuing of an EIN and ITIN, bookkeeping, filing the BOI, and ensuring compliance services both for US and non-US entrepreneurs. The work is made simple.
