California LLC Name Change — At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Filing form | Articles of Amendment (Form LLC-2) (Form LLC-2) |
| Filing agency | California Secretary of State |
| Filing fee | $30 |
| Processing time | 5–7 business days online |
| Expedited | Available — $15 for 24-hour |
| Online filing | Available |
| Name reservation | Available — $10 |
California LLC Name Requirements
Your new LLC name must meet the same requirements as your original name:
- Must include a designator — the name must include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C."
- Must be distinguishable — the name must be distinguishable from other entity names already registered with the California Secretary of State
- No restricted words without approval — words like "Bank," "Insurance," "University," or similar regulated terms may require additional approval or licensing
- Check availability first — search the California Secretary of State business name database before filing to confirm your chosen name is available
Name reservation available: For $10, you can reserve your new LLC name with the California Secretary of State before filing the amendment, securing it while you prepare the documents.
How to Change Your LLC Name in California
Check Name Availability
Search the California Secretary of State's business database to confirm the name is available. Use the state's business name search at https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/search/business.
Authorize the Name Change
Your LLC's operating agreement specifies how amendments must be approved. Typically this requires a vote of the members or managers. Document the approval in writing before filing.
File Articles of Amendment (Form LLC-2) (Form LLC-2)
Complete the amendment form from the California Secretary of State at sos.ca.gov. Include your current LLC name, file number, and the new name. Submit it online or by mail with the $30 filing fee.
Wait for Processing
5–7 business days online. Expedited options are available: $15 for 24-hour. Once processed, the new name appears in state records.
Update Everything Else
After the state processes the amendment, update your operating agreement, EIN records with the IRS, business bank accounts, licenses, contracts, and website to reflect the new name.
What to Update After Changing Your LLC Name
- Operating agreement — update to reflect the new legal name throughout
- IRS / EIN — notify the IRS of the name change; your EIN stays the same
- Business bank accounts — bring a certified copy of the amendment to your bank
- Business licenses and permits — may need to be reissued in the new name
- Contracts and agreements — update all active contracts that reference the old name
- Domain name and website — update or redirect if the domain name changes
- Marketing materials — business cards, signage, email signatures, social profiles
LLC Attorney clients: Name changes are free within the first 90 days of formation. After that window, LLC Attorney handles the amendment and operating agreement update at a flat rate.
Need to Change Your California LLC Name?
LLC Attorney handles California LLC name changes end-to-end — filing the amendment, updating your operating agreement, and keeping your business record consistent. Name changes are free within the first 90 days of formation.
Changing Your California LLC Name — FAQs
The filing fee for a California LLC name change (Articles of Amendment (Form LLC-2)) is $30. Expedited processing is available: $15 for 24-hour. Name reservation is available for $10. Additional costs may include operating agreement update services.
5–7 business days online. Expedited processing is available: $15 for 24-hour.
No. Your EIN stays the same when you change your LLC name. However, you should notify the IRS of the name change by sending a written notice to the IRS office that issued your EIN, or by noting it on your next tax return. Your bank will also require a certified copy of the amendment.
Yes. Your operating agreement should reflect your LLC's current legal name. Update it immediately after the state processes the amendment to keep your internal governance documents consistent with the public record.
Yes. If you want to operate under a different business name without changing your legal LLC name, you can file a DBA (Doing Business As) or assumed name with the California Secretary of State. This allows you to use a trade name publicly while keeping your legal entity name unchanged. It is typically faster and less expensive than a formal name change.
Yes. LLC Attorney handles California LLC name changes — filing the Articles of Amendment (Form LLC-2) with the California Secretary of State and updating your operating agreement. Name changes are free within the first 90 days of formation for LLC Attorney clients.