In California, when you create an LLC, you notify the state of its name by submitting LLC Articles of Organization. You may also change the LLC's name by submitting an Amendment to the Articles of Organization if desired.
Reasons to Legally Change Your Business Name
There are a number of reasons why you may choose to legally change the name of your business. Here are a few common reasons:
Adding Products or Services Since You First Started Your Business
You may have a change of heart, products or services, or both over time. Finally figuring out who you are and what you can provide is a long process; as a result, now that you're here, you want to represent that by changing your company name.
Your LLC’s Name Is Too General for Potential Customers
This is the mistake of specialists who want to focus on just one service or field. If you're a marketing consulting business, for example, your LLC name might make that clear. Don't make it difficult for your clients to guess and picture what you do.
Other Reasons to Change Your LLC’s Name
Because your LLC's name is its identity, it shouldn't come as a surprise to you that there are several reasons business owners consider changing their names.
- Avoid being associated with something negative or illegal
- Your LLC name is outdated
- Your LLC name consists of partners’ names that have passed away
- The name of your LLC is difficult to recall, spell, pronounce, and so on.
Preparing the Certificate of California LLC Amendment
There are several legal elements to changing an LLC's name, and just as with any legal procedure, there are crucial and unimportant factors in the legislation.
Both the minor and major parts of the legal paperwork and procedure are essential, which is why it's critical to hire a professional who knows all of the ins and outs of the law.
However, there are a few fundamental concepts that you, as the company owner, should be aware of so you can plan your journey.
File the Form LLC-2 with the California Secretary of State
California requires that business owners who wish to alter their LLC name give notice within 30 days of the change. This may be done by filing an amendment to articles of organization.
The modification form LLC-2 or Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Organization can be obtained from the Secretary of State's website. Fill out the forms and print them after downloading them.
When completing the form, you must include your LLC's file number provided to you by the California Secretary of State in Part 1 of the form.
Double-check your LLC's file number because some old numbers have been modified.
Visit the State Business Entities Filings Unit or the California Secretary of State's website at www.sos.ca.gov for more information about filing your amendment to articles of organization.
Fill in Your LLC’s Current Name
In the next section, fill in the California Limited Liability Company name. When these articles of organization were originally submitted to the state, they must have included the company's current name. Don't chop off any significant details or abbreviate the name.
Related Article:Â How to Start an LLC in California
Fill in Your Proposed LLC Name
In section 3a, you'll record the business name you want to use for your LLC from now on. This name must adhere to the requirements for LLC names in California.
The following are some of the rules that apply to LLCs:
- Include the words "Limited Liability Company" or any of its abbreviations like "LLC" or "L.L.C." when referring to a business formed as a limited liability company (LLC).
- Create a distinctive brand identity that distinguishes you from other businesses in the state.
- Avoid phrases like "bank" that imply the company doesn't have a genuine license.
- It's also a good idea to avoid words that might be misinterpreted as belonging to the government, such as "post office."
Change your LLC name by going to the person's profile page, clicking on their username in the upper right corner, and then click "Change Name".
In section 6, type the name of the person who is submitting the document. The document must be signed by at least one manager of the LLC.
Include a return address if you want a copy of this form along with a $30 processing fee for routine processing.
If you conduct business under a name other than the LLC's legal name, you must submit an updated fictitious business name statement with the county.
Filing Form LLC-12 or Statement of Information
The LLC-12 or Statement of Information (SOI) is a form that the state uses to keep track of basic information about your LLC.
This includes legal documents that showcase your addresses, representatives, members, and managers.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take to Change a Company Name in California?
The Secretary of State typically takes about 3-4 weeks to process a name change request.
How Much Does It Cost to Change a Business Name in California?
There is a $30 processing fee for routine name change requests. If your request is more complex, the fee may be higher.
When Should You File the LLC Statement of Information?
You must file the LLC-12 or Statement of Information no later than 90 days after your company's formation date. You can file it earlier if you wish.
Why Do You Need to File the Statement of Information Before Changing the Name of the LLC?
The Statement of Information provides the state with basic information about your California LLC. This includes your address, representatives, members, and managers.
Filing the form before changing the company name ensures that the state has all the most up-to-date information about your business.
Why Do You Need to File the Statement of Information Before Changing the Name of the LLC?
The Statement of Information provides the state with basic information about your California LLC. This includes your address, representatives, members, and managers.
Filing the form before changing the company name ensures that the state has all the most up-to-date information about your business.
How Can You File the Statement of Information?
The statement of information can be filed online or by mail. For more information, visit the Secretary of State's website.
If you're looking to change your California LLC, you'll need to file a form called the LLC-12 or Statement of Information. This provides the state with basic information about your business, including your address, representatives, and members.
You must file the form before you can change your company name. There is a $30 processing fee for routine name change requests.
You can file the LLC-12 or Statement of Information online or by mail. For more information, visit the Secretary of State's website.
What Is a Fictitious Business Name Statement?
In California, a Fictitious Business Name Statement (FBN) is a document that businesses can file to register their fictitious business name. This name can be different from the official company name, which is registered with the state.
How to Change the Name of an LLC in California...
In conclusion, if you're looking to amend your LLC name in California, make sure you file the LLC-12 or Statement of Information to articles of organization.
This provides the state with basic information about your business, including your address, representatives, and members.
There is a $30 processing fee for routine name change requests. You can file the form online or by mail. For more information, visit the Secretary of State's website.
You can ask IncFile for help, and they will walk you through every step you need to take and change the name of your LLC for you.
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