Name availability · GA
Georgia business name search
Georgia's Corporations Division offers a free eCorp Business Search with Starts With, Contains and Exact Match options. The state labels it plainly: this search is not meant to serve as a name availability search. Use it to find conflicts, then rely on a name reservation or your formation filing for the official decision.
How to check if a name is available in Georgia
- 01
Open eCorp Business Search
Go to ecorp.sos.ga.gov and choose Business Search. You can enter a partial or full business name, or search by control number, registered agent or officer.
- 02
Cycle through all three match types
Run Starts With, Contains and Exact Match. Contains is the one most likely to catch a business with extra words around your name.
- 03
Treat results as a screen, not an answer
Georgia says the search isn't a name availability check. If nothing close shows up, file a name reservation to get the Corporations Division's official review.
- 04
Check restricted words early
Words tied to insurance, banking, or "college" and "university" need written approval from another state agency before the Corporations Division will accept them.
- 05
Search trademarks and online handles
Search https://tmsearch.uspto.gov/ for federal trademarks (eCorp also has a Georgia trademark search), then check the domain and social handles.
- 06
Find alternatives fast
If eCorp shows a close match, our free /business-name-generator/ can give you fresh options to screen.
Georgia business naming rules
- Names must be distinguishable on the Secretary of State's records.
- Entity indicators can't be reserved as part of the name, so you can't reserve "Inc." and "LLC" together.
- "Insurance," "assurance," "surety," "fidelity," "indemnity" and similar words need written approval from the Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner.
- "Bank," "banc," "banking," "trust," "credit union" and similar terms need written approval from the Department of Banking and Finance.
- "College" or "university" needs approval from the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission.
Reserving a name
A name reservation is optional in Georgia. It lasts 30 days from approval, or until you file the document that forms the entity, whichever comes first. File it online at ecorp.sos.ga.gov and check the current fee on the agency's site.
DBAs and trade names
Georgia trade names (DBAs) are registered with the clerk of superior court in the county where the business mainly operates. A domestic corporation registers in the county of its legal domicile.
Still looking for the right name?
Brainstorm dozens of options with the free generator, then run your shortlist through the Georgia search above.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Georgia business search a name availability check?
No. The eCorp page notes that the search isn't intended as a name availability search. A name reservation gets you the official review.
Do I have to reserve a name before forming a Georgia LLC?
No, a name reservation is optional. Georgia also advises against advertising or other investment in a name based only on a reservation.
How long does a Georgia name reservation last?
30 days from approval, or until you file the entity with that name, whichever comes first.
Where do I register a DBA in Georgia?
With the clerk of superior court in the county where the business mainly operates. For a domestic corporation, that's the county of its legal domicile.
General information, not legal advice. Name approval is decided by the Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division; a name showing as available in a search is not a guarantee it will be accepted.