Change Your California LLC Name

Changing your LLC's legal name requires filing Certificate of Amendment (Form LLC-2) with the California Secretary of State. This is a formal amendment to your formation documents and changes your official business name in state records.

For the initial formation process, see our formation guide.

Before You File

Check Name Availability

Search the California Secretary of State's business database to confirm your desired new name is available:

• Visit bizfileOnline.sos.ca.gov
• Search for exact and similar names
• The new name must include an LLC designator ("LLC," "L.L.C.," or "Limited Liability Company")
• Cannot be deceptively similar to an existing registered entity

DBA Alternative

If you want to operate under a different name WITHOUT changing your legal LLC name, file a Fictitious Business Name Statement instead:

• Cost: $26-$70 (county level)
• Allows you to do business under an alternate name
• Your legal LLC name remains unchanged
• See our LLC vs DBA guide for comparison

Filing Process

Step 1: Authorize the Change

• Review your operating agreement for amendment procedures
• Obtain required member vote or consent
• Document the approval (meeting minutes or written consent)

Step 2: File the Amendment

File Certificate of Amendment (Form LLC-2) with the California Secretary of State:

• Online: Through bizfileOnline.sos.ca.gov
• Fee: $30
• Processing: Typically 3-7 business days (online)
• Required information: Current LLC name, new LLC name, effective date

Step 3: Update Everything

After state approval, update all business records:

• EIN: File IRS Form 8822-B (Change of Address or Responsible Party) — your EIN stays the same
• Bank accounts: Provide the state-approved amendment to your bank
• Licenses and permits: Update with issuing agencies
• Contracts: Notify clients, vendors, and partners
• Insurance: Update policy to reflect new name
• DBA filings: Cancel any existing Fictitious Business Name Statement for the old name if applicable
• Website and marketing materials: Update all branding

Cost Summary

Timeline

• State processing: 3-7 business days (online filing)
• Bank account update: 1-5 business days
• IRS acknowledgment: 4-6 weeks
• Full transition: 2-4 weeks total

Common Mistakes

1. Not checking availability first — file is rejected if name conflicts with existing entity
2. Forgetting the LLC designator — new name must still include "LLC" or equivalent
3. Not updating the EIN — the IRS needs to know your new name (Form 8822-B)
4. Skipping contract updates — old contracts reference the old name; execute amendments

FAQ

Does changing my LLC name require a new EIN?

No. Your EIN remains the same. File Form 8822-B with the IRS to update the name associated with your EIN.

How is this different from a DBA?

A name change modifies your LLC's legal entity name. A Fictitious Business Name Statement is an alternate operating name — your legal name stays the same. If you only need a marketing name, a DBA is simpler and cheaper.

Can I change my LLC name to anything?

The name must be available (not taken by another entity), must include an LLC designator, and cannot include restricted words (bank, insurance, etc.) without appropriate licensing.

See our knowledge-base overview for more guides.