Reserve a Business Name in Georgia: Process and Legal Requirements

Starting a new business begins with one of the most exciting parts: choosing your company’s name. If you’ve set your sights on launching a business in Georgia, reserving your business name is an essential first step, especially if you're not ready to form your LLC or corporation right away.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to reserve a business name in Georgia, explain why name reservations matter, and share pro tips to help your new brand stand out while remaining compliant.

Why Reserve a Business Name in Georgia?

When forming a legal entity such as a corporation or LLC, your business name must be unique within the state of Georgia. That means no other registered company can have the exact same name or one that is confusingly similar.

By completing a business name reservation in Georgia, you temporarily secure the right to file formation documents using that name for 30 days. However, a name reservation alone does not grant legal ownership or trademark rights. You can:

• Finalize your business plan
• Obtain financing
• Prepare documentation for registration
• Avoid losing your name to another entrepreneur

This process is especially important for companies still in the pre-launch phase. With Georgia’s growing economy and increasing startup activity, business name competition is real, so early reservation is a smart move.

Reason to Reserve a Business Name in Georgia

Who Needs to Reserve a Business Name?

Georgia does not require name reservation as a prerequisite to forming a business. However, it’s recommended if:

• You’re not ready to file your formation documents, but want to lock in your business name
• You’re applying for licenses or permits in the meantime
• You’re unsure whether to form an LLC or a corporation, but want the name saved
• You’re collaborating with partners and need time for a final agreement

Whether you’re pursuing a Georgia corporation name reservation or securing a name for your future LLC, the steps are largely the same.

Who Needs to Reserve a Business Name

Step-by-Step: How to Reserve a Business Name in Georgia

Here’s a complete walkthrough on how to reserve a business name in Georgia through the Secretary of State.

Step 1: Conduct a Business Name Search

Before submitting your application, conduct a Georgia business name availability search:

• Visit the Georgia Secretary of State's Business Search Tool
• Enter your desired name and variations to ensure no existing entities are using it
• Avoid names that are too similar to existing businesses or use restricted words (like “bank” or “university”)

Pro Tip: Use keywords that reflect your niche or location to make your name stand out and help with online SEO later.

Step 2: Review Name Reservation Requirements

To be eligible for a reservation, your desired name must:

• Contain appropriate designators (e.g., “LLC,” “Limited Liability Company,” “Inc.”)
• Avoid prohibited or misleading terms
• Be distinguishable from any registered business in Georgia
• Not infringe on trademarks

For name reservation for LLC in Georgia, you’ll want your name to end in “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company.” For corporations, use “Inc.,” “Corp.,” or “Incorporated.”

Step 3: File the Name Reservation Application

To officially reserve your business name, file Form CD 050 – Name Reservation Request with the Georgia Secretary of State. You can do this:

• Online via the Georgia Corporations Division website
• By mail to: Corporations Division, 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Suite 313 West Tower, Atlanta, GA 30334

You’ll need the following:

• Desired business name
• Your name and contact info
• Type of entity (LLC, corporation, etc.)
• Payment method for the filing fee

Steps to Reserve a Business Name in Georgia

Step 4: Pay the Filing Fee

The Georgia name reservation fee is:

• $25 for online submissions
• $35 for paper submissions

Accepted payment methods include major credit cards for online filing or checks/money orders if filing by mail.

Step 5: Confirmation and Validity

Once submitted, you’ll receive confirmation from the Georgia Secretary of State. If approved, the business name reservation in Georgia is valid for 30 days. You must act within that window to use the name or renew the reservation if more time is needed.

To extend, you must wait until the reservation expires and reapply with a new request and payment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Georgia Corporation Name Reservation

Even though the process is straightforward, many entrepreneurs make costly mistakes. Here’s how to avoid them:

Choosing a Name Too Similar to an Existing Business

Use the state’s business search and consider doing a federal trademark search onUSPTO.gov.

Using Restricted Words Without Approval

Words like “bank,” “insurance,” and “college” require special permissions.

Forgetting the Expiration

Name reservations expire in 30 days. Set reminders to file your formation paperwork or re-reserve the name in time.

Skipping Online Filing

Filing online is faster and cheaper than by mail. It also reduces the risk of processing delays.

Mistakes in Georgia Corporation Name Reservation

Benefits of Reserving a Name Before Forming Your Business

Here are the key advantages of securing your name reservation for an LLC in Georgia or a corporation:

• Brand Security: You prevent other businesses from taking your name.
• Strategic Planning: Gives time to refine your business model and branding.
• Marketing Readiness: Secure domains and social handles with confidence.
• Investor Trust: Shows professionalism to potential investors or partners.

What’s Next After Reserving Your Business Name?

Once your reservation is in place, you can move forward with:

• Forming your LLC or Corporation in Georgia
• Registering your business domain name
• Designing your logo and branding
• Opening a business bank account
• Applying for a Federal EIN from the IRS
• Obtaining necessary business licenses and permits

If you’re ready to form your LLC, Georgia allows you to file Articles of Organization online through the same portal used for reservations.

Final Thoughts: Secure Your Business Identity in Georgia

Reserving your business name is more than a formality, it’s a foundational step in building your brand’s identity and securing your place in Georgia’s business ecosystem. Whether you're launching a new venture or expanding operations, taking time to reserve a business name in Georgia ensures your ideas are protected while you prepare to launch.

If you’re still weighing business structure options or need help with name registration, it’s worth consulting legal or business formation professionals to streamline the process.