How to Change the Name of Your LLC
Learn how to change your LLC name step by step — from filing a Certificate of Amendment with your state to updating your EIN records, bank accounts, and licenses.
Bizee Editorial Staff
Editorial Team
Introduction
Yes, you can change the name of your LLC. The process starts with filing a Certificate of Amendment — also called Articles of Amendment — with your state's Secretary of State office and paying the required state fee. After that, you'll need to update your federal tax records, licenses, bank accounts, and contracts to reflect the new name.
How to change your LLC name with the state
To change your LLC name, file a Certificate of Amendment — sometimes called Articles of Amendment — with your state's Secretary of State office. Every state has its own form and fee, so check your state's business filing portal for the exact document and current cost before you start.
Most states let you file online, by mail, or in person. Processing times vary — some states approve amendments in a few business days, others take several weeks. Expedited filing is available in many states for an additional fee if you need the change confirmed faster.
- Check that your new name is available — run a name search on your state's business registry before filing
- Download or access the Certificate of Amendment form from your Secretary of State's website
- Complete the form with your LLC's current legal name, your new name, and any other required details
- Pay the state filing fee when you submit the amendment
- Wait for state approval — keep the stamped or certified copy of the amendment for your records
What to update after the state approves your name change
Filing the amendment is only the first step. Once the state approves your new LLC name, you'll need to update your records across several places — and the list is longer than most people expect.
Start with your internal documents. Your operating agreement references your LLC's legal name, so all members need to approve and sign an amendment to it. Keep the amended operating agreement with your company records — it's not filed publicly, but it needs to match your state registration.
Next, notify the IRS. File Form 8822-B to report the name change to the IRS and update your federal tax account. Your state tax authority also needs to know — contact them to update any sales tax, employer withholding, or other state tax registrations tied to your old name.
- Operating agreement — amend it with member approval and keep it on file
- IRS records — file Form 8822-B to update your federal tax account
- State tax accounts — notify your state tax authority of the name change
- Business licenses and permits — update each license or permit that lists your old LLC name
- Bank accounts — bring your amended Articles of Organization to your bank and update account names and signature cards
- Contracts — review active contracts and update or re-execute any that reference the old name
- Website, invoices, and marketing materials — update your domain, email signatures, invoices, and any printed materials
Do you need a new EIN when you change your LLC name?
Generally, no. Changing your LLC name does not require a new Employer Identification Number (EIN). The EIN stays with the business entity, not the name. What you do need to do is notify the IRS of the name change by filing Form 8822-B so your federal tax records stay current.
A new EIN is only required when the structure of the business changes — for example, if a sole proprietorship converts to an LLC, or if an LLC incorporates. A name change alone doesn't trigger that requirement. If you're unsure whether your situation calls for a new EIN, a tax professional can help you figure it out.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. You can change your LLC name by filing a Certificate of Amendment with your state's Secretary of State office and paying the required state fee. The process is available in every state, though the form name, fee amount, and processing time vary. Check your state's business filing portal for the specific form and current fee before you start.
It depends on your state. State filing fees for a Certificate of Amendment typically range from around $20 to $150, though some states charge more. Many states also offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Check your Secretary of State's website for the exact amount — fees change, and the state's site will have the current figure.
Generally, no. A name change alone doesn't require a new EIN. Your existing Employer Identification Number stays with the business entity. You do need to notify the IRS by filing Form 8822-B so your federal tax records reflect the new name. A new EIN is only required when the business structure itself changes — not when the name changes.
File Form 8822-B — Change of Address or Responsible Party — with the IRS to update your business name in federal tax records. Mail the completed form to the address listed in the form's instructions. You don't need to wait for IRS confirmation before continuing to operate under the new name, but keeping a copy of the filed form is good practice.
Yes, in most states. Most states require that your LLC's legal name include a designator like "LLC," "L.L.C.," or "Limited Liability Company" to make clear that the business is a registered limited liability company. Check your state's naming rules when you file your amendment — the exact required designator and formatting can vary.
It depends on your state. Many states allow you to file a Certificate of Amendment online through the Secretary of State's business portal. Others require a paper form submitted by mail or in person. Check your state's filing portal to see what options are available and whether online filing is accepted for amendments.
Your bank account doesn't automatically update. After the state approves your name change, bring your amended Articles of Organization — or the state-issued certificate confirming the name change — to your bank. The bank will update the account name and signature cards. Some banks may also ask for a government-issued business license showing the new name.
