Business Name Amendment FAQs

They’re the only way to notify the state of your desire for a new legal name. They also demonstrate consent from essential members of your company in the event that director, shareholder, or officer ratification is required. The name change is only official once the Articles of Amendment are approved.

Your new name must meet the same state requirements as your original one: It can’t be substantially similar to a name that’s already in use, nor can it contain prohibited words. It must also properly identify the entity type. If your name doesn't measure up, your application may be rejected.

To change the legal name of your corporation, LLC, or nonprofit as specified in your original formation documents, you must file Articles of Amendment with your home state along with every state where you’re registered to do business.

You may wish to change your name to reflect an expansion of your offerings or location, to appeal to a broader audience, or to be more contemporary. Or, you may change it to coincide with a business acquisition.