State-by-state name procedures

Every name process in America, explained from the official sources.

Checking whether a business name is free in your state. Reserving it. Changing your own legal name after a marriage, divorce, or court petition. Every state does these differently — NameUSA documents how, citing each state's own statutes and filing offices.

Business Name Search Is your LLC or corporation name available? How each Secretary of State checks "distinguishable," how to search for free, and how to reserve a name before you file. Legal Name Change The actual procedure for changing your name in each state — marriage and divorce shortcuts, court petitions, fees, and which documents to update first.

How this site works

Every guide is built from the state's own sources — Secretary of State filing offices, statutes, and court self-help materials — and links to them, so you can verify anything we say.
We publish states as we finish them properly, not all fifty as thin stubs. First up: Texas.
Fees and forms change. Each guide lists its sources and the date we last checked them, and we link the official fee schedule rather than let a stale number mislead you.

NameUSA provides general information about public filing procedures, not legal advice. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed attorney in your state.