How to Change Your LLC Name — Articles of Amendment, DBA Alternative, and Downstream Updates (2026)

1. Confirm whether a legal name change is actually needed — or if a DBA will do Before filing Articles of Amendment, determine what you actually need to change. If the legal entity name (e.g., 'Acme Holdings LLC') is fine and you just want to operate under a different brand or trade name, a DBA (Doing Business As) registration is the right tool — faster, cheaper ($10–$100 at the county clerk), and requires no state amendment. Examples where a DBA is sufficient: adding a second brand, testing a new brand before committing, operating a side product under a distinct name. A legal name change via Articles of Amendment is required only when the formal entity name on the Articles of Organization itself needs to change.
2. Check new name availability with your state SOS Before drafting or filing anything, run a name availability search with your state's Secretary of State. Most states offer a free online name search. The proposed new name must: (1) Not be identical or deceptively similar to an existing registered entity name in that state. (2) Include a required LLC designator (e.g., 'LLC', 'L.L.C.', 'Limited Liability Company'). (3) Not include prohibited terms that require regulatory approval (e.g., 'Bank', 'Insurance', 'University'). If the new name is not available in your state, you must choose a different name or file a name reservation first. Name reservation fees range from $10–$50 and hold the name for 30–120 days while you prepare the amendment filing.
3. Hold a member vote and document the name-change authorization Your operating agreement specifies the vote threshold required to amend the Articles of Organization — commonly unanimous consent or a supermajority. Hold the vote and document it in a signed written resolution or member consent. Keep this document in your LLC's permanent records — most state SOS offices will accept the amendment without requiring this documentation, but you will need it if the name change is ever challenged internally or in litigation. For single-member LLCs, a written decision by the sole member is sufficient.
4. File the Articles of Amendment with your state SOS Download or locate the Articles of Amendment form for your state. State-specific details: Delaware — file Amendment to Certificate of Formation online at corp.delaware.gov ($50 base fee); Florida — file Articles of Amendment online at sunbiz.org ($25 fee); Texas — file Certificate of Amendment via SOSDirect ($150 fee); California — file Form LLC-2 (Amendment to Articles of Organization) at bizfileCA.sos.ca.gov ($30 fee); New York — file Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Organization at dos.ny.gov ($60 fee). The form typically asks for: current LLC name, new LLC name, date of member vote, and confirmation that the amendment was properly authorized. Most states process amendments in 1–10 business days. Save the stamped/approved copy of the amendment — this is your legal proof of the name change.
5. Notify the IRS of the name change A legal LLC name change does not require a new EIN — your existing EIN stays with the entity regardless of name changes. You must, however, notify the IRS of the new legal name. How to notify the IRS: (1) Check the 'Name Change' box on your next federal tax return (Form 1065, Schedule C, or Form 1120-S). This is the simplest and most common method. (2) For faster update: write a letter to the IRS reporting the name change. Include your LLC's old name, new name, EIN, principal business address, and the signature of an authorized member. Mail to the IRS service center where you file your returns. Attach a copy of the stamped Articles of Amendment. The IRS does not issue a new CP575 — your EIN remains valid under the new name. The IRS will update its records within 6–8 weeks of receiving the letter.
6. Update your business bank account, licenses, permits, and contracts After the state amendment is accepted, systematically update the new legal name in every downstream record. Priority order: (1) Business bank accounts — bring the stamped Articles of Amendment to your bank branch. Banks vary on what they require; most accept the amendment and update your account records without issuing new account numbers. Update any authorized signatories at the same visit. (2) Business licenses and permits — most jurisdictions require a name-change application or amended registration. Check with each issuing agency. (3) Contracts — review all active contracts: vendor agreements, client contracts, leases, and equipment financing. An amendment addendum or contract novation may be required. Notify all counterparties in writing. (4) Vendor and supplier accounts — update billing names with all vendors, suppliers, and payment processors. (5) Foreign-qualified states — file an amendment or name-change notice in each state where the LLC holds a foreign qualification. (6) State tax registrations — update the name with your state revenue department or department of taxation.
7. Update your operating agreement, website, and business materials Amend the LLC's operating agreement to reflect the new legal name throughout — replace every instance of the old name with the new name and have all members sign the amended OA. Update: website domain and content (if the domain changes, set up 301 redirects from old URLs), business email addresses, Google Business Profile, social media handles, business cards, invoices and letterhead, and any registered trademarks or pending trademark applications (notify the USPTO of the entity name change). For trademark applications in progress, file a recordation of assignment or name change with the USPTO if the change affects trademark ownership records.

FAQ

Common questions

LLC name changes are governed by each state's LLC Act. Key statutes: DE Title 6 § 18-202 (amendments to Certificate of Formation); FL § 605.0202 (Articles of Organization amendments); TX Bus. Org. Code § 3.051–3.059 (amendments to governing documents); CA Corp. Code § 17702.02 (amendments to Articles of Organization); NY LLC Law § 211 (amendment of articles). Federal: 26 U.S.C. § 6109 and IRS Revenue Procedure 98-1 govern EIN records and name-change notifications. DBA registrations are governed by state fictitious business name statutes.

Direct filing portal: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/manage-your-business/register-your-business