How to Change Your LLC Name in Georgia

Changing your LLC name in Georgia requires filing Articles of Amendment with the Georgia Secretary of State. Whether you’re rebranding, expanding your business scope, or simply want a better name, the process is straightforward but involves several important steps beyond just updating your state registration.

When You Might Need to Change Your LLC Name

Business owners typically change their LLC names for strategic reasons:

• Rebranding: Your business has evolved and the current name no longer fits your brand identity
• Market expansion: You’re entering new markets or offering new services that require a broader name
• Legal issues: Another company has trademark rights to a similar name
• Professional growth: You want a name that sounds more established or professional
• Partnership changes: Adding or removing partners may warrant a name change

Step-by-Step Process for Changing Your LLC Name in Georgia

Step 1: Check New Name Availability

Before filing your Articles of Amendment, you must ensure your desired new name is available. Your new LLC name must comply with Georgia’s naming requirements:

• Include “LLC,” “Limited Liability Company,” or an approved abbreviation
• Not be identical or confusingly similar to existing Georgia business entities
• Not contain restricted words without proper authorization

You can check name availability through the Georgia LLC name search database on the Secretary of State website. For an additional fee of $25, you can reserve your chosen name for 30 days while you prepare your paperwork.

Step 2: Prepare Articles of Amendment

Georgia requires you to file Articles of Amendment (Form CD-230) to officially change your LLC name. This form requires:

• Your LLC’s current legal name
• The new name you want to adopt
• A statement that the amendment was approved according to your operating agreement
• The signature of an authorized member or manager

Step 3: File with the Georgia Secretary of State

You can file your Articles of Amendment through three methods:

Online filing: Submit through the eCorp system for $105 total ($100 statutory fee plus $5 service charge). This is the fastest option with 7-10 business day processing.

Mail filing: Send completed forms with a $110 check ($100 statutory fee plus $10 service charge) to the Georgia Secretary of State. Processing takes approximately 15 business days.

Expedited processing: Georgia offers three expedited options:

• 2 business days: Additional $120 fee
• Same day: Additional $275 fee (must be received by noon)
• 1 hour: Additional $1,200 fee (business days 9am-4pm only)

Source: Georgia Secretary of State, verified March 2024

After Your Name Change is Approved

Once the Georgia Secretary of State approves your Articles of Amendment, your legal name change is complete. However, you’ll need to update your information with multiple organizations and agencies.

Update Your EIN with the IRS

Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) remains the same, but you must notify the IRS of your name change. Send a signed letter to the IRS that includes:

• Your complete old name and new name
• Your EIN
• The date the name change became effective
• The reason for the name change

Mail this letter to the IRS campus where you file your tax returns. The IRS will send you Letter 147C confirming the name change.

Update Banking and Financial Accounts

Contact all your business banks and financial institutions to update your accounts. You’ll typically need to provide:

• A certified copy of your filed Articles of Amendment
• Updated signature cards
• New business checks and debit cards

Having a dedicated business bank account is crucial for maintaining your LLC’s liability protection. If you need to open a new business account during this process, consider an option that offers benefits for small businesses.

Update Business Licenses and Permits

Contact every licensing agency that issued permits to your LLC. This might include:

• Professional licenses
• Industry-specific permits
• Local business licenses
• Sales tax permits
• Workers’ compensation insurance

Some agencies may require you to apply for new licenses under your new name, while others will simply update their records.

Update Your Operating Agreement

Amend your LLC operating agreement to reflect the new name. While Georgia doesn’t require operating agreements, having an updated one protects your interests and ensures all members understand the name change was properly authorized.

Update Marketing Materials and Contracts

Update all business materials that display your company name:

• Website and social media profiles
• Business cards and letterhead
• Email signatures
• Advertising materials
• Existing contracts (add amendments as needed)
• Vendor agreements

For your website, you may need reliable hosting that can handle any increased traffic from your rebranding efforts.

Timeline and Processing

The complete name change process typically takes 2-4 weeks when filing online, or 4-6 weeks when filing by mail. Here’s what to expect:

• Week 1: File Articles of Amendment with Georgia Secretary of State
• Week 2-3: Receive approval and certified copies of amendment
• Week 3-4: Update IRS, banking, and licensing information
• Ongoing: Update marketing materials and notify customers

Expedited processing can reduce the initial filing time to as little as one hour, but updating other agencies and institutions will still take additional time.

Cost Summary

Budget for these expenses when changing your LLC name in Georgia:

• Articles of Amendment: $105 online or $110 by mail
• Expedited processing: $120 to $1,200 (optional)
• Name reservation: $25 (optional)
• Certified copies: $10 online or $20 by mail (recommended for banking)
• New business materials: $100-$500+ depending on your needs

Maintaining Compliance After Your Name Change

Remember that changing your name doesn’t affect your other LLC obligations. You still need to:

• File your annual registration between January 1 and April 1 each year ($50 fee)
• Maintain a Georgia registered agent
• Pay Georgia LLC taxes if your LLC has income
• Keep your business records updated

Georgia calls their annual requirement “Annual Registration” rather than an annual report, but the concept is the same. You can file online through your eCorp account for convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my LLC name to anything I want?

No. Your new name must be available and comply with Georgia naming requirements. It must include “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company,” cannot be identical to existing businesses, and cannot use restricted words without authorization.

How long does a name change take in Georgia?

Standard processing is 7-10 business days for online filings or 15 business days for paper filings. Expedited options range from 1 hour to 2 business days for additional fees.

Do I need to update my EIN?

Your EIN number stays the same, but you must notify the IRS of your name change. Send a signed letter with your old name, new name, EIN, effective date, and reason for the change.

What if someone else starts using my old name?

Once you change your LLC name, your old name becomes available for other businesses to use. Make sure you’re ready to give up your previous name before filing the Articles of Amendment.

Can I operate under my old name during the transition?

You should begin using your new legal name as soon as the Articles of Amendment are approved. Using your old name after the official change could create legal confusion.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Filing fees and requirements change : always confirm current fees with your state’s Secretary of State office.