How to Change Your Georgia LLC Name: Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

By Jake Lawson, LLC Formation Strategist

So your Georgia LLC needs a new identity? Maybe your business pivoted, or perhaps “Bob’s Amazing Widget Co LLC” no longer captures what you actually do. Whatever the reason, I’ve got you covered.

I’ve personally walked dozens of clients through Georgia LLC name changes—from tech startups rebranding after Series A to family businesses updating their image for the next generation. The process is straightforward once you know the ropes, but there are definitely some landmines to avoid.

Here’s the bottom line: Yes, you can absolutely change your Georgia LLC name, and it’ll cost you just $20 in state fees. But that’s only the beginning of your journey.

Why Change Your LLC Name in Georgia?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about the why. Over my 15 years in this business, I’ve seen LLCs change names for every reason under the sun:

• Business evolution: Your LLC started selling handmade soaps but now you’re running a full skincare empire
• Marketing rebrand: “Smith Consulting LLC” doesn’t exactly scream innovation
• Legal necessity: Another company has trademark rights to something similar
• Partnership changes: Bob left, but “Bob & Associates LLC” lives on

Whatever your reason, Georgia makes it relatively painless—emphasis on relatively.

The Real Cost of Changing Your Georgia LLC Name

Everyone focuses on that $20 filing fee, but let me give you the full picture:

• Georgia state filing fee: $20 (online)
• Your time: 2-4 hours for the paperwork
• Follow-up tasks: Another 3-6 hours updating everything else
• Potential rush fees: Up to $100+ if you need expedited processing

If you hire a service to handle the filing, expect to pay $119-$150 plus the state fee. Sometimes that’s worth it—especially if you’re juggling a million other business priorities.

Step 1: Check If Your New Georgia LLC Name Is Available

This is where I see people make their first big mistake. They fall in love with a name, file the paperwork, and then get rejected because someone else got there first.

How to Search for Name Availability

Head to Georgia’s business entity search tool through the Secretary of State website. Don’t just search for exact matches—try variations with different spacing, punctuation, and word order.

Red flags to watch for:

• Names that sound phonetically similar when spoken aloud
• Same words in different order (“Georgia Tech Solutions LLC” vs “Tech Solutions Georgia LLC”)
• Common abbreviations (“Inc” vs “Incorporated”, “Co” vs “Company”)

Remember: your new name must include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or an approved abbreviation. Don’t get creative here—stick with what Georgia explicitly allows.

Step 2: File Your Articles of Amendment (The Official Paperwork)

This is where the rubber meets the road. Georgia’s online filing system isn’t terrible, but it’s not winning any user experience awards either.

Navigating Georgia’s Online Filing System

Start at the Georgia Corporations Division Online Services portal. You’ll need to create an account if you don’t have one—and yes, you’ll probably forget your password by the time you need to file again.

Look for “Business Amendment – Name Change Only” in the dashboard. Here’s what you’ll encounter:

Business Search Section: Enter the first few words of your current LLC name. The system can be finicky—if it doesn’t find your LLC immediately, try different variations or just the first word.

New Business Name Section: This is your moment of truth. Enter your new name exactly as you want it to appear. You can provide 2nd and 3rd choice names, which I actually recommend. If your first choice gets rejected for any reason, they’ll automatically try your alternatives.

Special Words Warning: If your new name includes regulated terms like “bank,” “insurance,” “university,” or “credit union,” you’ll need special approval from the relevant Georgia agency before filing. This can add weeks to your timeline.

Article 2 (Original Filing Date): You’ll need to specify when your LLC was originally formed. If you can’t remember, use that business entity search tool to look it up.

Effective Date Options: Most people choose “effective upon filing,” but you can select a future date up to 90 days out. Why would you want a future effective date? Maybe you’re coordinating the name change with a marketing campaign or waiting for trademark approval.

Filing Fees and Processing Times

• Standard processing: $20, takes 7-10 business days
• Expedited options: Available for additional fees if you’re in a rush

Step 3: Update Your Federal Tax Records (Don’t Skip This!)

Here’s where many business owners drop the ball. You’ve changed your name with Georgia, but the IRS still has you on file under your old name. This creates a mismatch that can cause headaches during tax season.

You’ll need to notify the IRS about your name change using their specific process. This typically involves sending a letter with:

• Your old business name
• Your new business name
• Your EIN
• The effective date of the change
• A copy of your approved Articles of Amendment

Step 4: Update Georgia Department of Revenue

Georgia’s tax department needs to know about your name change too. You can usually handle this online through the Georgia Tax Center, but sometimes a phone call is faster.

Have your Georgia tax account number handy, along with your approved Articles of Amendment. The process is usually straightforward, but Georgia’s system can be… quirky.

Step 5: Notify Your Financial Institutions

This is where the real work begins. Every bank, credit card company, and financial service provider needs to update their records.

Priority order for updates:

1. Business bank account (this affects day-to-day operations)
2. Business credit cards (you’ll need new cards issued)
3. PayPal, Stripe, and other payment processors
4. Business loans or lines of credit
5. Investment accounts

Most banks will require you to visit in person with your Articles of Amendment and probably some additional identification. Call ahead to ask what documents they need—bank requirements vary wildly.

Step 6: Business Licenses and Permits

If your LLC holds any professional licenses or local permits, these need updating too. The process varies depending on the type of license:

State professional licenses: Contact the issuing board or agency directly Local business permits: Check with your city or county clerk’s office Industry-specific licenses: Each regulatory body has its own process

Some agencies will let you update the name on your existing license, while others require you to apply for a new license entirely. Budget extra time for this step—government agencies aren’t exactly known for speed.

Step 7: Update Everything Else (The Long Tail)

This is where having a checklist saves your sanity. I’ve seen business owners still finding things to update six months later.

Online Presence

• Website domain registration
• Social media accounts (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.)
• Google My Business listing
• Online marketplaces (Amazon, eBay, Etsy)
• Email signatures

Business Materials

• Letterhead and business cards
• Invoices and contracts
• Marketing materials
• Signage (physical and digital)

Professional Services

• Registered agent (if you use a service)
• Accountant and bookkeeper
• Attorney
• Insurance providers

Other Government Agencies

• Workers’ compensation (if you have employees)
• Unemployment insurance
• Sales tax permits
• Professional licensing boards

Jake’s reality check: You don’t need to update everything in the first week. Prioritize what affects your immediate operations, then work through the rest systematically.

Update Your Operating Agreement

Don’t forget about your LLC’s internal documents. Your Operating Agreement should reflect the new name—this is actually pretty important for maintaining your LLC’s legal protections.

You can either create an amendment to your existing Operating Agreement or draft a new one entirely. If you’re going the amendment route, have all LLC members sign it and keep it with your other corporate records.

This is also a great opportunity to review your Operating Agreement for other needed updates. When’s the last time you looked at it? Exactly.

Common Georgia LLC Name Change Mistakes to Avoid

After helping over 1,000 LLCs navigate various changes, I’ve seen these mistakes repeatedly:

1. Not checking trademark databases: Just because a name is available with the state doesn’t mean someone else owns the trademark. Do a quick USPTO search.

2. Forgetting about DBA names: If your LLC operates under a “doing business as” name, you might need to update that separately.

3. Rushing the process: Take time to really think about your new name. Changing it again later is possible but annoying.

4. Ignoring your registered agent: If you use a registered agent service, make sure they update their records too.

5. Not planning for downtime: Some services might experience brief interruptions during the name change process.

How Long Does the Entire Process Take?

Here’s the realistic timeline:

• State approval: 7-10 business days (standard filing)
• IRS notification: Allow 2-3 weeks for processing
• Banking updates: 1-2 weeks (depends on your bank)
• Everything else: 2-6 weeks, depending on how organized you are

Total realistic timeframe: 1-2 months to get everything fully updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Georgia LLC name multiple times?

Absolutely. There’s no limit on how many times you can change your LLC name in Georgia. Just pay the $20 fee each time. That said, frequent name changes can confuse customers and damage your brand consistency.

Do I need an attorney for this process?

Not required, but it might be worth it if your situation is complex. If you’re dealing with trademark issues, have multiple business entities, or operate in highly regulated industries, legal advice could save you headaches.

What if someone objects to my new name?

Georgia doesn’t have a formal objection process like some states, but if there’s a legitimate trademark conflict, you could face legal challenges later. Better to do your homework upfront.

Can I reserve a name before filing the amendment?

Yes, Georgia allows name reservations for $25, good for 90 days. This can be smart if you’re coordinating the name change with other business events.

When to Consider Professional Help

Look, I’m all about DIY when it makes sense. But there are times when hiring a professional service is the smarter move:

• You’re too busy to manage the process yourself
• Your LLC has complex ownership structures
• You operate in multiple states
• There are potential trademark issues
• You’re changing more than just the name

If you decide to hire help, expect to pay $119-200 plus state fees for a reputable service. Just make sure they’re handling the follow-up notifications, not just the initial filing.

The Bottom Line

Changing your Georgia LLC name isn’t rocket science, but it’s not exactly a walk in the park either. The state filing is straightforward—it’s all the follow-up work that gets tedious.

My advice? Treat this as a project with a proper timeline, not something to rush through on a Friday afternoon. Make your lists, gather your documents, and work through it systematically.

And remember: once you’ve successfully changed your name with the state, you’re past the hard part. Everything else is just administrative cleanup.

Ready to Change Your Georgia LLC Name?

If you’re ready to tackle this process yourself, head over to Georgia’s Corporations Division Online Services portal and get started.

Need help navigating the process? At llciyo.com, we’ve guided hundreds of Georgia LLCs through successful name changes. We know the system inside and out, and we can handle the paperwork while you focus on running your business.

Questions about your specific situation? Every LLC is different, and sometimes you need personalized guidance. Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help you make the right decisions for your business.

Remember: This guide provides general information about Georgia LLC name changes but doesn’t constitute legal advice. For complex situations involving trademark disputes, multi-state operations, or regulatory compliance, consider consulting with a qualified attorney.