Changing your business name is more complex than spreading the word about the new name. But if you're committed to the re-branding, read on to learn how to change your business name in ten steps.
Pick a memorable moniker
The new name should still reflect your brand identity, products or services or a combination of both. It should also resolve a concern you had with the previous name. For example, if the old name was forgettable, too verbose or too close to the name of a competitor, ensure the new business name is memorable, concise and unique.
Check for and claim the domain name
Use the WHOIS domain lookup tool to ensure a domain is available for your new business name before you change it. Choosing a unique new name will boost the odds of the domain name being available.
If the domain is unused, buy it quickly before someone else does. You can also try variations of a business domain name if your first choice is already taken. As an example, modifying "mybusiness.com" to "mybusinessonline.com".
Ensure the business name isn't trademarked
You want to ensure that your business name doesn't infringe on an already registered trademark. Infringement can cause legal hassles down the road. Search for your potential new name using the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office's trademark search tool. Ensure there are no registered trademarks that match your new company name. If you want, you can also register the new name as a trademark.
Notify your secretary of state
You'll need to notify your Secretary of State of your name change before doing business with it. See the USA.gov State and Territory Business Resources site to access the form needed to file the name change. The form used to do this will vary by state. The change can also come with a small fee.