Reserve A Business Name in South Carolina.

Reserving a business name is not the same as registering a business. 

If you would like to reserve a business entity name prior to registering a business entity with the Secretary of State then select ìReserve Nameî. This is done if you are not ready to file your articles of incorporation because, for example, the agentís name is unknown. A name reservation is only good for 120 day nonrenewable period. Foreign and domestic entities can Reserve a name for 120 days under ß33-4-102, 33-31-402, 33-44-106. Foreign entities may reserve their legal name or a fictitious name. 

Foreign entities also have the option to Register a name under ß33-4-103, 33-31-403, 33-44-107. A foreign entity may choose to do this if they are planning on expanding into SC, but they are not yet transacting business. This registration of the name is good for one calendar year (they all expire December 31st). Only a legal name can be registered. If a foreign company is looking to hold a fictitious name, they must do this under reserve, not register. 

Once the entity name (not business) is registered (reserve or register a name), a reference number will be issued by the Secretary of Stateís office. This number is then used when you register the business in SCBOS. 

NOTE: If you are filing your articles, domestic or foreign, you DO NOT have to reserve or register an entity name.