Short answer: Names must contain standard LLC designators. Restricted words require agency clearance.
We've pulled these figures from the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT)'s own pages. If something's changed since our last check, the state's portal wins, so it's worth a quick look before you pay.
Maryland naming rules
Names must contain standard LLC designators. Restricted words require agency clearance.
Open the official Maryland name search
Reserving a name
Maryland lets you reserve a name for $25, which holds it for 30 days.
Doing business under another name
Maryland DBAs are filed with: state. Fee: $25.
How Maryland compares
Maryland's name reservation fee is $25. That's the 18th highest of 50 jurisdictions we track. The national median is $25, right where Maryland sits.
| State | Fee | National rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $25 | 18 of 50 |
| Delaware | $75 | 2 of 50 |
| District of Columbia | $50 | 7 of 50 |
| New Jersey | $50 | 7 of 50 |
| Virginia | $10 | 41 of 50 |
| Connecticut | $60 | 4 of 50 |
Maryland fees that apply here
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $150 | Base filing fee is $100. Online filings are automatically forced into an expedited tier, requiring a mandatory $50 expedite fee, bringing the realistic online cost to $150. |
| Name reservation (optional) | $25 | 30 days |
| Amendment | $100 | |
| DBA / assumed name | $25 | state |
Name search and rules: Maryland questions
How do I check if an LLC name is available in Maryland?
Use the official State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) business search. A name that's distinguishable from existing records can usually be registered.
What words must a Maryland LLC name include?
Names must contain standard LLC designators. Restricted words require agency clearance.
Can I reserve an LLC name in Maryland?
Yes. Reservation costs $25 and holds the name for 30 days.
Do I need a DBA in Maryland?
Only if you'll do business under a name other than your exact LLC name. DBAs are filed with: state. Fee: $25.
Sources and verification
Last checked against official state sources on . States change fees with little notice, so confirm on the filing portal before you pay. How we verify.
Still being confirmed with the state: ra.self allowed, report.late penalty.