Usually you will need to in most states. However, you can register a DBA (doing business as) name to get around this with your Department of Business and Professional Regulations.For example, my husband s business is an S-corp which is very similar to a limited liability company. We are a general contractor and we do our business under the name Bell Sons. Since my husband holds the presidency of the corporation and is also the license holder, his full name must be present in the business name UNLESS we register a fictitious name with the state---which we did. It costs about $150.Different states have different rules for this---just check it out at the state level department that regulates your type of business.
Just a follow-up to the DBA suggestion...most states have DBA registration at the state level for LLCs and corporations and at the local (county, usually) level for sole proprietorships. Be sure to check the rules in your state, as some states require both registrations.
