Why can’t I use certain words in my company name?

Each state has specific naming rules and restrictions to ensure that company names are not misleading or imply unauthorized business activities. Certain words are restricted because they suggest professional licensing (like “Attorney” or “Engineer”), government affiliation (like “FBI” or “Treasury”), or regulated financial activities (like “Bank” or “Trust”).

Below is a list of commonly restricted words across states:

Category	Examples	Notes
Banking & Financial	Bank, Trust, Trust Company, Savings & Loan, Credit Union, Investment Company, Mortgage, Loan, Acceptance	Only licensed or approved financial institutions can use these terms.
Insurance	Insurance, Insurer, Underwriter, Assurance, Risk Management	Requires licensing
Professional & Licensed Services	Accountant, Accounting, Accountancy, CPA, Certified Public Accountant, Attorney, Law, Legal, Doctor, Medical, Hospital, Clinic, Healthcare, Dentist, Architect, Engineer, Surveyor, Professional Engineer, Licensed Engineer, Licensed Architect, Realtor, Broker, Pharmacy, Veterinarian	Requires licensing
Government & Public Authority	Federal, State, United States, Government, Municipal, Agency, Department, Bureau, Division, Commission, Board	Cannot imply official government affiliation or authority.
Education & Research	University, College, School, Academy (sometimes restricted), Institute (sometimes restricted), Conservatory, Seminary, Tutorial, Education	Requires licensing from the state’s education department.
Nonprofit & Charitable	Charity, Foundation, Trust, Endowment, Fund, Benevolent, Relief, Philanthropy, Donation, Support	Requires licensing
Securities & Investments	Securities, Stock Exchange, Mutual Fund, Investment Advisor, Portfolio Management, Asset Management	Regulated under federal and state securities laws; use requires licensing or registration.
Banking-Related Agencies (State-Specific)	Depository, Finance, Funding, Capital, Investment Banking, Trust Bank	Requires licensing
Other Restricted or Sensitive Terms	Cooperative, Military, Police, Sheriff, Patrol, Fire Department, Rescue, Emergency, Ambulance, Lottery, Casino, Gambling, Wagering, Betting, Actuary, Pension, Licensing, Certification, Licensing Board, State Bar, Treasury, Federal Reserve	Restricted or regulated; Requires licensing