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Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is Iowa’s Secretary of State page includes a name availability checker. Check out LLC Name Search to learn more.
Meanwhile, if you’re interested in learning more about starting an LLC in Iowa or forming an LLC in general, you can check out How to Start an LLC.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
How to Name an LLC in Iowa
Time needed: 5 minutes
There are guidelines to follow in doing an Iowa LLC name search. To learn more, check out LLC Naming Guidelines or read Foreign LLC Application for Registration if you’re planning to register a foreign LLC.
- Check Name Availability
Search the Business Entity Records in Iowa’s Official Secretary of State page to check if your chosen business name is available. You may also try typing your trademark, business, or domain name on any search engine to generate businesses with similar names and to ensure your trademark is unique and meets the state’s requirements.
Check out How to File a DBA to learn more about registering a DBA or trademark. For social media pages, use Social Searcher to avoid using similar page names. - Check Domain Availability
If your business name is still available, you must register for a domain name using Namecheap, Google Workspace, or other domain name sites. So customers can easily find your business over the Internet. Use the Kinsta app to manage your domains efficiently.
- File Name Reservation
A Name Reservation Certificate is required along with a Certificate of Formation. You can reserve a name online, by mail, or in person with a $10 filing fee (plus tax for online).
File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of Iowa. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to the Secretary of State Business Services Division, Lucas Building, 1st Floor, Des Moines, Iowa 50319.
Guidelines to Follow in Naming LLC
- Use a business name with the abbreviation “LLC” or the phrase “Limited Liability Company.”
- Your decided business name must not coincide with any existing government entity. Otherwise, you might have to face legal lawsuits when filing your LLC.
- Use the LLC name availability checker to ensure your business name is unique.
- Get a license first if you plan on using restricted words to avoid any complications.
Note that you must put adequate effort into naming your LLC because this name will be with your business for a long time. Making your LLC name unique is vital as it would prevent people from confusing your business with others, not to mention it would be easier for them to recall your business, products, or services.
How to do a Iowa LLC Online Name Search
Here’s an easy-to-follow guideline on how you can do an online search for your Iowa LLC name.
Access the Business Entities Search Tool of the State of Iowa
The State of Iowa provides a Business Entity Search Tool to assist you in deciding the uniqueness of your proposed business name. This tool is very helpful in deciding whether the proposed business name is available for usage in the territory or not. Keep a list of backup names ready, so you can select the final name in a few attempts.
Enter the name
After you navigate to the search page, you will find two different types of search filters that you can execute to find a relevant name for your business. You can perform the search either by the “Business Name”, or “Business Number”.
Perform the Search
Search the availability of the chosen name on the website. If the proposed business name is already in use, the page will display the relevant details of the business using the same name. The State of Iowa does not display the social security number of such businesses in its privacy policy. Conduct thorough research of the name by using the provided filters before filing it with the Authorities.
If you intend to take your business online by setting up a website, you should also check if a domain name similar to your chosen business name is available for your business.
Next, if you also wish to use a Trademark for the distinct identity of your business, you can run a search on the Trademark Database of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to check if the chosen name is already in use by some other business entity. After finalizing a name for your LLC in Iowa you can file an application for reservation of the name either online or via mail.
F.A.Qs
A trade name (doing business as (DBA) name) is the official name under which a proprietor or company chooses to do business.
Having a domain isn’t necessary, but it is recommended. If you have a domain name, customers will find you more accessible through online means with your online website.
For domestic LLC, you can simply brainstorm for another name if the one you pick is no longer available. For foreign LLC, you must think up a “fictitious name,” which you’ll use only in the state.
How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in Iowa
To reserve an LLC name in Iowa you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Iowa Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $10.
Reserving an LLC name in Iowa is a straightforward process but it’s important to understand the guidelines and regulations set by the state to ensure that your desired name is available and compliant with the laws. The purpose of reserving a name is to prevent other businesses from using it and to secure it for your own use as you navigate the process of forming your LLC.
The first step to reserving an LLC name in Iowa is to choose a unique and distinguishable name for your business. The name must include the phrase “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.C.” and it cannot be the same as or deceptively similar to any other existing business name in the state. It’s advisable to conduct a thorough search of the Iowa Secretary of State’s online business database to check for name availability before submitting your reservation request.
Once you have chosen a name for your LLC, you can reserve it for a period of 120 days by filing a Name Reservation Application with the Iowa Secretary of State’s office. The application can be filed online or by mail and will require a filing fee. The reservation will give you exclusive rights to the name for the allotted period, during which time you can proceed with the necessary steps to form your LLC.
It’s important to note that reserving a name does not automatically register your business with the state. After you have reserved the name, you will still need to complete the formalities of forming your LLC, such as filing Articles of Organization and paying the requisite fees. Keep in mind that reserving a name does not guarantee that the name will be approved for use when you formally register your LLC, so it’s best to have alternative names in mind in case your first choice is not available.
In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in Iowa is a crucial step in the process of starting your business. By taking the time to choose a unique and compliant name and following the guidelines set by the Iowa Secretary of State, you can secure your desired name for your LLC and avoid potential conflicts with other businesses. Remember to conduct a thorough search for name availability, file the necessary paperwork, and be prepared to move forward with forming your LLC after the name reservation is approved.
In Conclusion
LLC names are important as it is the main identity of your business. While naming your LLC make sure to choose the one that suits the nature of your business. Follow the naming guidelines before you start filing your LLC name