Minnesota LLC Name Search – How to Name Your LLC


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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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 Minnesota’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 a Minnesota LLC or forming an LLC in general, you can check out How to Start an LLC.

How to Name an LLC in Minnesota

Time needed: 5 minutes

There are guidelines to follow in doing a Minnesota 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.

  1. Check Name Availability

    Search the Business Entity Records in Minnesota’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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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 $25 filing fee (plus tax for online).

    File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of Minnesota. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to the Minnesota Secretary of State – Business Services, Retirement Systems of Minnesota Building, 60 Empire Drive, Suite 100, St Paul, MN 55103.

Check Name Availability
Reserve Name Online
Download Reservation form

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 Minnesota LLC Online Name Search

As a part of your LLC registration process, it is important to have a suitable name for your LLC in accordance with the State naming guidelines. So, when you select a name for your LLC, you also need to run a quick search on the Minnesota Business Entity Search page to check whether the name is unique and there is no other business running in the State with the same name.

1. Access the Business Entity Search tool on the State website

The Minnesota Secretary of State website offers a Business Entity Search Tool to assist you in finalizing a name for your business LLC. This tool is helpful in deciding the uniqueness and availability of the name. Also, keep a list of backup names ready, so you can select a final name in a few attempts.

2. Run the Search

After you navigate to the Search page, you can run the search by Business name. To begin the search process, you need to enter the name in the blank space and then click on the “Search” tab. You can also conduct the search using another option, i.e., File Number.

3. Perform the Search

To finally search the name, there are different types of strategies available on the search page. The first type of strategy is the one where you can type in the keyword and you have to check the option “Begins with”. This way, it will show the names of the competing businesses in Minnesota starting with the same name as your proposed name. Or, there is another option “contains”. So, if you type in the words that your business’s name contains or exactly matches, this will give the results for all the competing businesses. You can also search by adjusting the filing status, i.e., Active or inactive. After the results are displayed on the screen, you can click on “Details” to find more information about all the registered business names.

While conducting the search, you can exclude usage of identifiers such as “LLC” to access wider results from different forms of business structures running in a similar name. Conduct thorough research of the name by using the provided filters before filing it with the Authorities.

If you also wish to use a Trademark for the distinct identity of your business in the State, you can run a trademark search on the Trademark Database of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to see whether the chosen name is already in use by any other business entity.

If you also plan on conducting your business online through a website, you should also check if a domain name similar to your chosen business name is available or not.

F.A.Qs

What is a Trade Name?

A trade name (doing business as (DBA) name) is the official name under which a proprietor or company chooses to do business.

Is having a domain name necessary?

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.

What if my name is unavailable?

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 Minnesota

To reserve an LLC name in Minnesota you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Minnesota Secretary of State by mail for $35 or in-person, online by paying a filing fee of $55.

First, why is it important to reserve your LLC name in Minnesota? When you file for an LLC in the state, your business name must be unique and not already in use by another entity. By reserving your name, you can ensure that no one else snatches it up while you complete the necessary steps to officially register your business.

To reserve an LLC name in Minnesota, you have a couple of options. The first is to file online through the Secretary of State’s website. This method allows you to search for your desired name to see if it’s available and complete the reservation process all in one place. The online filing system is user-friendly and guides you through each step, making it a convenient option for many entrepreneurs.

If you prefer to handle things old-school, you can also reserve your LLC name by mailing in a form to the Secretary of State’s office. Simply download the Name Reservation Form from their website, fill it out with your preferred name, and send it in with the required fee. While this method may take a bit longer than filing online, it’s still a reliable way to secure your business name.

When reserving your LLC name in Minnesota, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, your name must include the phrase “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation like “LLC.” This requirement alerts the public that your business is structured as an LLC and provides legal protections to the owners. Additionally, certain words may be prohibited or restricted in your name, so it’s a good idea to check the state’s guidelines before making your final selection.

It’s also important to note that reserving your LLC name in Minnesota does not grant you exclusive rights to that name. While it prevents others from using it for 12 months, you’ll still need to move forward with forming your LLC and registering the name officially. This process typically involves filing Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State and paying the required fees.

Overall, reserving an LLC name in Minnesota is a crucial first step in launching your new business. By taking the time to secure your desired name, you can avoid any potential conflicts down the road and establish a strong foundation for your company. Whether you choose to file online or by mail, the process is relatively simple and well worth the effort. So, if you’re ready to bring your business idea to life in the North Star State, don’t forget to reserve your LLC name first.

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

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