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

How to Name an LLC in South Dakota

Time needed: 5 minutes

There are guidelines to follow in doing a South Dakota 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 South Dakota’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 South Dakota. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to Secretary of State Office 500 E Capitol Ave Pierre, SD 57501.

Check Name Availability
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.

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 South Dakota

To reserve an LLC name in South Dakota you need to submit a name reservation request form to the South Dakota Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $25.

Once you have selected a name for your LLC, the next step is to file a Name Reservation with the South Dakota Secretary of State. This can be done online or by mail, but it is recommended to submit the reservation online for quicker processing. The Name Reservation form requires basic information about your LLC, including the proposed name, the business address, and contact information for the person submitting the reservation.

After the Name Reservation form is submitted and approved, the LLC name will be reserved for a period of 120 days. This gives entrepreneurs the time they need to complete the necessary paperwork to officially establish their LLC. It is important to note that a Name Reservation does not establish a legal entity for your business, but simply reserves the name for future use.

Once the LLC name is reserved, entrepreneurs can move forward with filing the Articles of Organization with the South Dakota Secretary of State. This document officially establishes the LLC and includes important details such as the name of the LLC, the address of the business, the registered agent, and the duration of the LLC, among other information.

In addition to filing the Articles of Organization, entrepreneurs will need to obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS. This unique nine-digit number is used to identify your business for tax purposes and is necessary for opening a business bank account, hiring employees, and filing taxes.

After completing all necessary paperwork and obtaining an EIN, entrepreneurs should consider drafting an Operating Agreement for their LLC. While not required by law in South Dakota, an Operating Agreement is a critical document that outlines the management and operation of the LLC, as well as the rights and responsibilities of the members. This document can help prevent misunderstandings and disputes among members in the future.

Overall, reserving an LLC name in South Dakota is a relatively straightforward process that requires careful consideration and thorough preparation. By following these steps and completing the necessary paperwork, entrepreneurs can establish their LLC with confidence and begin building their business right away. With the right name and a solid foundation, the possibilities for success are endless.

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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