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

How to Name an LLC in Arkansas

Time needed: 5 minutes

There are guidelines to follow in forming an LLC. 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 Arkansas’ 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 $22.50 filing fee (plus tax for online).

    File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of Arkansas. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to the Arkansas Secretary of State, State Capitol, Suite 256, 500 Woodlane Street, Little Rock, AR 72201.

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 an Arkansas LLC Online Name Search

The first step before starting any business is to select an appropriate name for your limited liability company (LLC). If you are confused about how to search LLC names, then we are here to help you out.

The following are the steps that you have to follow in naming your LLC;

Check for the availability of Name in Arkansas

Before selecting a name for your LLC or applying for a reservation of name for your LLC, you must conduct a name search on the Business Entity search.

Search Arkansas Name Database

  1. Go to the Business Entity Search Page. It will take you to the official webpage of the Arkansas Secretary of State.
arkansas name search step 1
  1. In the “Corporation Type” drop-down list, select “All Types”. By selecting “All Types”, you are not limiting your search to names of LLC only and therefore it will widen the scope of your search.
arkansas name search step 2
  1. Enter your desired LLC name in the “Name” box. Do not add LLC or other kinds of identifiers after the name of your business.
  1. Leave “Fictitious Name”, “Registered Agent”, “RA City”, “RA State”, “Filing#” blank. You can also ignore the “RA State” drop-down list. These entries are filled when a more specific search is required.
arkansas name search step 3
  1. Click the “Search” button. A list of businesses operating in Arkansas may appear. Browse through the list of existing Arkansas businesses in the search results.
arkansas name search step 4

After the search is over, if “There are no records found” appears in the search result, then no other business is using the name of your LLC and your name is distinct. If the search shows some results but they are not too similar, then also your desired name is available for use.

But if your desired name appears exactly in the search results, then an existing business is using this name and therefore you may have to come up with a new name for your LLC. Similarly, if the results show a deceptively similar name, then also you will have to use either a new name or use some creativity and come up with a variation of your desired name.

BONUS TIP — The State of Arkansas lets you check LLC name availability by phone. Just call 501-682-3409 and a representative will help you.

Reserve Arkansas LLC Name

If you want to reserve a name for your LLC, you may do so by filing a fee of $22.5, if filed via online medium, or $25, if filed via postal mail. The fee has to be paid to Arkansas’s Secretary of State. By depositing this fee, the name of your LLC will be reserved for 120 days.

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 Arkansas

To reserve an LLC name in Arkansas you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Arkansas Secretary State by mail, in person by paying a filing amount of $25, or online by paying $22.50.

The process of reserving an LLC name in Arkansas is relatively straightforward. To begin, you should first choose a name that represents your business well and is not already in use by another company in the state. It’s also a good idea to check if the domain name for your business is available, as having a consistent name across all platforms can help with branding and marketing efforts.

Once you’ve settled on a name, you can check its availability by searching the Arkansas Secretary of State website. If the name is available, you can then file a Name Reservation Form with the Secretary of State’s office. This form typically requires you to provide the desired name, the name and address of the person reserving the name, and a payment for the reservation fee.

It’s important to note that reserving a name does not automatically register your LLC. To officially form your LLC, you will still need to file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State, along with any other required forms and fees. However, reserving a name can give you peace of mind knowing that your desired name is secure while you work on completing the necessary steps to formally register your business.

By reserving an LLC name in Arkansas, you also gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Your reserved name is protected for 60 days, allowing you time to finalize your business plans, secure funding, and take the necessary steps to officially register your business. This can be especially helpful if you’re planning a new product or service launch and want to ensure your branding and marketing efforts are consistent and effective.

Additionally, reserving an LLC name can also help you establish credibility and professionalism in the eyes of your customers, suppliers, and business partners. A reserved name shows that you are serious about your business and have taken the necessary steps to safeguard your brand identity. This can help build trust and confidence in your company, ultimately leading to better relationships and opportunities for growth and success.

In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in Arkansas is a simple yet crucial step in starting a business. By securing your desired name, you protect your brand identity, establish credibility, and gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. With the peace of mind that comes from knowing your name is reserved, you can focus on building and growing your business with confidence and clarity.

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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