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.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
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.
- 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. - 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 $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
- Go to the Business Entity Search Page. It will take you to the official webpage of the Arkansas Secretary of State.
- 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.
- Enter your desired LLC name in the “Name” box. Do not add LLC or other kinds of identifiers after the name of your business.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
One of the crucial steps in starting a business in Arkansas is choosing and reserving a suitable name for your Limited Liability Company (LLC). Selecting a name that reflects your brand and resonates with your target audience is essential, as it forms the foundation of your company’s identity. In Arkansas, the process of reserving an LLC name is relatively straightforward, providing business owners with the assurance that their chosen name will be available when they are ready to establish their LLC.
To reserve the name for your Arkansas LLC, you must follow a few simple steps. Firstly, it is crucial to conduct a thorough search to ensure that the desired name is not already in use. This can be done easily through the Arkansas Secretary of State’s online business database. A comprehensive search will help you avoid potential conflicts that may arise from using a name that is already registered.
Once you have ensured that your desired name is available, you can proceed with reserving it. It is important to note that reserving an LLC name in Arkansas is not a legal requirement but rather an optional step taken by many entrepreneurs to hold a name temporarily, as they may not be ready to establish their business immediately.
To reserve an LLC name, you must file an application with the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office. The application requires you to provide the LLC name you want to reserve, your contact information, and the expected duration for which you wish to reserve the name. Be sure to double-check the accuracy of the information provided before submitting the application to avoid any issues or delays.
The reservation application can be filed online or by mail. For utmost convenience, most individuals prefer the online filing option, which allows for faster processing and reduces paperwork. The online application is user-friendly and guides you through each step, ensuring that you submit all the necessary details correctly.
When submitting the application, you will be required to pay a nominal fee to complete the reservation process. The fee can be paid online, and once payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation email. It is highly recommended to keep a record of this confirmation as proof of your LLC name reservation.
Reserving an LLC name in Arkansas typically provides you with the exclusive right to use that name for 120 days. This period allows you ample time to finalize your business plans, gather necessary resources, and register your LLC without the fear of losing your desired name.
However, it is important to note that name reservations can not be extended beyond the initial 120-day period. If you require additional time to establish your LLC, you will need to re-apply, thereby incurring additional fees.
In conclusion, it is in your best interest to reserve an LLC name if you want to ensure that your preferred name is available when you are prepared to establish your business in Arkansas. By completing a name reservation, you secure the label temporarily, safeguarding it from being adopted by another entity during your planning phase. Although reserving a name is not mandatory, it is a prudent step that offers peace of mind as you progress toward launching your LLC.
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.
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
