Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
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.
- 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.
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 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 first step in reserving an LLC name in Arkansas is to conduct a thorough name search to ensure that the name you have in mind is available. You can search the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website to check for existing business names that may be similar to yours. This search is crucial as you want to avoid any legal issues later on due to name conflicts with other businesses.
After completing a name search and confirming that your desired name is available, the next step is to file an Application for Reservation of Name with the Arkansas Secretary of State. This application can be submitted online or by mail, and it includes basic information about your LLC such as the name you wish to reserve, the duration of the reservation, and your contact information. There is a fee associated with filing this application, so be sure to check the current fee schedule on the Secretary of State’s website.
Once your Application for Reservation of Name has been approved, the name you have chosen will be reserved for a period of 120 days. This gives you ample time to finalize your LLC formation documents and submit them to the Secretary of State. It’s important to note that reserving a name does not mean that your LLC is officially formed – you will still need to complete the necessary steps to register your LLC with the state.
Reserving an LLC name in Arkansas is a simple and straightforward process that can help you secure the perfect name for your business. By taking this early step, you can avoid potential conflicts with other businesses and ensure that your brand stands out in the marketplace. Remember to conduct a thorough name search, file your Application for Reservation of Name, and finalize your LLC formation documents to officially register your business with the Arkansas Secretary of State.
In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in Arkansas is an important first step in the process of forming your business. By following the steps outlined above, you can secure the perfect name for your LLC and pave the way for a successful business venture. So, don’t delay – take action today to reserve your LLC name and start building your brand in Arkansas.
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