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.
Forming an LLC in Arkansas is a great way to protect your business’s assets and provide limited liability protection to its owners. Before you can establish an LLC in Arkansas, however, you must first reserve an LLC name. This process is relatively simple and can be completed in a few steps.
The first step in reserving an LLC name in Arkansas is to conduct a name search. This is to ensure that your desired LLC name is not already in use by another company. You can do this by using the Secretary of State’s business search tool, which is easily accessible online. You can also contact the Secretary of State’s office directly for help with conducting a name search. If the name you want to use is available, you can proceed to the next step.
Once you have determined that your desired LLC name is available, you must then reserve it. This process is done by filing a Name Reservation Form with the Arkansas Secretary of State. This form can be found online and must be completed in its entirety, including the name of the LLC and the name and address of the LLC’s registered agent. Once the form is completed, it must be signed by the LLC’s organizer and returned to the Secretary of State with the appropriate filing fee.
Once the Name Reservation Form is received by the Secretary of State, your LLC name will be officially reserved for a period of 120 days. During this time, no other company can use the same name. After the 120-day period has expired, you will need to file a new Name Reservation Form if you still wish to use the name.
You may also want to consider filing a trademark for your LLC name. This will provide additional protection for your business and will allow you to sue anyone who infringes on your trademark. You can file a trademark application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This process is slightly more complicated and may require the assistance of a trademark attorney.
Reserving an LLC name in Arkansas is an important step in forming an LLC. By reserving an LLC name, you will have exclusive rights to the name for a period of 120 days. You may also want to consider filing a trademark for additional protection. Once your LLC name is reserved, you will then be able to proceed with the process of forming 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