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

How to Name an LLC in Missouri

Time needed: 5 minutes

There are guidelines to follow in doing a Missouri 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 Missouri’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 Missouri. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to Corporations Division PO Box 778 / 600 W. Main St., Rm. 322 Jefferson City, MO 65102.

Check Name Availability
Reserve Name Online
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.

How to do a Missouri LLC Online Name Search

It is crucial to select the name you want to use for your LLC. If you’ve got a distinctive name for your LLC, you’ll have to look for the Missouri state site to confirm no other company is using it. Check out these tips to find out more.

Utilize the search engine for business entities in the state’s tool.

The Missouri Secretary of State offers an online business search site tool that can assist you in determining whether the name you’re looking to purchase is available for use. It is only necessary to keep backup names in the order you can easily choose the name.

Enter your preferred name

There are two kinds of searches that you can perform on the page for search. You can look up the name of the entity or its six-digit code. It is necessary to fill the empty area with the entity’s name or the number of the entity in order to start the entire procedure.

Run the search

There are two ways of searching for business names. Enter the search term, then choose the “contains” option. It will show the names of Missouri’s rival companies. You can also select the “starts with” option. This will give results for businesses that have similar names and similar words like yours.

Searches will reveal information on the current status of companies. This may be voluntary or involuntary dissolution, or they can be in good standing. Take note that only voluntary dissolution permits you to use your company’s name.

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 Missouri

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

First, you’ll want to search the Missouri Secretary of State’s online database to make sure that your desired LLC name isn’t already taken. You want to choose a unique name that isn’t too similar to any existing businesses in Missouri as this could lead to legal complications down the road. This step is crucial as there are specific guidelines set by the state that determine what names are acceptable and what names are not, so it’s best to do your due diligence before applying.

Once you have confirmed that your desired LLC name is available, you can reserve it for up to 60 days by filing a Name Reservation Request form with the Missouri Secretary of State. This form can be submitted online or by mail, and there is a small fee associated with the reservation process.

When filing the Name Reservation Request form, you’ll need to provide your desired LLC name, your name and address, and the filing fee. Once approved, the Secretary of State will reserve the LLC name for you for the specified 60-day period, during which time you can work on completing the necessary paperwork to officially register your LLC in Missouri.

Reserving an LLC name in Missouri is a simple and straightforward process that can provide you with peace of mind knowing that your desired business name is protected. By taking the time to reserve your LLC name, you can avoid potential conflicts with other businesses and ensure that your brand identity is secure.

In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in Missouri is an essential step in starting your own business. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily secure the perfect name for your LLC and protect your brand from potential conflicts. Don’t wait until it’s too late – reserve your LLC name today and take the first step towards building your dream business in the Show Me 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

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