Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is Iowa’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 an LLC in Iowa 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 Iowa
Time needed: 5 minutes
There are guidelines to follow in doing an Iowa 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.
- Check Name Availability
Search the Business Entity Records in Iowa’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. - 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 $10 filing fee (plus tax for online).
File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of Iowa. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to the Secretary of State Business Services Division, Lucas Building, 1st Floor, Des Moines, Iowa 50319.
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 Iowa LLC Online Name Search
Here’s an easy-to-follow guideline on how you can do an online search for your Iowa LLC name.
Access the Business Entities Search Tool of the State of Iowa
The State of Iowa provides a Business Entity Search Tool to assist you in deciding the uniqueness of your proposed business name. This tool is very helpful in deciding whether the proposed business name is available for usage in the territory or not. Keep a list of backup names ready, so you can select the final name in a few attempts.
Enter the name
After you navigate to the search page, you will find two different types of search filters that you can execute to find a relevant name for your business. You can perform the search either by the “Business Name”, or “Business Number”.
Perform the Search
Search the availability of the chosen name on the website. If the proposed business name is already in use, the page will display the relevant details of the business using the same name. The State of Iowa does not display the social security number of such businesses in its privacy policy. Conduct thorough research of the name by using the provided filters before filing it with the Authorities.
If you intend to take your business online by setting up a website, you should also check if a domain name similar to your chosen business name is available for your business.
Next, if you also wish to use a Trademark for the distinct identity of your business, you can run a search on the Trademark Database of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to check if the chosen name is already in use by some other business entity. After finalizing a name for your LLC in Iowa you can file an application for reservation of the name either online or via mail.
How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in Iowa
To reserve an LLC name in Iowa you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Iowa Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $10.
To begin the process, it is important to understand what an LLC name reservation entails. The State of Iowa recognizes the significance of a name to a company and allows entrepreneurs to reserve a name for their intended use before officially forming their LLC. By reserving a name, you can ensure that it won’t be used by another entity in the meantime, providing you with peace of mind as you work on establishing your business.
Before diving into the specifics of making a reservation, it is necessary to stress the importance of selecting a unique name that aligns with the nature of your business and sets you apart from the competition. While creativity can be a virtue, it is important to balance it with professionalism and clarity. The name should reflect your brand’s values and be easily recognizable and memorable for your future customers.
Once you have your desired name in mind, the reservation process can be initiated. In Iowa, an LLC name reservation can be made online or through physical mail. However, for a quick and convenient experience, opting for the online route is highly recommended.
To get started online, visit the Iowa Secretary of State’s official website and look for their business services section. There, you will find a user-friendly platform that allows you to reserve an LLC name electronically. By providing some basic information about yourself, your intended name, and remitting a small fee, you can complete the reservation process. Keep in mind that the fee is non-refundable even if the name reservation is rejected or the LLC is not formed subsequently.
Another important point to consider is the duration of the name reservation. In Iowa, once successfully reserved, the LLC name will be held exclusively for 120 days. This gives you ample time to complete all other necessary steps to officially form your LLC, such as filing the Articles of Organization and meeting any other legal requirements.
In case you are not comfortable with the online reservation procedure, or simply prefer a more traditional approach, you can choose to reserve an LLC name through physical mail. To do so, download the form provided by the Iowa Secretary of State website, fill it out accurately, and send it along with the required fee to the designated address. While the mail option takes a bit longer and involves more paperwork, it still offers a valid alternative for those who prefer a non-digital route.
Reserving an LLC name in Iowa sets you on the right track to establish a strong foundation for your business. By investing time and effort in selecting a unique and fitting name, and following the straightforward guidelines laid out by the Iowa Secretary of State, you can effortlessly reserve the perfect moniker for your future enterprise. So get ready to give your business a memorable identity that will make it stand out from the crowd.
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
