Iowa LLC Name Search – How to Name Your LLC


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
Business Formation Expert
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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 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.

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.

  1. 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.

  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 $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.

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 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.

First and foremost, it is important to understand the significance of choosing a name for your LLC. Your business’s name is its identity, and it plays a key role in attracting customers, creating brand awareness, and setting your company apart from competitors. Therefore, it is essential to choose a name that is unique, memorable, and reflective of your business’s values.

When choosing a name for your LLC, you must ensure that it complies with Iowa’s naming requirements. The name must include the phrase “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or an abbreviation thereof. Additionally, the name must be distinguishable from the names of existing businesses in Iowa to avoid any confusion or legal issues. Conducting a name search on the Iowa Secretary of State’s website can help you determine if your desired name is available for use.

Once you have chosen a name for your LLC and ensured its availability, the next step is to reserve the name with the Iowa Secretary of State. This can be done either online or by mail. When reserving a name online, you will need to create an account on the Secretary of State’s website and complete the reservation form. The online reservation process is quick and convenient, allowing you to reserve your desired name in just a few minutes.

If you prefer to reserve a name by mail, you can download the name reservation form from the Iowa Secretary of State’s website and send it along with the required fee to the designated address. This process may take longer than reserving a name online, as it involves mailing the form and waiting for confirmation from the Secretary of State.

It is important to note that reserving a name for your LLC does not automatically register your business with the state. To officially register your LLC in Iowa, you will need to file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State and pay the required fees. Your reserved name will be held for 120 days from the date of reservation, giving you ample time to complete the registration process.

In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in Iowa is a straightforward process that involves choosing a unique and compliant name for your business and filing a reservation with the Secretary of State. Taking the time to reserve your desired name ensures that it will be available for use when you are ready to register your LLC officially. By following the steps outlined above, you can secure your business’s identity and take the first step towards establishing a successful venture in Iowa.

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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