How to Change Business Name in Missouri

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Changing a business name can give your company a new lease on life, but following the correct legal procedures is essential to ensure a smooth transition. The name is the first identity of your business. If you run it for a while and then decide to change, you must update the new name everywhere. In Missouri, popularly known as The Show-Me State, the process of modifying your business name can be quite straightforward, provided you adhere to the necessary rules and regulations.

You must follow some steps and regulations while changing your business name. For example, if you start an LLC in Missouri, you must follow specific regulations the Missouri state government sets. The current population of the so-called The Show-Me State is 6,204,710. Changing the name of your existing business in any city (especially in the capital, Jefferson City) might affect your business reputation and existing customers adversely. Hence, before you change the name of your business, make sure the decision is rightfully taken.

Technically, the process of changing your business name in Missouri involves three major steps. In this article, I have shared how to change a business name in Missouri. To learn everything about changing a business name, I recommend you read the whole article till the end.

On this page, you’ll learn about the following:

Reasons to Change a Business Name in Missouri
- Things to Consider Before Changing Your Business Name in Missouri
How to Change a Business Name in Missouri
Things to do After Filing the Missouri Amendment
FAQs

Reasons to Change a Business Name in Missouri

Rebranding: A business may want to change its name in Missouri to reflect the new brand identity, target a different market, or signify a shift in the company’s vision and goals.
Merger or acquisition: If a business in Missouri merges with or is acquired by another company, a name change may be necessary to represent the combined entity accurately.
Legal reasons: A business in Missouri may need to change its name due to trademark disputes, cease and desist letters, or other legal issues.
Expanding to new markets: If a business in Missouri is looking to expand into new regions or countries, a name change may be needed to avoid confusion with existing businesses in those markets or to appeal to a broader audience.
Negative associations: A business in Missouri may want to change its name if the current name has become associated with negative events, such as scandals or poor customer experiences.
Simplifying the name: A business in Missouri may choose to change its name to a simpler or more memorable one, making it easier for customers to remember and find.
Reflecting a change in ownership: If a business in Missouri changes ownership, the new owners might change the business name.

Things to Consider Before Changing Your Business Name in Missouri

There are a few things to consider before you change your existing business name. A business name change is a huge decision for any company. Changing the business name in Missouri frequently is neither easy nor desirable. If it is absolutely necessary to change the business name, you must consider the following points-

Legal requirements: Ensure you follow the necessary legal steps to change your business name in Missouri.
Name availability: Search the Missouri business registry to make sure your desired new name is available and does not infringe on any existing trademarks or business names.
Impact on branding and marketing: Assess how a name change will affect your existing brand identity, marketing materials, and overall company image in Missouri.
Customer perception and loyalty: Consider how your current customers in Missouri will react to a name change and whether it may cause confusion or negatively impact customer loyalty.
Costs associated with the name change: Changing your business name in Missouri may involve costs such as new signage, website updates, and reprinting marketing materials. Be sure to budget for these expenses.
Updating licenses and permits: You must update any licenses, permits, and registrations with the new business name in Missouri.
Maintaining continuity: Consider maintaining continuity with your old name during the transition period and address any potential confusion among customers and clients in Missouri.
Tax implications: Consult with a tax professional to understand any tax consequences or implications of changing your business name in Missouri.
Reputation management: Be prepared to manage your online reputation during the transition, as customers may leave reviews or comments on social media related to the business name change.

How to Change a Business Name in Missouri

Changing your business name in Missouri is not difficult, as I mentioned. But, before we start with the steps, you must know that one must follow some LLC naming guidelines while naming their LLC. Based on the type of business structure, naming guidelines may vary. Following are some of the guidelines an LLC must follow while changing the business name-

The name should be available to use
Any other business does not use the name.
The new name must include “LLC” if it is a limited liability company.
The name should not be confused with a government entity, such as banks, treasury, or any governmental organization.

Read Missouri LLC name search to learn about LLC naming if you form an LLC. Now, let’s dive into the steps to change the business name-

Step 1: Choose the New Name for Your Business

The first step is to choose a new name for your business. Many people file a DBA (Doing Business As) or a Fictitious Name before filing their business with the SOS. Later, they can change that name and get a new one when filing their business. When you decide to change the name of your business, you can search for the name to check if the new name is already taken or available for you to use.

To choose a new name, you must go through the same process you did when you first named your business. You go to the Missouri SOS, search for the name, check if the name is available to use if it is available, finalize it and proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Prepare Documents to File the Amendment

As soon as you are ready with the new business name, you must start preparing to file the Missouri Amendment. Along with the name change form, you must submit the following details,

Current business name
New business name
The entity number of the business – issued by Missouri state
Board of Directors’ approval statement (for corporations)
Information of shares (if applicable)
Signatures of members (LLC) or Shareholders (Corporation)
Missouri amendment filing fee

You must submit the above-mentioned list of details to the Missouri SOS while filing the new business name. Ensure the details you provide for the Amendment are consistent with the initial filing documents. Failing to do so might result in the cancellation of the registration.

Step 3: File the Missouri Amendment

Once everything is arranged and checked, you can file the Amendment. You must amend Missouri LLC Articles of Organization for LLC or amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation for the corporation. Remember, you must attach the name reservation form with the Amendment forms. You can file it online or by mail, whichever is available.

What Will Happen If I Change My Business Name in Missouri

You can change the name of your business in Missouri. You must file the Amendment for changing your name to the Missouri Secretary of State. The process of filing the amendment is the same for an LLC and a corporation. However, the forms are different. The forms are available on the official website of Missouri Secretary of State.

It is recommended to check if the name change is absolutely necessary. Because it can affect the whole business. In some cases, it is better to start a new Business than change the name of an existing one.
– LLCBuddy Editorial Team

Things to do After Filing the Missouri Amendment

As soon as you are done with the filing process, you must update the new business name in other areas as well. Following are some points to consider after you change your business name in Missouri-

Legal documents: Missouri statement of information, loan documents, active legal contracts, or any other legal documents must be amended with the changed name.
Informing stakeholders: Ensure that you communicate the name change effectively to all your stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and partners in Missouri.
City/local registration: Some cities/local authorities in Missouri might need business registration. If your city has the same rule, then you must register your new business name with the city by submitting appropriate documents.
Business License: The business licenses you obtained previously to run a business in Missouri have the current name of your business. Hence, you must update your new name with the proper department to obtain appropriate business licenses and permits.
Bank Accounts: It is obvious that all your business accounts in Missouri have a current business name. Once you change the name, file the amendment, and pay the fees, you must update the bank accounts to avoid any inconvenience.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS): It is essential to update the IRS once you change your business name in Alabama. Neglecting to notify the IRS and other relevant entities may lead to confusion and disorganization within your business operations. It is absolutely necessary to amend with the IRS once you change the current business name in Missouri. Failing to amend with the IRS or any other places results in confusion and disorganization of the business.
Others: If you have employees, you must inform the employment development authority of the name change. Additionally, it is important to update various business permits and other legal documents as needed.
Website: Finally, if you have a domain, update the name there to avoid confusion. Signage, visiting cards, merchandise, and any other places where your business name is mentioned should be updated. Changing the domain name will not be a good idea as it can affect your SEO results.

FAQs

What are the requirements for changing a business name in Missouri?

In Missouri, you must submit a new fictitious name statement to the Missouri Secretary of State in order to change your business name. The statement must include the proposed name of the business, the address of the business, and the names of the business owners.

How much does it cost to change a business name in Missouri?

The cost to submit a fictitious name statement to the Missouri Secretary of State is $27.

How long does it take to change a business name in Missouri?

It typically takes up to five business days for the Missouri Secretary of State to process a fictitious name statement.

What do I need to do after changing a business name in Missouri?

After changing your business name in Missouri, you should notify the Internal Revenue Service, the Missouri Department of Revenue, your local taxing authority and any other government agency you may need to file paperwork with. Additionally, you will want to update any business accounts or contracts you may have with vendors, customers, and other third parties.

Do I need to register my new business name in Missouri?

Yes, you must submit a new fictitious name statement to the Missouri Secretary of State in order to legally operate under a new business name in Missouri.

Do I need to register my business name with the IRS in Missouri?

Yes, you must update the Internal Revenue Service with your new business name, as well as provide them with your new Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Do I need to change my business name on bank accounts in Missouri?

Yes, you should update all bank accounts associated with your business with your new business name.

Do I need to register my business name with the Missouri Department of Revenue?

Yes, you must update the Missouri Department of Revenue with your new business name, as well as any other applicable state agencies.

Do I need to file a DBA in Missouri?

Yes, in Missouri, you must submit a new fictitious name statement to the Missouri Secretary of State in order to change your business name.

Do I need to re-register my business with the Missouri Secretary of State after changing my business name?

Yes, you must submit a new fictitious name statement to the Missouri Secretary of State in order to legally operate under a new business name in Missouri.

Do I need to file a trademark in Missouri?

You do not need to file a trademark in order to change your business name in Missouri. However, if you want to use and protect the new business name, you may want to consider filing a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Do I need to update my business license in Missouri after changing my business name?

Yes, you should update your business license with your new business name.

Do I need to re-register my business with the Missouri Department of Revenue after changing my business name?

Yes, you must update the Missouri Department of Revenue with your new business name, as well as any other applicable state agencies.

Do I need to notify my customers of my business name change in Missouri?

Yes, you should notify your customers of your business name change in order to ensure that they continue to do business with you.

What other documents should I update after changing my business name in Missouri?

After changing your business name in Missouri, you should update any business accounts or contracts you may have with vendors, customers, and other third parties. Additionally, you should update your business license and any other government documents or permits.

Can I keep my existing business number after changing my business name in Missouri?

Yes, in most cases you can keep your existing business number after changing your business name in Missouri.

Do I need to register my business name with other states after changing my business name in Missouri?

If you plan to do business in other states, you will need to register your business name in those states as well.

Can I use a new website address after changing my business name in Missouri?

Yes, you can use a new website address after changing your business name in Missouri.

What type of documents should I provide to prove my business name change in Missouri?

To prove your business name change in Missouri, you should provide a copy of your new fictitious name statement and any other documents related to the change.

Do I need to update my business credit report after changing my business name in Missouri?

Yes, you should update your business credit report with your new business name.

Do I need to update my business insurance policy after changing my business name in Missouri?

Yes, you should update your business insurance policy with your new business name.

Do I need to update my business tax returns after changing my business name in Missouri?

Yes, you should update your business tax returns with your new business name.

Do I need to update my business logo after changing my business name in Missouri?

While it is not required, it is recommended that you update your business logo after changing your business name in Missouri.

Do I need to notify the Better Business Bureau of my business name change in Missouri?

Yes, you should notify the Better Business Bureau of your business name change in order to ensure that your business is properly listed in their directory.

Do I need to update my business phone number after changing my business name in Missouri?

While it is not required, it is recommended that you update your business phone number after changing your business name in Missouri.

Do I need to update my business email address after changing my business name in Missouri?

While it is not required, it is recommended that you update your business email address after changing your business name in Missouri.

Do I need to update my business accounts with vendors and customers after changing my business name in Missouri?

Yes, you should update any business accounts or contracts you may have with vendors, customers, and other third parties after changing your business name in Missouri.

Do I need to update my business address after changing my business name in Missouri?

While it is not required, it is recommended that you update your business address after changing your business name in Missouri.

Do I need to register my business name with the Missouri Small Business Administration after changing my business name in Missouri?

While it is not required, it is recommended that you register your business name with the Missouri Small Business Administration after changing your business name in Missouri.

Conclusion

It is not desirable to change business names frequently. But if it is required, you must change it. Whether you are rebranding or restructuring your company, this guide walks you through the essential steps to change your business name in Missouri efficiently and effectively. The process of changing the name and filing the amendment form in Missouri is not so difficult. However, a list of details is needed to submit. Make sure they all are accurate and consistent with the previous filing documents.