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.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
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.
- 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. - 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 $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.
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.
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.
When setting up a business, the very first step is often choosing a name. For those looking to set up a limited liability company (LLC) in Missouri, reserving a name is an important preliminary step. But how does one go about doing so? Here’s what you need to know.
Firstly, before even considering reserving a name, it is important to ensure that your desired name complies with Missouri’s LLC naming guidelines. The name must include “Limited Liability Company”, “LLC” or “L.L.C.” in its full name – abbreviations like “Ltd.” or “LTD” will not suffice – and it must differ in some way from the names of other business entities registered in Missouri. It also cannot contain certain restricted words such as “bank” or “trust” unless certain specific conditions are met.
Once you have a name that complies with these guidelines, the next step is to reserve it with the Missouri Secretary of State’s office. This can be done online or by mail, for a fee of $25. For online reservations, go to the Secretary of State’s business services website and click on the ‘LLC name reservation’ link. You will then be prompted to enter your desired name and complete the reservation process. Alternatively, you can also submit a Name Reservation Request Form by mail to the Missouri Secretary of State’s office in Jefferson City.
When reserving a name, it is important to bear in mind that this does not guarantee the ultimate approval of your LLC. It simply ensures that your desired name is not taken by someone else during the reservation period. Moreover, it is important to complete all the necessary paperwork and payments promptly, in order to secure your reservation. Reservations are valid for 60 days, after which they expire.
When you are ready to officially register your LLC, you will need to file Articles of Organization with the Missouri Secretary of State’s office. During this process, you will need to include the reserved name in your paperwork. It is advisable to complete this step early on, as processing times can vary and it is best to secure your desired name as soon as possible to avoid any awkward scuffling later on.
It is also worth noting that while reserving a name is a useful step, it is not a required one. If you are content with simply registering your LLC with a different name or taking a chance on your desired name being available at the time, then reserving a name is not essential. However, many business owners find that it offers a useful level of convenience and security.
In Missouri, reserving a name for your LLC is a fairly straightforward process. With some careful attention to detail and timely completion of paperwork, you can have a name reserved quickly and easily. Bear in mind the guidelines around LLC naming, follow the appropriate steps, and you’ll be well on your way to setting up business in Missouri.
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
