Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
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.
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.
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.
The process of reserving an LLC name in Missouri is relatively simple and can be done online through the Secretary of State’s website. To begin, you will need to search the state’s database of existing business names to ensure that your desired name is available for reservation. It’s important to choose a unique and distinctive name that accurately reflects your brand and sets you apart from competitors.
Once you have confirmed that your desired name is available, you can proceed with the reservation process by filling out the necessary forms and paying the required fee. By reserving your name, you are effectively putting a hold on it for a specified period of time, typically 60 days, during which you can take the necessary steps to formally establish your LLC.
Reserving an LLC name in Missouri gives you peace of mind knowing that your preferred name is secured and will be ready for use once you are ready to move forward with the registration process. It also gives you the opportunity to begin building your brand and marketing materials around your chosen name without the risk of it being taken by another entity.
In addition to reserving your LLC name, it’s important to conduct a thorough search to ensure that the name you have chosen is not already in use by another business. This will help you avoid potential trademark infringement issues down the line and protect your business’s reputation and integrity.
After reserving your LLC name, you can begin the process of formally registering your business with the state of Missouri. This involves filing the necessary formation documents and paying the required fees to establish your LLC as a legal entity. Once these steps are complete, you will receive a Certificate of Organization from the state, officially recognizing your LLC and its name.
Overall, reserving an LLC name in Missouri is an essential step in the process of starting your business and protecting your brand identity. By taking the time to reserve your preferred name and following through with the necessary steps to establish your LLC, you can set your business up for success and ensure that your name is secure and ready for use when you are ready to launch.
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