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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 Montana’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 Montana 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 Montana
Time needed: 5 minutes
There are guidelines to follow in doing a Montana 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 Montana’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 $20 filing fee (plus tax for online).
File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of Montana. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to LINDA McCULLOCH, Secretary of State, P.O. Box 202801, Helena, MT 59620-2801.
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 Montana 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 and no other company is using it, you’ll have to look up the Montana state site to confirm its availability. Check out these tips to find out more.
Utilize the search engine for business entities in the state’s tool.
The Montana Secretary of State will offer an online business search site. This tool can assist you in determining whether the name you’re looking to purchase is available for use for your company. It is only necessary to keep backup names, so you can easily choose a different name in case the first choice is no longer available.
Enter your name
There are different kinds of searches that you can perform on the page for search. You can look up business, notary, liens, trademark, or CRA. Since you want to check the availability of the name that you want to use for your LLC, then go for the business search.
Do the Search
If you hit the ‘Advance’ button, you’ll find that there are two ways of finding a name. Enter the search term, then choose the “contains” option. Then, it will show the names of businesses containing the keyword in their names. You can also select “starts with.” This will give results for businesses with names starting with the word you typed.
You can further filter the search by entity type, subtype, or status. There are also state and country filters.
Searches will reveal information on the current status of companies. Statuses may be a voluntary dissolution or involuntarily dissolved, or they can be in good standing. Among all the possible statuses, only voluntary dissolution permits you to use the name of your company.
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 Montana
To reserve an LLC name in Montana you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Montana Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $10. It can be expedited by paying an additional amount.
Reserving an LLC name in Montana is a straightforward process that can be completed online or by mail through the Montana Secretary of State’s office. By securing a unique business name, entrepreneurs can prevent others from using the same name or a similar one, thus avoiding potential legal issues down the road. Additionally, having a reserved name can help build credibility and establish brand recognition for the new company.
To reserve an LLC name in Montana, entrepreneurs must first conduct a name search on the Secretary of State’s website to ensure that the desired name is available and not already in use by another business entity. In doing so, it is important to choose a name that is distinctive, memorable, and accurately reflects the nature of the business. The chosen name should also comply with Montana’s naming requirements, which prohibit the use of certain words or phrases that may be misleading or imply government affiliation.
Once a suitable name has been identified, the next step is to submit a Name Reservation Request to the Secretary of State’s office, either online or by mail. The request must include the desired LLC name, the name and address of the applicant, and a processing fee. Upon approval, the reserved name will be held for 120 days, giving the applicant ample time to complete the LLC formation process.
Reserving an LLC name in Montana is a prudent step for entrepreneurs looking to protect their brand and secure their business identity. By taking this proactive measure, business owners can avoid potential conflicts with competitors, establish a professional image, and lay the groundwork for a successful venture. In a competitive business landscape, having a distinct and recognizable name can make all the difference in attracting customers and standing out in the marketplace.
In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in Montana is a crucial first step for entrepreneurs embarking on a new business venture. By securing a unique and memorable name, business owners can establish their brand identity, protect their intellectual property, and position themselves for long-term success. With the ease and convenience of online reservation services, there is no reason for entrepreneurs to delay this important task. Ultimately, reserving an LLC name is an investment in the future of the business, ensuring that it has a strong foundation for growth and prosperity.
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