Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is South Dakota’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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota
Time needed: 5 minutes
There are guidelines to follow in doing a South Dakota 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 South Dakota’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 South Dakota. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to Secretary of State Office 500 E Capitol Ave Pierre, SD 57501.
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 Do I Reserve an LLC Name in South Dakota
To reserve an LLC name in South Dakota you need to submit a name reservation request form to the South Dakota Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $25.
How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in South Dakota?
Setting up a new business can be an exciting but also relatively complex task. One of the first decisions you need to make is choosing a name for your company. Selecting a name that not only reflects your brand but is also legally available in South Dakota is crucial. However, with the increased competition and growing number of businesses, it is becoming increasingly challenging to secure your preferred name. This is where reserving your LLC name in South Dakota plays a significant role.
Reserving an LLC name is a valuable step that allows you to safeguard your chosen business identity while preparing for the necessary paperwork to form your limited liability company. It not only provides peace of mind but also ensures that you have the exclusive right to use the name for a specified period of time.
So, how can you reserve an LLC name in South Dakota? The process is straightforward and can be done in a few simple steps. Firstly, you should complete the Application for Reservation of Name. This application requires you to provide the desired name for your LLC and your contact information.
It is important to note that your desired name must meet the legal requirements set forth by South Dakota law. The name needs to include the words “Limited Liability Company,” “Ltd. Liability Company,” or the abbreviation “LLC” or “L.L.C.” Additionally, it must be distinguishable from any other name reserved or registered with the South Dakota Secretary of State.
Once you have filled in the relevant information on the application form, you can submit it to the South Dakota Secretary of State’s office. The application can be mailed or hand-delivered, and the filing fee, which is subject to change, must be paid. As of now, the filing fee is $50. It is essential to double-check the up-to-date fee and ensure that your payment is attached when submitting the application.
After your name reservation application is processed and approved, the South Dakota Secretary of State will reserve the name for a period of 120 days. During this time, no other entity in the state can register or reserve a similar name. This gives you ample time to organize the required paperwork, complete the formation process, and solidify your business’s legal foundation.
Bear in mind that name reservations are not indefinitely renewable. In South Dakota, the assigned name will merely be reserved for 120 days. If you do not form your LLC within this time frame, your reservation will expire, and the name will be made available to other interested parties.
Although the process for reserving an LLC name may seem straightforward, it is crucial to act promptly to ensure you secure the name you desire. Given the competitive business landscape and the tendency for names to be snapped up quickly, early reservation can help safeguard your branding efforts and prevent any potential conflicts or obstacles down the road.
Reserving an LLC name in South Dakota is an essential preliminary step before embarking on your entrepreneurial journey. By following the outlined process, you can rest assured that your desired business name is on hold and ready for your future ventures.
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
