South Dakota LLC Name Search – How to Name Your LLC


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
Business Formation Expert
Steve runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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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 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.

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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

F.A.Qs

What is a Trade Name?

A trade name (doing business as (DBA) name) is the official name under which a proprietor or company chooses to do business.

Is having a domain name necessary?

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.

What if my name is unavailable?

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 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.

To reserve an LLC name in South Dakota, the process is straightforward and relatively simple. The first step is to conduct a search on the South Dakota Secretary of State’s online database to ensure that the desired name is available and not already in use by another business. This search is crucial as South Dakota law requires that each LLC name be unique and distinguishable from existing business entities.

Once you have confirmed that your desired name is available, you can then proceed to reserve it by filing an Application for Reservation of LLC Name with the South Dakota Secretary of State. The form requires basic information about your LLC, such as the name you wish to reserve, the address of the LLC’s principal office, and the name and address of the filer.

It is important to note that the reservation of an LLC name in South Dakota is valid for 120 days, giving you time to complete the necessary steps to officially register your business. If you need more time to complete the registration process, you have the option to file for an extension of the reservation. However, it is important to act promptly to avoid losing the reserved name to another business entity.

Reserving an LLC name in South Dakota is not only a prudent step in securing your business identity but also provides peace of mind knowing that your desired name will be available when you are ready to officially register your business. By following the simple steps outlined by the South Dakota Secretary of State, you can ensure that your business has a unique and distinguishable name that sets it apart from others in the market.

In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in South Dakota is an essential step in the process of starting your business. By taking the time to conduct a thorough search, file the necessary paperwork, and secure your desired name, you are laying the groundwork for a strong brand identity and legal protection for your business entity. The reservation process is user-friendly and can be completed online, making it accessible to all entrepreneurs looking to establish their presence in the South Dakota market.

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

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