South Dakota LLC Name Search – How to Name Your LLC


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein 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.

Check Name Availability
Download Reservation form

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, you will need to first conduct a name search to ensure that your desired name is available. The South Dakota Secretary of State’s website provides a free online name search tool that allows you to check the availability of your desired name. It’s important to choose a name that is not already in use by another company, as this could lead to legal issues and confusion in the marketplace.

Once you have confirmed that your desired name is available, you can proceed with reserving it. To do this online, you will need to create an account with the South Dakota Secretary of State’s website and complete the online reservation form. The reservation fee is minimal and can be paid using a credit or debit card. If you prefer to reserve your LLC name by mail, you can download the reservation form from the Secretary of State’s website, fill it out, and send it along with a check or money order for the reservation fee.

After submitting your reservation form and fee, the South Dakota Secretary of State will review your request and either approve or deny it. If approved, your LLC name will be reserved for a period of 120 days, during which time you can file your Articles of Organization to officially register your LLC with the state. It’s important to note that reserving an LLC name does not give you exclusive rights to use that name, and you will still need to comply with any trademark laws that may apply.

Reserving an LLC name is an important step in the process of starting a business in South Dakota. By securing your desired name early on, you can avoid potential conflicts with other businesses and ensure that your brand is unique and memorable. Taking the time to reserve your LLC name now can save you time and hassle down the road, allowing you to focus on building and growing your business.

In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in South Dakota is a simple and affordable process that can be done online or by mail. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your business has a strong foundation and a name that represents your brand effectively. Don’t delay in reserving your LLC name – it’s the first step towards turning your business dreams into reality.

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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