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.

First and foremost, it is important to understand why reserving an LLC name is necessary. When you reserve a name for your business, you are essentially putting a hold on that name so that no other business entity can use it. This provides you with the assurance that the name you have chosen for your LLC will be available when you are ready to officially register your business with the state.

The process of reserving an LLC name in South Dakota is relatively simple and straightforward. You can do so by submitting an application to the South Dakota Secretary of State. This application can typically be completed online and will require you to provide the name you wish to reserve, along with your contact information.

It is important to note that when reserving a name for your LLC, there are certain guidelines that you will need to follow. For example, the name you choose must not be too similar to an existing business name in South Dakota. This is to prevent confusion among consumers and to ensure that each business maintains its unique identity in the marketplace.

Additionally, the name you choose for your LLC must also comply with certain legal requirements. For example, it must include the words “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation such as “LLC” or “L.L.C.” This is to inform the public that your business is structured as an LLC and to provide transparency about the legal entity of your business.

When selecting a name for your LLC, it is also important to consider the branding and marketing implications. The name you choose should be memorable, easy to spell, and relevant to the products or services your business offers. It should also be unique and distinguishable from other businesses in your industry to help your business stand out in the marketplace.

In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in South Dakota is a critical step in the process of starting your own business. By following the guidelines set forth by the South Dakota Secretary of State and carefully selecting a name that aligns with your branding and marketing goals, you can set your business up for success from the very beginning. Taking the time to properly reserve a name for your LLC is a small but important investment that can pay off in the long run as you work to establish and grow your business in South Dakota. So make sure to cross this off your checklist early on in the process and give your business the best possible start.

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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