Iowa Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your Iowa LLC Name Is Available
A unique business name is key for branding, but it can be difficult to navigate the various rules for business names in Iowa.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
Iowa LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in Iowa, your filing could be rejected if the name you choose is already in use or does not adhere to state naming regulations.
How to Search the Iowa Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in Iowa.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the Iowa Business Name Search or the Iowa Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the Iowa Business Entity Search page
Iowa Secretary of State: Business Entities Search
It's simple: enter your desired LLC name in the search bar.
Search Tips:
- Exclude terms like "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company", and punctuation marks (commas, periods, apostrophes) from your search.
- You can use either uppercase or lowercase letters in your search.
★ Tip:
To ensure thoroughness, start with a search for the main part of your desired name. For instance, if you want "Sunset Ventures LLC", first search for "Sunset Ventures" and then "Sunset" to cover all possible variations.
How to Understand Iowa LLC Search Results
If your search results show names that do not match yours exactly, your LLC name is likely available.
For example, if "Sunset Ventures LLC" yields results like "Sunset Management" and "Sunset LLC", your name should be available.
What If My Desired Name Is Not Available?
If the name you want is already in use, you will need to choose an alternative name or modify your desired name.
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Iowa Secretary of State Contact Information
You can contact the Iowa Secretary of State to check if your LLC name is available.
While this service might not be available in every state, Iowa representatives can guide you through the process of using the Iowa Business Name Search to see if your name is free. They can not guarantee that your name will be approved, but they can provide useful information.
Call the Business Services Division at 515-281-5204, Monday through Friday, between 8 am to 4:30 pm Central Time.
Iowa LLC Name Requirements
As per Section 489.108 of the Iowa LLC Act, there are several rules and requirements you should be aware of when naming an Iowa business entity.
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Riverbend Gardens LLC
- Riverbend Gardens, LLC
Permissible Designators
Your LLC name must end with one of the following designators:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Ltd. Liability Co.
- Limited Liability Co.
- Ltd. Liability Company
- Limited Liability Company
✎ Note:
The term "LLC" is the most commonly used.
Restricted Designators
Your LLC name cannot include terms that imply it is another type of business entity, such as:
- Inc.
- Corp.
- Corporation
- Cooperative
Restricted Words in Iowa LLC Names
Your Iowa LLC name cannot include words or abbreviations that are legally restricted.
For instance, you cannot name your LLC in a way that suggests it is a bank, a government agency, or any other entity that might mislead the public.
Additionally, you cannot use terms reserved for licensed professionals. These terms can differ by state but often include accountants, architects, attorneys, dentists, and engineers.
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Ensuring Your Iowa Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the Iowa Secretary of State Business Records Search.
If your name is not unique, you will need to come up with a different or modified name.
How to Make Your Name Distinguishable
In Iowa, there are several strategies to ensure your business name stands out from others. A name is considered "distinguishable" if it includes one or more different words, letters, or numerals compared to existing names.
If your desired name is similar to another business's name, you can try the following methods:
Rearrange the Words
For example, "Sunset View" is distinguishable from "View Sunset".
Use a Different or Creative Spelling
For example, "Bright Solutions" is distinguishable from "Brighte Solutions".
Change to Plural or Singular Forms
For example, "Baker's Cookies" is distinguishable from "Baker's Cookie".
Swap Numbers, Number Words, or Roman Numerals
For example, "2024 Events" is distinguishable from "Two Thousand Twenty-Four Events" and "MMXXIV Events".
For more examples of these strategies, see:
Understanding Name Availability in Iowa.
What Changes Don't Make a Business Name Unique?
Designators
Variations in designators (the suffixes at the end of the name) do not make a name unique. For instance, if your desired LLC name is "Hawkeye Innovations LLC", it is not distinguishable from the following names:
- Hawkeye Innovations, Inc.
- Hawkeye Innovations, Corp.
- Hawkeye Innovations, Ltd. Liability Co.
Swapping "and" for "&"
Using "and" instead of "&" (or vice versa) does not create distinguishability.
If your desired name is "Sun & Sand Resorts LLC", it will not be available if there is already a business named "Sun and Sand Resorts Inc".
Capitalization
Changes in capitalization do not make a name distinct. For example, if your desired name is "Rock & Roll Records LLC", it is not available if any of the following are found:
- rock & roll records Inc.
- ROCK AND ROLL RECORDS LP
- RoCk & RoLl ReCorDs LLC
Punctuation and Special Characters
Adding punctuation and special characters does not make a name unique. Examples of non-distinguishable names include:
- Sima-Nail-Salon Inc.
- $ima Nail Salon LLC
- Sima Nail Salon! Inc.
- Sima "Nail" Salon LLC
For more details on punctuation and special characters, refer to the Understanding Name Availability page.
What If My Business Name Is Rejected?
If you submit your Iowa Articles of Organization and your chosen business name is not available, do not worry.
The state will inform you of the rejection and provide reasons. You will then need to resubmit with a new or adjusted name.
Do I need a name reservation in Iowa?
No, a name reservation isn't required to form an LLC in Iowa. It’s considered an unnecessary step and a waste of money. You can simply file your LLC’s Certificate of Organization with your desired name.
Does Iowa require an LLC in the name?
Yes, Iowa requires that your LLC name includes one of the following designators at the end:
- LLC
- Limited Liability Company
- Ltd. Liability Co.
Does my Iowa LLC need a DBA?
No, you’re not required to file a DBA (Doing Business As) for your LLC in Iowa. However, if you want your LLC to operate under a name different from its true and legal name (the name on your Certificate of Organization), you must file a Fictitious Name Adoption by mail and pay an additional $5 fee to the Secretary of State. There is no limit to the number of Fictitious Names an LLC can have. For more details, check the Secretary of State How do I file a DBA page.
When would my LLC use a DBA?
For example, if you form an LLC called Maquoketa Cave Tours LLC but want to use a friendlier, catchy name like Maquoketa Tours, you would need to file a Fictitious Name Registration. Without this filing, your LLC can only use the legal entity name Maquoketa Cave Tours LLC.
How do I get a business domain name?
After selecting a business name, it’s smart to check if the domain name is available before finalizing your LLC formation. Use services like GoDaddy to search for domain names.
What does “distinguishability” mean?
Distinguishability means that each business name must be unique and not identical to any existing names on the Secretary of State’s records. If a business with your desired LLC name already exists, you cannot register your LLC with that name. For instance, if you want to form an LLC called Wild Rose Landscapers LLC but there is already a business named Wild Rose Landscapers, Inc. in another town, your desired name is not distinguishable, and you must select a different name.
How do I come up with a business name?
Choosing a business name is crucial for branding and recognition. Your Iowa LLC’s name can be your brand name, but it doesn’t have to be (see the FAQ about DBAs above). Here are some tips for generating business names:
- Start by listing features and values you want associated with your company.
- Generate a list of potential business names without evaluating them initially.
- Review the list and consider variations.
- Take a break and revisit the list later with a fresh perspective. Add new ideas as they come to you.
- Read through the list out loud and get feedback from friends, business partners, and family.
- Repeat the process: refine your ideas, get more feedback, and choose the best name. If needed, use a decision-making trick like closing your eyes and counting to 10 to finalize your choice. Trust your instincts and go with what feels right.
Can I use the name of another Iowa entity?
No, you cannot use the same name as another Iowa business, regardless of entity type. This includes corporations, LLCs, and other types of entities. Even if another business is in “delinquent” status, you cannot use their name. However, if a business has been dissolved for 5 years or more, its name is no longer protected, and you may use it for your LLC.
How do I change my LLC name?
You can change your LLC's name by filing an Amendment form with the Secretary of State. Detailed instructions for changing an LLC name in Iowa are available.
How to start an LLC in Iowa?
Here are the steps to starting an LLC in Iowa:
- Choose an LLC name and ensure it's available.
- Select an Iowa Registered Agent.
- File the Iowa LLC Certificate of Organization.
- Complete and sign an LLC Operating Agreement.
- Obtain a Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS.
- Open an LLC bank account.
- Check if you need a business or sales tax license in Iowa.