Minnesota Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your Minnesota 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 Minnesota.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
Minnesota LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in Minnesota, 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 Minnesota Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in Minnesota.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the Minnesota Business Name Search or the Minnesota Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the Minnesota Business Entity Search page
Minnesota Secretary of State: Business Filings Search
To begin, type your desired LLC name into the "Business Name" field. Set the "Search Scope" to "Contains" and click on "Search".
Next, scroll down to view the search results.
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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 MinnesotaLLC 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.
Minnesota Secretary of State Contact Information
You can contact the Minnesota Secretary of State to check if your LLC name is available.
While this service might not be available in every state, Minnesota representatives can guide you through the process of using the Minnesota 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 LLC Business Services at 651-296-2803, Monday through Friday, between 8 am to 4 pm Central Time.
Minnesota LLC Name Requirements
As per Section 322C.0108 of the Minnesota LLC Act, there are several rules and requirements you should be aware of when naming a Minnesota business entity.
English language or English alphabet
In Minnesota, business names must use the following:
- English alphabet letters
- Arabic numerals (1, 5, 200)
- Symbols from a standard English keyboard (e.g., $, #, ")
If your desired LLC name is in a different language, it must either be:
- Translated into English
- Written using English letters
For instance, if you want to name your Minnesota business "Медовый Лавровый", you would need to file it as "Medovy Lavrovyy" using English letters.
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Meadowlark Café LLC
- Meadowlark Café, LLC
Permissible Designators
Your LLC name must end with one of the following designators:
- LLC
- 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.
- Incorporated
- Corporation
- Corp.
- Coop or Co-op
- Cooperative
Restricted Words in Minnesota LLC Names
Your Minnesota 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 Minnesota Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the Minnesota Secretary of State Business Filings.
If your name is not unique, you will need to come up with a different or modified name.
How does the Secretary of State compare business names?
When the Minnesota Secretary of State checks LLC names, they only consider letters and numbers. They don't pay attention to symbols, punctuation, or spaces between words.
For the Minnesota Secretary of State, these names are all considered the same:
- Monarch.made.Mittens LLC
- Monarch Made Mittens LLC
- Monarch-Made-Mittens LLC
- Monarch/Made Mittens LLC
- “Monarch” Made Mittens LLC
If there's already a Monarch Made Mittens LLC in Minnesota, you can’t use any of those names. You'll need to add extra letters or numbers to make your name different.
And vs “&”
In Minnesota, "and" and "&" are treated the same. For example, if you want to name your LLC Boris & Natasha LLC, you can't use that name if there's already a company called Boris and Natasha LLC.
Rules for Distinguishability
Here are the rules and examples for ensuring your LLC name is different from other business names in Minnesota.
Designators
Merely changing the designator (the suffix of the name) does not make a name unique. For example, if "Minnesota Shoreline Realty LLC" is your desired name, it will not be acceptable if you find any of the following names in the Minnesota Business Name Search:
- Minnesota Shoreline Realty, Inc.
- Minnesota Shoreline Realty, Corp.
Filler Words
Adding filler words such as "the", "a", "an", "and"m or "&" does not make a name distinguishable.
- Articles (a, an, the)
- Conjunctions (and, or)
- Prepositions (of, by, in, on)
For example, if "Agate Farms LLC" is already in use in Minnesota, you could try these variations:
- The Agate Farms LLC
- An Agate Farm LLC
- Agate and Farms LLC
- By Agate Farms LLC
Plural or Singular Words and Possessive Words
Changing a word to its plural or possessive form does not make a name unique.
If your desired LLC name is "Blueberries Bakery LLC", it will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- Blueberries Bakery LLC
- Blueberry Bakeries LLC
- Blueberries Bakeries LLC
Numerals or Spelled Out Numbers
Using numerals (like 5 or 101) or Roman numerals (like V or C) makes a name unique in Minnesota.
If "25 Stars LLC" is already in use, you might try these alternatives:
- Twenty-Five Stars LLC
- Twenty 5 Stars LLC
- XXV Stars LLC
Unusual Spellings
Different spellings can help make your LLC name stand out. If "Boys Baskets LLC" is taken, you might try:
- Boyz Basketz LLC
- Boiz Baskets LLC
- Boys Bassketts LLC
Symbols and Numbers
Symbols and punctuation don’t help since they’re ignored in Minnesota. For example, "Girls" and "Girl$" are considered the same. However, replacing letters with numbers can work. For example, "Server" and "S3rv3r" are distinct.
Abbreviations and Full Names
Using abbreviations or partial names can create a unique LLC name. If "Minnesota Doctors Club LLC" is taken, you could use:
- MN Doctors Club LLC
- MN Drs Club LLC
- Minnesota Drs Club LLC
Using contractions like "Ass'n" for "Association" can also help distinguish your name.
Need to save time?
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What If My Business Name Is Rejected?
If you submit your Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
No, a name reservation isn't required to form an LLC in Minnesota. You can directly file your LLC’s Articles of Organization with your chosen LLC name. A name reservation is considered an unnecessary step and is not recommended.
Does Minnesota require an LLC in the name?
Yes. Your Minnesota LLC name must include one of the allowable designators at the end. The most commonly used designator is "LLC".
Does my Minnesota LLC need a DBA?
No, you are not required to file a DBA (“Doing Business As”) for your LLC in Minnesota. A DBA, known as an Assumed Name in Minnesota, allows your LLC to operate under a name different from its legal name (the name on your Articles of Organization).
If you wish for your LLC to conduct business under a different name, you must file a Certificate of Assumed Name online or by mail with the Secretary of State. The fee is $50, and the DBA needs to be renewed every 5 years. You can find more information on the Secretary of State’s Assumed Name page.
There is no limit to the number of Assumed Names or DBAs an LLC can have.
When would my LLC use a DBA?
For example, if you create an LLC named Honeycrisp Orchard Tours LLC but want to use a more appealing name like Honeycrisp Tours, you would need to file a Certificate of Assumed Name to use Honeycrisp Tours. Similarly, if you want to operate under the name Honeycrisp Orchard Tours without the “LLC” suffix, you would need to file a DBA for that name.
How do I get a business domain name?
After selecting a business name, it's advisable to check if the corresponding domain name is available before forming your LLC. You can search for available domain names through platforms like GoDaddy.
What does "distinguishability" mean?
“Distinguishability” refers to the requirement that each business entity name must be unique and not identical to any existing names on the Secretary of State's records. For instance, if you wish to form an LLC named Etoile Landscapers LLC but there’s already a business named Etoile Landscapers, Inc. in Minnesota, your name is not distinguishable, and you will need to choose a different name.
How do I come up with a business name?
Choosing a business name is critical for branding. Here’s how you can generate ideas for your Minnesota LLC name:
- Start by listing the features and attributes of your company that you want to highlight.
- Brainstorm a broad list of potential names without filtering them initially.
- Review your list, noting any variations or additional ideas that come to mind.
- Set the list aside for a while, then revisit it to refine and add new ideas.
- Read through the list out loud and consider feedback from friends, family, or business partners.
- Repeat the process of refinement and review. Trust your intuition to select the best name.
- If necessary, use a decision-making trick like counting to 10 to force a choice. Sometimes subconscious preferences become clearer this way.
Can I use the name of another Minnesota entity?
No, you cannot use a name that is already taken by another Minnesota business, regardless of the entity type. This restriction applies even if the existing entity is in "delinquent" status. However, if a business has been dissolved, its name may become available for your use.
How do I change my LLC name?
You can change your LLC's name by filing an Amendment form with the Secretary of State. For detailed instructions on how to change an LLC name in Minnesota, please refer to the relevant guidelines.
How to start an LLC in Minnesota?
To start an LLC in Minnesota, follow these steps:
- Choose an LLC name and confirm its availability.
- Select a Minnesota Registered Agent.
- File the Minnesota LLC Articles of Organization.
- Complete and sign an LLC Operating Agreement.
- Obtain a Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS.
- Open an LLC bank account.
- Determine if you need a business or sales tax license in Minnesota.