Mississippi Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your Mississippi 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 Mississippi.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
Mississippi LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in Mississippi, 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 Mississippi Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in Mississippi.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the Mississippi Business Name Search or the Mississippi Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the Mississippi Business Entity Search page
Mississippi Secretary of State: Business Name Search
- Choose "Any Words" for the Search Criteria.
- Type your desired LLC name into the "Business Name" field.
- click Search.
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 Mississippi 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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Mississippi Secretary of State Contact Information
You can contact the Mississippi Secretary of State to check if your LLC name is available.
While this service might not be available in every state, Mississippi representatives can guide you through the process of using the Mississippi 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 601-359-1633, Monday through Friday, between 8 am to 5 pm Central Time.
Mississippi LLC Name Requirements
As per Section 79-29-109 of the Mississippi LLC Act, there are several rules and requirements you should be aware of when naming a Mississippi business entity.
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Blue Ridge Market LLC
- Blue Ridge Market, LLC
Permissible Designators
Your LLC name must end with one of the following designators:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- 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.
- Incorporated
- Corporation
- Partnership
- Limited Partnership
Restricted Words in Mississippi LLC Names
Your Mississippi 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.
Ensuring Your Mississippi Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the Mississippi Secretary of State Business Name Search.
If your name is not unique, you will need to come up with a different or modified name.
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Rules for Distinguishability
Designators
Merely changing the designator (the suffix of the name) does not make a name unique. For example, if "Mississippi Shoreline Realty LLC" is your desired name, it will not be acceptable if you find any of the following names in the Mississippi Business Name Search:
- Spicebush Bakery, Inc.
- Spicebush Bakery Corp.
- Spicebush Bakery, L.L.C.
Filler Words
Adding filler words such as "the", "a", "an", "and"m or "&" does not make a name distinguishable. For instance, "Mockingbird Farms LLC" will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- The Mockingbird Farms LLC
- A Mockingbird Farm Inc.
- Mockingbird and Farms L.L.C.
- Of Mockingbird Farms Corp
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 "Patricks Duck LLC", it will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- Patricks Duck LLC
- Patrick’s Duck Inc.
- Patricks Ducks, L.L.C.
What If My Business Name Is Rejected?
If you submit your Mississippi Certificate of Formation 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 Mississippi?
No, a name reservation isn't required to form an LLC in Mississippi. You can simply file your LLC's Certificate of Formation with your chosen LLC name. A name reservation is deemed an unnecessary step and is not recommended.
Does Mississippi require an LLC in the name?
Yes. Your Mississippi LLC name must include one of the acceptable designators at the end. Commonly used designators are:
- LLC
- Limited Liability Company
- Ltd. Liability Co.
Does my Mississippi LLC need a DBA?
No, a DBA (“Doing Business As”) is not required for your business entity in Mississippi. A DBA, known as a Fictitious Business Name in Mississippi, allows your LLC to operate under a name different from its legal name (the name on your Certificate of Formation).
If you want your LLC to do business under a different name, you must file a Fictitious Business Name Registration online or by mail and pay a fee of $25 to the Secretary of State. More details can be found on the Secretary of State's Fictitious Business Name Act page.
There is no limit to the number of Fictitious Business Names an LLC can have.
When would my LLC use a DBA?
For instance, if you form an LLC named Skytree Cruise Lines LLC but want to operate under a more attractive name like Sky Cruises, you would need to file a Fictitious Business Name Registration for Sky Cruises. Similarly, if you want to use Skytree Cruise Lines without the “LLC” suffix, you must also file a Fictitious Business Name Registration.
How do I get a business domain name?
Before forming your LLC, it's advisable to check if your preferred domain name is available. You can search for available domain names through platforms such as GoDaddy.
What does “distinguishability” mean?
“Distinguishability” means that each business entity name must be unique and not identical to any existing names on the Secretary of State’s records. For example, if you want to name your LLC Magnolia Landscapers LLC but an existing business named Magnolia Landscapers, Inc. is already registered in Mississippi, 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 crucial for branding. Here’s how you can come up with a name for your Mississippi LLC:
- Start by listing the features and qualities you want your company to represent.
- Brainstorm a wide range of business names without judging them initially.
- Review your list, and jot down any variations or additional ideas.
- Take a break and revisit the list later to refine your ideas.
- Read the list out loud and seek feedback from others if desired.
- Repeat the process of refinement and review until you find the best name.
- If needed, use a decision-making technique like counting to 10 to finalize your choice. Sometimes your best name will become clear through this method.
Can I use the name of another Mississippi entity?
No, you cannot use a name that is already taken by another Mississippi business, regardless of the entity type. This restriction applies even if the existing entity is in "delinquent" status. However, if a business is 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 changing an LLC name in Mississippi, refer to the relevant guidelines.
How to start an LLC in Mississippi?
To start an LLC in Mississippi, follow these steps:
- Choose an LLC name and verify its availability.
- Select a Mississippi Registered Agent.
- File the Mississippi LLC Certificate of Formation.
- 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 Mississippi.