Missouri Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your Missouri 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 Missouri.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
Missouri LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in Missouri, 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 Missouri Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in Missouri.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the Missouri Business Name Search or the Missouri Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the Missouri Business Entity Search page
Missouri Secretary of State: Business Entity Search
- Keep the dropdown menu set to "Business Name".
- Type your desired LLC name into the Business Name field.
- Set the "Includes names" dropdown menu to "Any Word".
- Then 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 Missouri 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.
Need to save time?
Consider hiring a professional to set up your LLC: Northwest Registered Agent offers LLC formation services starting at $39 plus the state fee.
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Missouri Secretary of State Contact Information
You can contact the Missouri Secretary of State to check if your LLC name is available.
While this service might not be available in every state, Missouri representatives can guide you through the process of using the Missouri 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 Corporations Unit at 573-751-4153, Monday through Friday, between 8 am to 5 pm Central Time.
Missouri LLC Name Requirements
As per Section 347.020 of the Missouri LLC Act, there are several rules and requirements you should be aware of when naming a Missouri business entity.
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Grandpa Joe's LLC
- Grandpa Joe's, LLC
Permissible Designators
Your LLC name must end with one of the following designators:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- LC
- L.C.
- Limited 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.
- Ltd.
- Limited Partnership
- Corp.
- Incorporated
- Corporation
Restricted Words in Missouri LLC Names
Your Missouri 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 Missouri Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the Missouri Secretary of State Business Entity Search.
If your name is not unique, you will need to come up with a different or modified name.
Rules for Distinguishability
Designators
Merely changing the designator (the suffix of the name) does not make a name unique. For example, if "Fiddler Ferns LLC" is your desired name, it will not be acceptable if you find any of the following names in the Missouri Business Name Search:
- Fiddler Ferns, Inc.
- Fiddler Ferns Corp.
- Fiddler Ferns, L.L.C.
Filler Words
Adding filler words such as "the", "a", "an", "and"m or "&" does not make a name distinguishable. For instance, "Bluebird Farms LLC" will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- The Bluebird Farms LLC
- A Bluebird Farm Inc.
- Bluebird and Farms LLC
- Of Bluebird 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 "Bobwhite Crafts LLC", it will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- Bobwhite Crafts LLC
- Bobwhite's Craft Inc.
- Bobwhites Craft LLC
What If My Business Name Is Rejected?
If you submit your Missouri 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 Missouri?
No, a name reservation isn’t required to form an LLC in Missouri. You can simply file your LLC’s Articles of Organization with your chosen LLC name. A name reservation is considered an unnecessary step and not recommended.
Does Missouri require an LLC in the name?
Yes. Your Missouri LLC name must include one of the acceptable designators at the end. Commonly used designators are:
- LLC
- Limited Liability Company
Does my Missouri LLC need a DBA?
No, you are not required to file a DBA (“Doing Business As”) for your business entity in Missouri. A DBA, referred to as a Fictitious Name in Missouri, allows your LLC to operate under a name different from its legal name (the name on your Articles of Organization).
If you want your LLC to do business under a different name, you must file a Fictitious Name Registration online or by mail and pay an additional fee of $7 to the Secretary of State. For more details, visit the Secretary of State’s Fictitious Name Filings page.
There is no limit to the number of Fictitious Names an LLC can have.
When would my LLC use a DBA?
For example, if you form an LLC named Galena Scenic Tours LLC but wish to operate under a more engaging name like Galena Tours, you would need to file a Fictitious Name Registration to use Galena Tours. Similarly, if you prefer to operate under Galena Scenic Tours without the "LLC" suffix, you must file a Fictitious Name Registration for that name as well.
How do I get a business domain name?
Once you’ve selected a business name, it’s wise to check if your domain name is available before forming your LLC. You can search for available domain names through services 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 Hawthorn Landscapers LLC but an existing business in Missouri is called Hawthorn Landscapers, Inc., your desired name is not distinguishable. You will need to select a different name.
How do I come up with a business name?
Choosing a business name is crucial for branding. Here's a method to help you generate a name for your Missouri LLC:
- Begin by listing the features and attributes you want your company to embody.
- Brainstorm as many business names as possible without judging them initially.
- Review the list and note any variations or additional ideas.
- Take a break and revisit the list later for further refinement.
- Read the list out loud and seek feedback from others if desired.
- Repeat the refinement process until you identify the best name.
- If needed, use a decision-making technique like counting to 10 to finalize your choice. Sometimes your best name will become evident through this method. Trust your instincts and choose what feels right.
Can I use the name of another Missouri entity?
No, you cannot use a name that is already taken by another Missouri business, regardless of entity type. This rule applies even if the existing business 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 later by filing an Amendment form with the Secretary of State. Detailed instructions on how to change an LLC name in Missouri are available through the Secretary of State’s website.
How to start an LLC in Missouri?
To start an LLC in Missouri, follow these steps:
- Choose an LLC name and confirm its availability.
- Select a Missouri Registered Agent.
- File the Missouri 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 Missouri.