Montana Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your Montana 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 Montana.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
Montana LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in Montana, 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 Montana Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in Montana.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the Montana Business Name Search or the Montana Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the Montana Business Entity Search page
Montana Secretary of State: Business Search
To use it, simply type your preferred LLC name into the Business Name field and press Search.
Keep the search set to "Contains" to ensure you identify any names that are similar to your desired business name.
Why choose "Contains"? If you use the "Starts With" option, you might overlook names that include additional words. For instance, searching "Gutter Guy" with the "Starts With" setting could miss a business named The Gutter Guy Inc. Therefore, if The Gutter Guy Inc. is already registered, you cannot name your LLC "Gutter Guy LLC".
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.
(Find out why Northwest is the top choice for LLC formation)
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 Montana 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.
Montana Secretary of State Contact Information
You can contact the Montana Secretary of State to check if your LLC name is available.
While this service might not be available in every state, Montana representatives can guide you through the process of using the Montana 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 at 406-444-3665. Their hours are 8 am to 5 pm Central Time, Monday through Friday.
Montana LLC Name Requirements
As per Section 14-11-207 of the Montana LLC Act, there are several rules and requirements you should be aware of when naming a Montana business entity.
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Grandpa Grizzly LLC
- Grandpa Grizzly, LLC
Permissible Designators
Your LLC name must end with one of the following designators:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- LC
- L.C.
- Limited Liability Co.
- Limited Liability Company
- Limited Company
- Limited Co.
- Ltd. Liability Company
- Ltd. Liability Co.
✎ 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.
- Incorporated
- Corporation
- Cooperative
- Corp.
- Limited Partnership
- LP or LLP
What words are not allowed in my Montana LLC name?
In Montana, there are some words and abbreviations you cannot use in your LLC name. These restrictions ensure that your name doesn't mislead the public or make your business seem like it belongs to a government agency or a regulated profession.
Here are some examples of words you can't use:
- Federal
- Government
- FBI
- United States of America
- United States
- City
- Borough
- Township
- County
Additionally, you cannot use terms reserved for licensed professionals. These include, but are not limited to, accountants, architects, attorneys, dentists, and engineers.
Exclusive Offer!
Hire a Northwest Registered Agent to form your LLC for just $39 plus the state fee and receive a free year of Registered Agent service.
(Why is Northwest the best? Read our Northwest Registered Agent review)
Ensuring Your Montana Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the Montana Secretary of State Business 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 "Summit Adventures LLC" is your desired name, it will not be acceptable if you find any of the following names in the Montana Business Name Search:
- Summit Adventures, Inc.
- Summit Adventures, Corp.
- Summit Adventures, L.L.C.
Punctuation, Symbols, Spaces
Adding or removing punctuation, symbols, and spaces does not create uniqueness.
If your desired LLC name is "Mountain Stream Outdoors LLC", it is not available if any of the following names are found:
- Mountain-Stream-Outdoors Inc.
- Mountain Stream/Outdoors, Limited Liability Co.
- Mountain+Stream Outdoors, LC
- Mountain Stream Outdoor, L.L.C.
Capitalization
Variations in capitalization do not make a business name distinguishable.
If your desired LLC name is "Big Sky Trails LLC", it's not available if you find any of the following names:
- big sky trails Inc.
- Big SKY TRAILS LP
- BiG SkY tRaILs LLC
In other words, you can use any combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, but it will not make your name different from an existing business with the same name.
Filler Words
In Montana, adding or removing non-essential or filler words (like "the", "and", or "a") does not make a business name distinct.
Filler words include:
- Articles (a, an, the)
- Prepositions (by, of, for)
- Conjunctions (and, or, &, but)
- Contractions (e.g., "don't" instead of "do not")
If your desired LLC name is "Mountain Meadow Supplies LLC", it will not be available if any of the following names are already in use:
- The Mountain Meadow Supplies LLC
- A Mountain Meadow Supply Inc.
- Mountain Meadow and Supplies L.L.C.
- Of Mountain Meadow Supplies Corp
Internet Domain Suffixes
In Montana, adding or removing internet domain suffixes (such as .com, .org, .net) does not make a business name distinct.
For example, if your desired LLC name is "Big Sky Lodge.com LLC", it won't be available if any of the following are already in use:
- Big Sky Lodge Inc.
- Big Sky Lodge.org 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 "Montana Mountaineer LLC", it will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- Montana Mountaineer LLC
- Montana's Mountaineers Inc.
- Montanas Mountaineer, L.L.C.
Numerals or Spelled Out Numbers
Using numerals (like 7 or 150) instead of spelling out the number (like "seven" or "one hundred and fifty") does not make a name unique. Similarly, replacing a number with its Roman numeral equivalent (such as 3 with III) does not create distinguishability.
For instance, if your desired LLC name is "25 Stars LLC", it won't be available if any of these names are already registered in Montana:
- Twenty-Five Stars LLC
- Twenty 5 Stars Inc.
- XXV Stars L.L.C.
Variations of the same name or word
Using a word with a different ending or form doesn’t make a name different enough. Sometimes, different versions of a word might have different meanings, but it’s up to the person reviewing your name to decide if it’s unique.
If your desired LLC name is "Mountain Peak Ventures LLC", it might not be available if any of the following are already in use:
- Mountain Peak Enterprises LLC
- Mountain Peak Ventures Inc.
- Mountain Peak Innovations Corp
Exception: Unique Spellings
Using a different spelling or a phonetic variation of the same name can help make your LLC name unique. However, if the Montana examiner thinks the names are too similar and might cause confusion, they could still reject your name.
If you want to name your LLC "Boys Baskets LLC" but find that a company named "Boys Baskets Inc." is already registered, you might consider these alternative spellings:
- Boyz Basketz LLC
- Boiz Baskets LLC
Exception: Homophones
Homophones, which are words that sound the same but have different meanings, can create uniqueness.
However, if the names are too similar and may cause confusion, the name might still be rejected.
How to Ensure Your Business Name is Unique in Montana
To create a name that stands out, aim for something completely original. This approach helps avoid confusion for your customers and ensures clarity.
If you're set on a name similar to an existing one, here are some strategies to make your LLC name unique.
Changing Spelling
Using a unique spelling can help make your business name stand out. Check our earlier details for more information.
Word Order
Rearranging the words in your business name can help make it distinct.
For example, if Gold Silver Sky LLC is already taken in Montana, you might consider using one of these alternatives:
- Sky Gold Silver LLC
- Gold Sky Silver LLC
- Silver Gold Sky LLC
Abbreviation vs. Complete Name or Word
Using an abbreviation instead of a full word (or vice versa) does not create distinguishability.
For example, if your desired LLC name is "GV Construction Co. LLC", it's not available if any of these names are already in use:
- GV Construction Co., LLC
- Grandview Builders LLC
- Grandview Construction Company LLC
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.
(Find out why Northwest is the top choice for LLC formation)
What If My Business Name Is Rejected?
If you submit your Montana 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 Montana?
No, a name reservation isn't required to form an LLC in Montana. You can directly file your LLC's Articles of Organization with your desired LLC name. A name reservation is considered an unnecessary step and not recommended.
Does Montana require an LLC in the name?
Yes. Your Montana LLC name must include one of the allowable designators at the end. Commonly used designators are:
- LLC
- Limited Liability Company
Does my Montana LLC need a DBA?
No, you’re not required to file a DBA ("Doing Business As") for your business entity in Montana. A DBA, known as a Trademark or Trade Name in Montana, allows your LLC to operate under a name different from its true and legal name (the name on your Articles of Organization).
If you want your LLC to conduct business under a name other than its legal name, you must file an Assumed Business Name online and pay an additional fee of $20 to the Secretary of State. There is no limit to the number of Assumed 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 use a more engaging name like Sky Cruises, you would need to file an Assumed Business Name Registration for Sky Cruises. If you prefer to operate under the name Skytree Cruise Lines without the “LLC” suffix, you must file an Assumed Business Name for that name as well.
How do I get a business domain name?
Once you've selected a business name, it's prudent to check if your desired domain name is available before forming your LLC. You can search for available domain names through services like GoDaddy.
What does "distinguishability" mean?
"Distinguishability" refers to the requirement that each business entity name must be unique on the Secretary of State’s records. This means no two businesses can have the same name. For example, if you want to name your LLC Lambeau Landscapers LLC but there is already a business named Lambeau Landscapers, Inc., your desired name is not distinguishable and cannot be used.
How do I come up with a business name?
Choosing a business name is essential for branding. Here's a process to help you generate a name for your Montana LLC:
- Begin by listing the features and attributes you want your company to reflect.
- Brainstorm as many 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 gather feedback from others if desired.
- Repeat the process: refine your ideas, write down new variations, and review them again.
- The best name will often stand out naturally. If not, try this technique: Close your eyes, count to 10, and choose a name when you open your eyes. Trust your instincts and go with what feels right.
Can I use the name of another Montana entity?
No, you cannot use a name that is already in use by another Montana business, regardless of the entity type. This includes businesses 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 later by filing an Amendment form with the Secretary of State. Detailed instructions on how to change an LLC name in Montana are available through the Secretary of State’s website.
How to start an LLC in Montana?
To start an LLC in Montana, follow these steps:
- Choose an LLC name and ensure it's available.
- Select a Montana Registered Agent.
- File the Montana 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 Montana.