Before you form a limited liability company (LLC), register a trade name, or start a corporation, you’ll need to complete a business name search with the Arkansas Business Entity Search tool to see if your name is unique.
In our Arkansas Business Name Search guide, we’ll show you exactly how to check LLC name availability in Arkansas.
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Start NowHow to Check if Your Arkansas LLC Name Is Available
Checking if your desired LLC name is available involves a few key steps, such as ensuring your business name follows state requirements and performing a domain name and state search. These are the steps you need to take to determine if your business name is available in Arkansas.
1. Follow LLC Naming Rules
Before you perform an LLC name search, you need to make sure your business name follows the state’s business name requirements.
Some key guidelines for Arkansas LLC names include:
- Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company,” “limited company,” or the abbreviation “L.L.C.,” “LLC,” “L.C.,” or “LC” in uppercase or lowercase letters.
- Your name must be distinguishable from any existing business in the state. This includes Arkansas reserved names.
Keep an eye out for restricted words. These words, such as “FBI” or “Treasury,” are often restricted to keep your LLC from sounding like an official institution.
Arkansas also has the following restrictions for LLC names:
- Your name cannot imply the LLC is organized for an unlawful purpose or one other than what is outlined in its Certificate of Organization.
- Your name cannot contain the name of any person who is not a member.
For more information, check out Arkansas’ name availability guidelines.
Distinguishability
It’s important that your name be distinguishable from all other business names. In Arkansas, a distinguishable name is one that’s substantively different from all other existing or reserved business names in the state.
Failure to use a distinguishable name could result in the rejection of your formation filing.
2. Search for LLC Names
Choosing a unique name for your Arkansas LLC helps establish your brand identity from the start. You can search for an LLC name in Arkansas via:
- Online Database: You can check your business name availability by searching the Arkansas Business Entity Search tool.
- Email: You can email the Arkansas Secretary of State at [email protected] for a preliminary name availability screening.
- Phone: You can call the Arkansas Secretary of State at (888) 233-0325 or (501) 682-3409 for a preliminary name availability screening.
We recommend calling or emailing the Secretary of State for preliminary name approval — even if the online database shows that your name is available on the Arkansas Business Entity Search tool.
3. Check Available Domain Names
When choosing a business name, you’ll need to find out whether or not a good web domain name also is available. Having a URL that clearly matches your business name is important. This small step can make a big difference in how prospective customers find your business.
The best way to determine if your desired URL is available is to search for it using your preferred domain registry, such as GoDaddy.
What if my LLC name is already taken? Our free AI-powered LLC name generator will give you thousands of new ideas.
4. Reserve Your LLC Name
You may reserve your LLC name in Arkansas for up to 120 days before you officially register it with the state. This prevents other businesses from registering your name until you have the opportunity to register it yourself.
You can file a name reservation online or by mail with the Arkansas Secretary of State. The filing fee is $25.
5. Conduct a Trademark or Service Mark Search
Safeguard your business by researching existing trademarks. Use the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)‘s website to check if your desired name or logo is already taken. Remember, state-level LLC name approval doesn’t guarantee federal trademark clearance. For additional support, explore our recommended trademark services for emerging businesses.
6. Form Your Arkansas LLC
Arkansas entrepreneurs can form an LLC by filing a Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of State. This process officially registers your business and establishes its legal presence in the Natural State. Your Certificate of Organization must include the LLC’s name, registered agent details, principal address, and management type. Arkansas also requires you to state the LLC’s purpose and duration, giving you flexibility in defining your business goals and lifespan.
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Start NowArkansas LLC Name Search FAQ
How do I check if an LLC name is taken in Arkansas?
You can use the Arkansas Business Entity Search tool to see if your business name is available.
You also can call the Arkansas Secretary of State at (888) 233-0325 or (501) 682-3409 or email their office at [email protected] for a preliminary name availability screening.
Should I name my LLC after myself?
While there’s no rule against naming an LLC after yourself, most experts advise against doing this.
One of the benefits of starting an LLC is the ability to choose a different name for your business, which can make it sound more professional.
To explore other naming options, use our free AI-powered LLC name generator.
What words can’t be used in an Arkansas LLC name?
Business names generally can’t include words that imply the company is a banking or financial institution or that it’s affiliated with a local, state, or federal government agency.
Additionally, Arkansas LLC names can’t imply that the LLC is organized for an unlawful purpose or include the names of any non-members.
Should I use an LLC name generator?
If you’re having trouble choosing a name for your LLC, an LLC name generator can help you come up with some ideas.
What is a brand name?
A brand name is a name a company gives to a product or line of products. It can be the same as the company’s name or something different.
Learn more about branding with your business entity name with our How to Name Your LLC guide.
Do I have to include LLC in my name?
Yes. Arkansas requires that its LLCs use “Limited Liability Company” or one of its abbreviations (e.g., “LLC” or “L.L.C.”) in their legal name.
Do I need to renew my business name in Arkansas?
Arkansas doesn’t require LLCs to renew their legal name.
Can my business name be different from my LLC name in Arkansas?
Some companies choose to operate under a name that’s different from their legal name. This can either be called a “doing business as” (DBA) name or a fictitious name in Arkansas.
In Arkansas, LLC fictitious names are filed with the Secretary of State.
Learn more about fictitious names with our Arkansas DBA guide.
Does my LLC need a DBA name?
Your LLC doesn’t need a DBA name unless it plans to do business under a name other than its legal name. Learn more about Arkansas DBA names by reading our guide to filing for a DBA and selecting Arkansas from the drop-down menu.