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 Iowa Business Entities Search tool to see if your name is unique.
In our Iowa Business Name Search guide, we’ll show you exactly how to check LLC name availability in Iowa.
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Search NowHow to Check if Your Iowa 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 Iowa.
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 Iowa LLC names include:
- Your name must contain one of the following terms or abbreviations: “limited liability company,” “limited company,” “L. L. C.,” “LLC,” “L. C.,” or “LC.” “Limited” may be abbreviated as “Ltd.,” and “company” may be abbreviated as “Co.”
- Your name must be distinguishable from any existing business in the state. This includes Iowa 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.
For more information, check out Iowa’s official state statutes.
Distinguishability
It’s important that your name be distinguishable from all other business names. In Iowa, 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
LLCs in Iowa are required to choose a name that’s unique from any other business entity. To ensure your business name meets this requirement, you’ll need to perform a state search. You can check your business name availability by searching the Iowa Business Entities Search online database.
3. Check Available Domain Names
When choosing a business name you’ll need to find out whether or not a good web domain name 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 Iowa 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 by mail with the Iowa Secretary of State. The fee is $10.
5. Conduct a Trademark or Service Mark Search
A trademark search is essential to protect your brand against legal complications. Use the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)‘s online database to ensure your chosen business name or logo isn’t already protected. Remember that state-level LLC name approval doesn’t guarantee federal trademark availability. Need expert help? Check out our guide to the top trademark services for emerging businesses.
6. Form Your Iowa LLC
To form an LLC in Iowa, you need to file a Certificate of Organization with the Iowa Secretary of State. This document officially creates your business entity. Your Certificate of Organization should include the LLC’s name, principal office address, registered agent information, and your LLC’s effective and dissolution date (if your business is not perpetual).
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Start NowIowa LLC Name Search FAQ
How do I check if an LLC name is taken in Iowa?
You can use the Iowa Business Entities Search tool to see if your business name is available.
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 Iowa 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.
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. Iowa 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 Iowa?
Iowa doesn’t require LLCs to renew their name.
Learn more about “doing business as” (DBA) names — also called fictitious or trade names in Iowa — with our Iowa DBA guide.
Can my business name be different from my LLC name in Iowa?
Some companies choose to operate under a name that’s different from their legal name. This can either be called a DBA name or a fictitious name in Iowa.
In Iowa, LLC fictitious names are filed with the Secretary of State.
Learn more about fictitious names with our Iowa 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 Iowa DBA names by reading our guide to filing for a DBA and selecting Iowa from the drop-down menu.