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 Minnesota Business Entity Search tool to see if your name is unique.
In our Minnesota Business Name Search guide, we’ll show you exactly how to check LLC name availability in Minnesota.
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Search NowHow to Check if Your Minnesota 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 Minnesota.
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 Minnesota LLC names include:
- Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or the abbreviation “LLC.”
- Your name must be distinguishable from any existing business in the state.
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.
Minnesota also has the following restrictions for LLC names:
- Your name can’t contain the words “corporation” or “incorporated” or abbreviations of either word.
- Your name can’t imply the LLC is organized for a non-permitted purpose.
For more information, check out Minnesota’s official state statutes.
Distinguishability
It’s important that your name be distinguishable from all other business names. In Minnesota, 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. Conduct a State Name Search
In order to use a business name in Minnesota you need to confirm it’s not already in use by another business entity. To do so, you must complete a statewide business name search. You can check your business name availability by searching the Minnesota Business Entity 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.
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4. Reserve Your LLC Name
You may reserve your LLC name in Minnesota for up to 12 months 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 Minnesota Secretary of State. The filing fee is $55 for online and in-person filings and $35 for mailed filings.
You can also file for 12-month reservation extensions, if needed.
5. Conduct a Trademark or Service Mark Search
Protect your business from potential legal complications by conducting a thorough trademark search. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website offers a robust tool to check if your desired name or logo is already trademarked. Don’t assume state-level LLC name approval is sufficient. For professional assistance, explore our curated list of trademark services for startups.
6. Form Your Minnesota LLC
Once you complete your LLC name search, you’ll need to register your business with the state. To form an LLC in the North Star State, you need to file Articles of Organization with the Minnesota Secretary of State. This document legally establishes your business with the state.
Your Articles of Organization should include the LLC’s name and registered agent information. Minnesota also requires you to provide the name and address of each organizer, ensuring transparency in the formation process.
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Start NowMinnesota LLC Name Search FAQ
How do I check if an LLC name is taken in Minnesota?
You can use the Minnesota Business Entity Search tool to see if your preferred 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 a Minnesota 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.
Minnesota LLC names can’t contain the words “corporation” or “incorporated” or abbreviations of either word.
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. Minnesota requires that its LLCs use “Limited Liability Company” or the abbreviation “LLC” in their legal name.
Do I need to renew my business name in Minnesota?
Minnesota doesn’t require LLCs to renew their legal name, but assumed names must be renewed annually by Dec. 31.
You can renew assumed names online or via hard copy. There’s no filing fee if the name is renewed before Dec. 31.
Learn more about assumed names with our Minnesota DBA guide.
Can my business name be different from my LLC name in Minnesota?
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 an assumed name in Minnesota.
In Minnesota, LLC assumed names are filed with the Secretary of State.
Learn more about assumed names with our Minnesota 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 Minnesota DBA names by reading our guide to filing for a DBA and selecting Minnesota from the drop-down menu.