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 Mississippi Business Search tool to see if your name is unique.
In our Mississippi Business Name Search guide, we’ll show you exactly how to check LLC name availability in Mississippi.
Boost Your LLC’s Credibility
Professional businesses have matching domain names. Secure yours — before someone else does — with GoDaddy.
Search NowHow to Check if Your Mississippi 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 Mississippi.
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 Mississippi LLC names include:
- Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations (e.g., “LLC” or “L.L.C.”).
- Your name may contain the name of a member or manager of the LLC.
- Your name must be distinguishable from any existing business in the state. This includes Mississippi 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.
Mississippi also restricts LLC names from using the following words: “bank,” “banker,” “bankers,” “banking,” “trust company,” “insurance,” “trust,” “corporation,” “incorporated,” “partnership,” “limited partnership,” or any abbreviations or words of similar meaning.
For more information, check out Mississippi’s official state statutes.
Distinguishability
It’s important that your name be distinguishable from all other business names. In Mississippi, 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 Mississippi Business Search
In order to verify your chosen business name is unique and therefore usable by your new LLC, you’ll need to do a statewide search. This ensures you’re not using the same name as an existing business in the state. You can check your business name availability by searching the Mississippi Business 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 Mississippi for up to 180 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 with the Mississippi Secretary of State. The filing fee is $25.
5. Conduct a Trademark or Service Mark Search
Before finalizing your business branding, it’s crucial to perform a trademark search. This step helps you avoid potential legal conflicts by ensuring your chosen business name or logo isn’t already protected by another entity. Start by exploring the online database on the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website.
Look for any existing trademarks that might be similar to your proposed brand elements. Be aware that while your state may allow you to register an LLC name, this doesn’t guarantee it’s free from trademark infringement at the federal level. For thorough protection and peace of mind, you might want to engage a professional trademark service that specializes in assisting startups navigate this complex process.
6. Form Your Mississippi LLC
Once you complete your LLC name search, you’ll need to register your business with the state. Mississippi allows you to form an LLC by filing a Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State. This crucial step officially registers your business with the state.
Your Certificate of Formation must include the LLC’s name, registered agent details, and the dissolution date if the LLC isn’t perpetual. Mississippi also requires you to specify the effective date of formation if different from the filing date, giving you control over your company’s official start date.
Have a Professional Service Form Your LLC
Ready to form your Mississippi LLC? Tailor Brands will guide you through the LLC registration process to make your business official.
Start NowMississippi LLC Name Search FAQ
How do I check if an LLC name is taken in Mississippi?
You can use the Mississippi Business 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 a Mississippi 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.
Mississippi restricts LLC names from using the following words: “bank,” “banker,” “bankers,” “banking,” “trust company,” “insurance,” “trust,” “corporation,” “incorporated,” “partnership,” “limited partnership,” or any abbreviations or words of similar meaning.
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. Mississippi 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 Mississippi?
Mississippi doesn’t require LLCs to renew their legal name, but “fictitious” names must be renewed by Dec. 31 of the name’s fifth anniversary year.
You can renew online, and the filing fee is $25.
Learn more about “fictitious” names with our Mississippi DBA guide.
Can my business name be different from my LLC name in Mississippi?
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 Mississippi.
In Mississippi, LLC “fictitious” names are filed with the Secretary of State.
Learn more about “fictitious” names with our Mississippi 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 Mississippi DBA names by reading our guide to filing for a DBA and selecting Mississippi from the drop-down menu.