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 Missouri Business Entity Search tool to see if your name is unique.In our Missouri Business Name Search guide, we’ll show you exactly how to check LLC name availability in Missouri.
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Search NowHow to Check if Your Missouri 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 Missouri.
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 Missouri LLC names include:
- Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or “limited company” or one of their abbreviations (e.g., “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” “LC,” or “L.C.”).
- Your name must be distinguishable from any existing business in the state. This includes Missouri 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.
Missouri also has the following restrictions for LLC names:
- Your name can’t contain any of the following terms or their abbreviations: “corporation,” “incorporated,” “limited partnership,” “limited liability partnership,” “limited liability limited partnership,” and “Ltd.”
- Your name can’t imply the LLC is organized for any purpose other than the one outlined in its Articles of Organization.
For more information, check out Missouri’s official state statutes.
Distinguishability
It’s important that your name be distinguishable from all other business names. In Missouri, 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 Business Entity Search
To determine whether your chosen business name is available, you’ll need to conduct a statewide search of existing business names. You can search for an LLC name in Missouri in two ways:
- Online Database: You can check your business name availability by searching the Missouri Business Entity database.
- Phone: You can call the Missouri Secretary of State at (573) 751-4936 for a preliminary name availability screening.
We recommend calling the Secretary of State for preliminary name approval — even if the Missouri Business Entity online database shows your name is available.
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 Missouri for up to 60 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 Missouri Secretary of State. The filing fee is $25.
You also can extend your name reservation up to two times, for a total of 180 days.
5. Conduct a Trademark or Service Mark Search
A trademark search is vital for safeguarding your brand identity by verifying that no other company has trademarked your business name or logo. 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, state-level LLC name clearance doesn’t guarantee federal trademark availability. Need expert help? Our guide to trademark services for startups can point you in the right direction.
6. Form Your Missouri LLC
Once you complete your LLC name search, you’ll need to register your business with the state. To form an LLC in Missouri, entrepreneurs must file Articles of Organization with the Missouri Secretary of State. This filing officially establishes your business entity.
Your Articles of Organization should include the LLC’s name, registered agent information, and purpose. Missouri also requires you to specify whether the management of the LLC is vested in managers or members and provide the names and street addresses of each organizer.
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Start NowMissouri LLC Name Search FAQ
How do I check if an LLC name is taken in Missouri?
You can use the Missouri Business Entity Search tool to see if your preferred business name is available.
You also can call the Missouri Secretary of State at (573) 751-4936 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 a Missouri 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, Missouri LLC names can’t contain any of the following terms or their abbreviations: “corporation,” “incorporated,” “limited partnership,” “limited liability partnership,” “limited liability limited partnership,” and “Ltd.”
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. Missouri requires that its LLCs use “Limited Liability Company” or “Limited Company” or an abbreviation of these phrases (e.g., “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” “LC,” or “L.C.”) in their legal name.
Do I need to renew my business name in Missouri?
Missouri doesn’t require LLCs to renew their legal name, but “fictitious” names must be renewed every five years with the Secretary of State.
You can renew online or via hard copy. The filing fee is $7.
Learn more about fictitious names with our Missouri DBA guide.
Can my business name be different from my LLC name in Missouri?
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 Missouri.
In Missouri, fictitious names are filed with the Secretary of State.
Learn more about fictitious names with our Missouri 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 Missouri DBA names by reading our guide to filing for a DBA and selecting Missouri from the drop-down menu.