In Missouri, you can reserve your business name for 60 days by filing a name reservation application with the Missouri Secretary of State by mail or online. To keep the name for longer, you need to renew the reservation, but a name may only be reserved for a maximum of 180 days per Missouri statutes.
Ensuring Business Name Uniqueness
When registering a business name it’s important to make sure it’s unique. Missouri requires each LLC or corporation registered in the state to have a unique business name. It’s important to run a business entity search to verify if the name is available through the Missouri Secretary of State. There is no fee to search.
To use a different name to conduct business, file for a Missouri fictitious name — also known as a doing business as (DBA) name.
The process of searching for a business name involves using the Missouri business registration system to check for registered business names and name availability. Conducting a thorough name search helps prevent legal and branding issues and build a strong brand image.
Checking LLC name availability in Missouri ensures your business name is distinguishable from other Missouri businesses so you do not violate intellectual property rights. To get accurate information about business name registration laws in Missouri, visit the Missouri Secretary of State website or consult an attorney or business advisor.
Registering your business name in Missouri lays the groundwork for your entrepreneurial journey. By selecting a unique name and fulfilling registrations, you facilitate future business success.
Name Reservation Process
If you are forming an LLC or a corporation in Missouri, the first step is to do a business name search. This search checks all registered business entities in the state to see if your desired name is available.
You can reserve your LLC’s name in Missouri for up to 60 days by filing an Application for Name Reservation and paying the filing fee.
Searching the database maintained by the Secretary of State will allow you to determine if your chosen name is available.
Once approved by the Secretary of State’s office, you’ll officially become an LLC in Missouri with all the benefits and responsibilities that come with it!
Business Name Availability Checks
- Use the Missouri business entity search tool to see if your business name is available.
- To explore other naming options, use our free AI-powered business name generator.
To reserve your chosen name, file the Application for Reservation Name with the Secretary of State’s office.
Finding Additional Business Information
How do I find my charter number Missouri? The charter number is issued when a Missouri corporation files articles of incorporation or an out-of-state corporation obtains a certificate of authority.
Missouri Limited Liability Company Name Requirements are outlined in Section 347.020 of the Missouri LLC Act.
To look up an LLC in Missouri, go to the Missouri Secretary of State website and use the business entity search tool. You can search by business name, registered agent, and charter number.
Check a few search engines to see if the business name you want to use has already been taken.
Use Social Media to determine whether a business name has already been registered.