Youll go through multiple steps if youre starting an LLC in Minnesota, but few are as important as naming your new business. You want a name thatll connect with customers and describe your business – and one thats available so you can use it.
Heres how to do a business entity search in Minnesota, which is generally the best way to see whether a specific name is available for your limited liability corporation.
Your LLC needs a name that no other business in Minnesota has. A business entity search shows you whether a name is available in the state. You can check for both exact match names and similar ones, either of which might be too close to your LLCs potential name.
Should one or more names be too similar to the name youd like to use, then youll probably have to find a different name for your LLC. Your LLC filing usually wont be accepted if your business name isnt unique from whats already being used.
Minnesota has fairly for all businesses in the state. The requirements specific to LLCs in Minnesota are as follows.
Any of these abbreviations can include or omit the periods. For example, both LLC and L.L.C. are generally acceptable.
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Minnesota has quite basic requirements when it comes to determining whether a business is distinguishable. Your name simply must be at least one letter or number different from names already in use.
These are specific gives as acceptably unique names:
Even though you only need one different letter or number, choosing a name thats so similar to another businesss isnt necessarily wise. Your new LLC might get confused with the other business, especially if the other is well-established and known. In most cases, branding will be much easier and more successful if you have a substantially different business name.
Use the when searching business names. The database is available through the Secretary of States website, under Businesses & Liens.
The type of search you want to do is Business Name or File Number. Click the link on the left side (top on phones), under Business.
Youll be directed to a new page, where you can search by either name or file number. Business Name should automatically be selected, but confirm that it is. The option is right above the search bar.
Below the search bar are three options:
Type your business name into the search bar, and click Search. Results will be displayed on the same page, immediately below.
You should conduct two searches to confirm name availability. First search active businesses, and then inactive ones.
If you want to check whether similar names are being used, you might search a shortened section for your business name. For example, search Bob instead of Bobs, or Auto so youd get any results that are either First Auto or 1st Auto.
There is no fee for conducting a business name search in Minnesota.
Review the results that are displayed below the search bar. You can click More Details if youd like to know more about any one result. You dont need additional information if youre merely wanting to know whether a business name is available, though.
Minnesota doesnt keep a statewide database of all registered assumed names (DBAs). If you want to know whether a name is being used as a DBA, the best option is generally a Google search. You still cant use a DBA of a businesss officially registered name.
Once you’ve found a unique and compliant name for your LLC, there are a few more steps you can take to secure it and protect your brand:
Register your LLC with the Minnesota Secretary of State. Your LLC will officially have use of its name, once the filing is approved. The fee for registering an LLC in Minnesota is $155 if you register online or in person, and $135 if you file by mail.
If you aren’t ready to formally start your LLC but want to protect the name, you can reserve it with the Minnesota Secretary of State. Complete and submit the form. The business name will be, and can be renewed with 12-month reservations indefinitely.
The fee for reserving a business name is $55 if submitted in person or online (expedited processing), or $35 for mail-in submissions (standard processing).
If you want more protection for your business name and brand, consider obtaining a state or federal trademark. This can be especially important if using a DBA, as theres no state protection against other businesses using the same DBA. A trademark may help you prevent other businesses from operating under the same name.
Purchase a domain name that matches your business name, or is at least similar to the name. Youll want a website for your business.
If you dont already have a logo, create one using your business name or initials. You can create logos yourself with our AI logo maker.
Order letterhead, business cards, and any other stationery youll be using.
When you have a great name for your LLC, youre ready to register or reserve the name. Then, go on with the next step of establishing your LLC in Minnesota. Soon, youll be running a new business!
A business entity search shows you whether a business name is already in use. Youll need a different name or a variation if the desired name is registered with another business.
To check if an LLC name you want is available in Minnesota, use the Secretary of States.
The cost to reserve a business name in Minnesota is $35 if reserving by mail (standard processing), or $55 if reserving in person or online.
Yes, DBAs must be registered as assumed names in Minnesota. This is necessary, but it doesnt prevent another business from using the same DBA name.
Business names in Minnesota must be in English, use an LLC designator, not use restricted words unless permitted, and be distinguishable from other business names. Distinguishable is defined as having at least one letter or number different from another businesss name.
Theres no requirement to have a DBA name thats distinguishable from other DBAs. The same DBA can be used by multiple businesses.
If the LLC name you want is taken, consider alternative names or slight variations. You only need one letter or number different to use the name, although a more different name might be advisable for branding purposes. You can also brainstorm entirely different names.
This portion of our website is for informational or educational purposes only. 91勛圖 is not a law firm, and the information on this website does not constitute legal advice. All statements, opinions, recommendations, and conclusions are solely the expression of the author and provided on an as-is basis. Accordingly, 91勛圖 is not responsible for the information and/or its accuracy or completeness. It also does not indicate any affiliation between 91勛圖 and any other brands, services or logos on this page.
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