This post will show you how to quickly search for Minnesota business names using Minnesota’s free entity search tool.
To verify the availability of the name, an LLC name search must be done before you can file the necessary documents to your new LLC.
It is important to ensure that your name is different from any other LLCs in the state.
The State’s online database allows you to search for the name of a business entity and its availability.
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If your business is an LLC, there are some requirements to be aware of before searching. As for name requirements, most states say your LLC name can end with the abbreviations LLC, L.L.C., or the words Limited Liability Company. Each state has its own requirements and guidelines. Most people choose LLC.
The name must be distinguishable and clearly unique. For example, if there is a business entity named ABC Plumbers, Inc., ABC Plumbers, LLC would not be available.
The name ABC Plumbers & Contractors, LLC would have a better chance of getting approved. The final determination of a name’s availability is the State where the name is attempting to be registered.
Giving Your New Business a Name
When you name something, you get attached to it. Naming your soon-to-be business can only spur your decision forward. Backing out on the idea will be less of an option.
When forming a company, you and your co-founders need to brainstorm and decide on a few things, such as your business name. Before contacting the folks at ZenBusiness or Incfile, you need to:
- Come up with a name that hasn’t been used before. Visit the Minnesota Secretary of State website and enter the business name in the Name Availability Search database.
- Even if unique or derivative, that name shouldn’t sound like an existing one as the Minnesota Secretary of State would reject it.
- Ensure that the name does not violate any Minnesota State Law.
- You can try calling the State Business Information Line at 651-296-2803 and ask them business name-related questions.
- For more info, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State website.
How To Do A Minnesota Business Name Search
Visit the Minnesota Name Availability Search page https://mblsportal.sos.state.mn.us/Business/Search
In the “Business Name” search box, enter the name that you want to check, without LLC or Inc, at the end and then search. When searching for names in Minnesota, remember,
- Don’t enter LLC after the name or variations (LLC, L.L.C., etc.) while doing searches.
- Search for both the plural and singular versions of names. For example, if your LLC name has the word “Publishers” in it, also search with “Publisher.”
- Search the first 1-2 words of your LLC name at first. For example, if your desired LLC name is “Minnesota Electrician Service LLC,” search for “Minnesota Electrician” and continue searching with some variations.
- The point is to check for any potential name conflicts and develop a unique business name.
Searching the Minnesota database could take a bit of time. Still, with a few searches, you should get a pretty good idea about the business name’s availability that you are interested in registering.
It’s important to note that even when a given business appears to be available, the Minnesota Secretary of State will do their own search to confirm availability. There could be name variations or abbreviations that could cause a conflict.
That’s how you can search for a business name in Minnesota. Again, the Minnesota Secretary of State office will finally determine a business name’s availability.
Minnesota Secretary of State
Mailing address:
Minnesota Secretary of State
Business Services
Ret. Systems of MN Bldg.
60 Empire Drive
Suite 100
St. Paul, MN 55103
Website & Phone:
Minnesota Secretary of State
Minnesota Business Services
651-296-2803
9:00 am to 4:00 pm, M-F
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