Before you form an LLC, register an assumed name, or start a corporation, you'll need to complete a business name search with the Minnesota Business Entity Search tool to see if your name is unique.
In our Minnesota Business Name Search guide, we'll show you exactly how to check LLC name availability in Minnesota.
Recommended: Northwest Registered Agent will register your business name when they form your LLC for $29 (plus state fees).
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Minnesota LLC Name Search
The Minnesota Secretary of State requires all business names to be distinguishable from other business entities in the state.
It's also important to search for a matching domain name (URL).
How to Search Available LLC Names
You can check your business name availability by searching the Minnesota Business Entity Search online database.
Recommended: If you don’t have a business name yet or find that yours is taken, use our LLC Name Generator.
How to Complete a Domain Name Search
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.
How to Register Your Business Name
Register Your Name
An LLC name is officially registered when you file your LLC application documents and form an LLC.
Ready to register your LLC name? Use our Minnesota LLC guide to get started.
Registering a DBA in Minnesota (also known as an assumed name) is a separate process that requires filing with the Secretary of State.
Reserve Your Name
You can optionally reserve your LLC name in Minnesota for up to 12 months before you officially register it. This prevents other businesses from registering your name until you have the opportunity to register it yourself.
Name reservations can be filed online or by mail with the Minnesota Secretary of State. The filing fee is $55 for online and in-person filings and $35 for mailed filings.
You can also file for 12-month reservation extensions if needed.
Minnesota Naming Requirements
Some key guidelines for Minnesota LLC names include:
- Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or the abbreviation “LLC.”
- Your name must be distinguishable from any existing business in the state.
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.
Minnesota also has the following restrictions for LLC names:
- Your name cannot contain the words "corporation" or "incorporated" or abbreviations of either word.
- Your name cannot imply that the LLC is organized for a non-permitted purpose.
For more information, check out Minnesota’s official state statutes.
Distinguishability
It is important that your name be distinguishable from all other business names. In Minnesota, a distinguishable name is one that is substantively different from all other existing or reserved business names in the state.
Failure to use a distinguishable name could result in your formation filing being rejected.
Is your name already taken? Our free AI-powered LLC name generator will generate thousands of new ideas.
Minnesota LLC Name Search FAQ
How do I check if an LLC name is taken in Minnesota?
You can use the Minnesota Business Entity Search tool to see if your preferred business name is available.
Learn more about business entity name availability in the How to Search Available LLC Names section.
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 your free AI-powered LLC Name Generator.
What words can’t be used in a Minnesota 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.
Minnesota LLC names cannot contain the words "corporation" or "incorporated" or abbreviations of either word.
Learn more about LLC naming requirements in the Minnesota Naming Requirements section.
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 an LLC guide.
Do I have to include LLC in my name?
Yes. Minnesota requires that its LLCs use “Limited Liability Company” or one of its abbreviations (e.g., LLC or L.L.C.) in their legal name.
Learn more about LLC naming requirements in the Minnesota Naming Requirements section.
Do I need to renew my business name in Minnesota?
Minnesota does not require LLCs to renew their legal name, but assumed names must be renewed annually by December 31.
You can renew online or via hard copy. There is no filing fee if the name is renewed before December 31.
Learn more about assumed names with our Minnesota DBA guide.
Can my business name be different from my LLC name in Minnesota?
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 an assumed name in Minnesota.
In Minnesota, LLC assumed names are filed with the Secretary of State.
Learn more about assumed names with our Minnesota 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 Minnesota DBAs by reading our guide to filing for a DBA and selecting Minnesota from the dropdown menu.
