Before you form an LLC, register a fictitious 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.
Recommended: Northwest Registered Agent will register your business name when they form your LLC for $29 (plus state fees).
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Missouri LLC Name Search
The Missouri 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 search for an LLC name in Missouri via:
- Online database
- Phone
We recommend calling the Secretary of State for preliminary name approval, even if the online database shows that your name is available on the Missouri Business Entity Search.
Online Database
You can check your business name availability by searching the Missouri Business Entity Search database.
Phone: You can call the Missouri Secretary of State at (573) 751-4936 for a preliminary name availability screening.
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 Missouri LLC guide to get started.
Registering a DBA in Missouri (also known as a fictitious name) is a separate process that requires filing with the Secretary of State.
Reserve Your Name
You can optionally reserve your LLC name in Missouri for up to 60 days 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 Missouri Secretary of State. The filing fee is $25.
You can also extend your name reservation up to two times, for a total of 180 days.
Missouri Naming 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 (LLC, L.L.C., LC, 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 cannot contain any of the following terms or their abbreviations: corporation, incorporated, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, limited liability limited partnership, and Ltd.
- Your name cannot imply that 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 is important that your name be distinguishable from all other business names. In Missouri, 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.
Missouri 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 can also call the Missouri Secretary of State at (573) 751-4936 for a preliminary name availability screening.
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 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 cannot contain any of the following terms or their abbreviations:
- corporation, incorporated, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, limited liability limited partnership, and Ltd.
Learn more about LLC naming requirements in the Missouri 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. Missouri 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 Missouri Naming Requirements section.
Do I need to renew my business name in Missouri?
Missouri does not 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 DBAs by reading our guide to filing for a DBA and selecting Missouri from the dropdown menu.
