How To Do An Arkansas Business Name Search
Whether you’re researching the availability of a business name or checking the status of a business entity, find the information you need from the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website.
The Secretary of State Business Entity Database provides information for corporations and LLCs registered in Arkansas. The names of sole proprietorships or general partnerships are not centralized and are registered at the County Clerk’s office in the county where the business is located.
There is no fee for searching the database.
Also See: Guide to Starting a Business in Arkansas
Steps For Searching Corporation and LLC Names In Arkansas
Step 1: Visit the Arkansas Entity Name Database
Visit the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website and enter the name you would like to use in the “Name” field. In this example, we will look up “A Clean Cut Lawn Care” and click “Search.”
Step 2: Search for a Business Name
When we search “A Clean Cut Lawn Care,” we see that there is one record that is in “Good Standing”. “Good Standing” means someone is using that name and an LLC can’t be registered under that name.
If the record comes back as “Revoked, ” it means the name was previously registered, but the entity is no longer in operation. If the name you want shows up as “Revoked,” it may be available to register.
Step 3: Review Results
Clicking on the link for “T BAR M SEW WHAT LLC” brings an expanded result.
While the name “A Clean Cut Lawn Care” by itself may not be available other variants such as “Clean Cut Lawn Guys” or “Clean Team Lawn Care” are. Searching for those business names brings a result that says, “There were no records found.” While final approval is still with the Secretary of State, it is likely available to register.
Something to keep in mind is that even though each Corporation and LLC name must be unique, it may not stop someone else from using that name since business names for a sole proprietorship or partnership are not registered by the Secretary of State and are not required to be unique. To protect your business name, consider getting a trademark.
How to Register a DBA (Sole Proprietorships and Partnerships)
To register, a sole proprietorship or partnership operating their business under a name that is different from the owner’s legal name will register for a Fictitious Name, also known as “Doing Business As,” DBA, Assumed Name, or Trade Name.
How do I form an LLC in Arkansas?
Once you know the LLC name is available, learn how to form an Arkansas LLC by reading our step-by-step guide on filing the Arkansas Articles of Organization.
While not required in Arkansas, an Operating Agreement, which are the rules for how the LLC operates, is a document worth considering, especially for multi-member LLCs.
After forming a Limited Liability Company, be sure to register for Arkansas business licenses and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) so the business is legal to operate.
Can an Arkansas LLC name be reserved?
If you have a name in mind but aren’t ready to officially form your LLC, you can reserve your name for up to 120 days by filing a Name Reservation form with the Arkansas Secretary of State. There is a $25 fee to file.
