How To Do A Minnesota Business Name Search
The first step in forming an LLC or corporation in Minnesota is to verify the business name is available to use. Each business entity that is registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State must use a unique name. See our step-by-step guide to learn how to quickly search available names by using the state’s Business Entity Database.
Also See: Guide to Starting a Business in Minnesota
Steps For Searching Corporation and LLC Names In Minnesota
Step 1: Visit the Minnesota Entity Name Database
Visit the Minnesota Secretary of State website.
Step 2: Search your Business Name
Enter the name you would like to use in the “Business Name” field. In this example, we will look up “Lawn & Order” and then click “Search.”
Step 3: Review the Results
Searching the registered names, we get a list of all the businesses with the words “Lawn & Order.” To be able to register a corporation or LLC name in Minnesota, the name must be distinguishable from the other names registered. If you were looking to form an LLC with this name, you wouldn’t be able to since there is already one registered.
To find more information about each of the registered business names, click on the link labeled “Details.”
While the name “Lawn & Order LLC” isn’t available, an example of an available name is “Cowboy Cleaners.” Searching for this business name brings a result that says, “No results match the criteria entered.” While final approval is still with the Secretary of State, it is likely available to register.
These are the basics of searching for a business name in Minnesota. Even when the name of the business you want is available, the Secretary of State will make a final determination at the time of filing to ensure the name you picked isn’t too similar to other registered names.
What information can be found on the Minnesota business entity database?
The business name database search can find several pieces of information about the business. Some of the highlights include:
- Business Name
- Business Type – Corporation, Limited Liability Company. Etc.
- Filing Date – Date the entity was filed with the Secretary of State
- Status – Good standing means all reports and filing fees are up to date
- Registered Office Address – This could be the physical address of the business, or it could be an address where business records are stored.
- Registered Agent’s information – A Registered Agent in Minnesota is the singular point of contact for the entity should a legal or tax notice need to be sent to the business. This is often one of the owners, and if their home address is used, that address becomes public information. Many people find this concerning and use a Registered Agent service like Northwest Registered Agent, so their home address isn’t listed.
- Names of the Registered Agent (s)
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.
Related: Should I trademark my business name?
How do I register an Assumed Business Name in Minnesota?
An Assumed Name, also known as “Doing Business As,” DBA, Trade Name, or Fictitious Name, is a name used by a sole proprietorship or partnership and is different from the owner’s legal name.
How do I form an LLC in Minnesota?
Before starting your business and forming an LLC, be sure to do the business entity search first to make sure the name is available to use. Once you know the LLC name is available, learn how to form a Minnesota LLC by reading our step-by-step guide.
While not required in Minnesota, an Operating Agreement, which basically 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 Minnesota business licenses and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN). This is a “social security number” for the business. There is no cost to get one through the IRS.
What are the requirements to name an LLC in Minnesota?
In addition to the name being unique, the name of the LLC must include a special designator such as Limited Liability Company, LLC, L.L.C., etc., in addition to not using restricted words such as bank or insurance, unless the entity is licensed to operate as such.
Can an LLC name be reserved in Minnesota?
If there is a name you want to use but aren’t ready to form the LLC, the Request for Reservation of Name can be filed to hold the name for up to 1 year. The state filing fee for a name reservation is $35, paid to the Secretary of State.
