How To Do A Montana Business Name Search

The first step in forming an LLC or corporation in Montana is to verify the business name is available to use. Each business entity that is registered with the Montana 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 Montana

Steps For Searching Corporation and LLC Names In Montana

Step 1: Visit the Montana Entity Name Database

Visit the Montana Secretary of State website.

Step 2: Search your Business Name

Enter the name you would like to use in the “Business Name or Number.  In this example, we will look up “Lawn & Order” and click “Search.” It is recommended to search both by “Starts With” and “Contains” in the drop-down menu to be sure to search your name thoroughly.

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 Montana, 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 any of the registered business names, click on the link in the “Entity Name” column to see a detailed report.  In this example, we will look up “Lawn & Order LLC.”

While the name “Lawn & Order” may not be available other variants are such as “Montana Lawn & Order,” are.  Searching for this name brings a result that says, “No results were found for Montana Lawn & Order”.  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 Montana.  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 Montana business entity database?

The database search can find several pieces of information about the business. Some of the highlights include:

• Entity Name
• Entity Status – Active Good Standing means all reports and filing fees are up to date. Other results include “Inactive Voluntary Dissolution, Inactive Revocation,” “Cancelled,” among others. The names of these results may be available to register.
• Entity type – Corporation, Limited Liability Company. Etc.
• Formation Date – Date the entity first became active
• Registered Agent’s information – A Registered Agent 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 publically listed.  
• Date the entity was filed with the Secretary of State
• Names of the officers and their title

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?