If you are forming an LLC or a corporation in Arkansas, the first thing you need to do is a business name search. Like all other states, Arkansas requires each LLC or corporation registered in the state to have a unique business name. You can do an Arkansas business name search on the Arkansas Secretary of State website to see if the business name you want to use is available.
Related: Guide to starting a business in Arkansas
Steps To Do an Arkansas Business Name Search
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 do an Arkansas LLC search by looking up “A Clean Cut Lawn Care.” After entering the company name, 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 “A Clean Cut Lawn Care LLC” gives us more information about the business.
While the name “A Clean Cut Lawn Care” by itself may not be available, variants such as “Clean Cut Lawn Guys” or “Clean Team Lawn Care” are. Searching for those business names returns 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.
Arkansas Business Name Search FAQs
How do I find the business name of an Arkansas sole proprietorship?
An Arkansas sole proprietorship or general partnership can use the small business owner(s) full first and last name as the business entity name, but many will want to operate under a specific business name. Unlike corporations and LLCs in Arkansas, the names of sole proprietorships and partnerships are not listed on the state database. Instead, they are registered with the County Clerk’s office in the county where the business is located.
To register the business name, they will register for an Arkansas Fictitious, which is also known as “Doing Business As,” DBA, or Fictitious Business Name with the County Clerk.
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 how to form an Arkansas LLC.
While not required in Arkansas, an LLC 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 any 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.
