If you are forming an LLC or a corporation in Minnesota, the first thing you need to do is a business name search. Like all other states, Minnesota requires each LLC or corporation registered in the state to have a unique business name. You can do a Minnesota business name search on the Minnesota Secretary of State website to see if the business name you want to use is available.
Related: Checklist To Start A Business In Minnesota
Steps To Do A Minnesota Business Name Search
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 want to use in the “Business Name” field. In this example, we will search for a Minnesota LLC name by looking up “Lawn & Order.” After entering the business name, click “Search.”
Step 3: Review the Results
When we search the registered names, we get a list of all the businesses with the words “Lawn & Order.” The name must be distinguishable from the other registered names to register a corporation or LLC name in Minnesota. If you were looking to form an LLC with this name, you wouldn’t be able to since one is already registered.
Click on the “Details” link to find more information about each registered business name.
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 when 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 Minnesota business entity search can uncover several pieces of information about businesses in the state. Some of the highlights include:
- Business Name
- Business Type: Corporation, Limited Liability Company. Etc.
- Filing Date: The 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 business’s physical address or an address where business records are stored.
- Registered Agent Information: A Minnesota registered agent is the singular point of contact for the entity should a legal or tax notice need to be sent to the business.
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?
Minnesota Business Name Search FAQs
How do I find the business name of a Minnesota sole proprietorship?
A Minnesota sole proprietorship or partnership can use the small business owner(s) full first and last name as the business name, but many will want to operate under a specific business name. In order to register the business name, they will file the Minnesota Assumed Name Certificate, which is also known as “Doing Business As,” DBA, Trade Name, or Fictitious Business Name.
Similar to the corporation or LLC, Assumed Name registrations need to be unique and are registered through the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office.
What are the naming guidelines for a Minnesota LLC?
In addition to being unique, a Minnesota LLC name must include a special designator such as Limited Liability Company, LLC, L.L.C., etc., and it may not use 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 with the Minnesota Secretary of State to hold the name for up to 1 year.
