If you are forming an LLC or a corporation in Mississippi, the first thing you need to do is a business name search. Like all other states, Mississippi requires each LLC or corporation registered in the state to have a unique business name. You can do a Mississippi business name search on the Mississippi Secretary of State website to see if the business name you want to use is available.
Related: Guide to starting a business in Mississippi
Steps To Do A Mississippi Business Name Search
Step 1: Visit the Mississippi Entity Name Database
Go to the Mississippi 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 do a Mississippi LLC name search by looking up “Pool Guy.” After entering the company name, click “Search.” It is recommended to use the “Starting With,” “All Words,” “Any Words,” “Sounds Like,” and “Exact Match” to look at all possibilities and make sure your name is available.
Step 3: Review Results
When we search the registered names, we get a list of all the businesses with the words “Pool Guy.” To register a corporation or LLC name in Mississippi, the name must be distinguishable from the other registered names. If you were looking to form an LLC with this name, you wouldn’t be able to since there is already one registered.
Click on the “Details” button to find more information about each registered business name. In this example, we will look up “Pool Guy LLC.”
While the name “Pool Guy” by itself may not be available, other variants, such as “The Pool Guy of Jackson” or “The Best Pool Guy,” are. Searching for those business names brings a result that says, “No Matches Found.” 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 Mississippi. 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 Mississippi business entity database?
The Mississippi business entity search can find several pieces of information about the business. Some of the highlights include:
- Business Name
- Business Type: Corporation, Limited Liability Company, etc.
- Business ID: This is a number that is assigned to a new corporation or LLC by the Mississippi Secretary of State.
- Status: Good standing means all reports and filing fees are up to date. Dissolved means the business name may be available.
- Effective Date: The date the entity became active in the state.
- Principal Office Address: This could be the business’s physical address or the address where business records are stored.
- Registered Agent Information: A Mississippi 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 agent 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 publicly listed.
- Officers & Directors: Name, address, and title of officers
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?
Mississippi Business Name Search FAQs
How do I find the business name of a Mississippi sole proprietorship?
A Mississippi 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 do a Mississippi Fictitious Name registration, which is also known as “Doing Business As,” DBA, or Assumed Name.
Like the names of corporations and LLCs, Fictitious Names can be searched on the Mississippi Secretary of State’s website.
How do I form a Mississippi LLC?
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, read our step-by-step guide to learn how to form a Mississippi LLC.
While not required in Mississippi, an LLC 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 any Mississippi 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 naming guidelines for a Mississippi LLC?
In addition to being unique, the LLC’s 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 Mississippi?
If there is a name you want but are not ready to register the LLC, you can file the Reservation of a Business Entity Name with the Mississippi Secretary of State. The name reservation will hold a name for up to 180 days.
