If you are forming an LLC or a corporation in Mississippi, you first need 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: Checklist To Start 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 want to use in the “Business Name” field. In this example, we will search for a Mississippi LLC name 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.” The name must be distinguishable from the other registered names to register a corporation or LLC name in Mississippi. 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” button for more information about each registered business name. In this example, we will look up “Pool Guy LLC.”
While the name “Pool Guy” may not be available by itself, other variants, such as “The Pool Guy of Jackson” or “The Best Pool Guy,” are available. 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 when 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 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.
- 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.
What are the naming guidelines for a Mississippi LLC?
In addition to being unique, a Mississippi 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 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.
