Minnesota LLC Name Search & Entity Lookup (Guide)

Starting a business in Minnesota is an exciting journey, and one of the first steps is choosing the perfect name for your LLC.

But before you get too attached to your business name, it’s important to ensure it’s available and meets the state’s requirements. That’s where a Minnesota LLC Name Search comes in!

This article covers everything you need to know about searching and reserving your LLC name in Minnesota.

Let’s dive in!

Should You Conduct a Minnesota Entity Search or an LLC Lookup?

Conducting a Minnesota entity search or an LLC lookup is important if you’re starting a business.

Here’s why you should consider both options.

• Verify Name Availability: Before choosing a business name, check if it is unique. An LLC lookup helps ensure that another entity doesn’t already take the name you want. If it is, you may need to come up with a different name.
• Legality and Good Standing: A Minnesota LLC name search provides important information if you are researching an existing company. You can confirm the legal existence and good standing of that business.
• Filing History: An LLC lookup reveals the filing history of a business. You can see how long it has been registered and if it has met its legal obligations. This information can indicate the reliability of the company.
• Avoid Legal Issues: Using a name too similar to another business can lead to legal disputes, including potential trademark infringement. Minnesota’s naming rules also restrict certain terms to avoid confusion between different entity types.
• Protect Your Brand: Your business name is often the first impression customers have of your brand. By securing a unique name, you set your business apart and make it easier for customers to identify and remember you.
• Save Time and Resources: Discovering that your preferred name is unavailable after registration attempts can lead to delays, additional fees, and even rebranding.

Minnesota LLC Name Search (step-by-step)

Follow these detailed steps to complete your Minnsota LLC name search successfully.

Step 1: Visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website

Start by visiting the Minnesota Secretary of State’s official website at sos.state.mn.us. This site provides all the necessary information and tools needed for business filings.

Step 2: Navigate to the “Business & Liens” menu and click “Business Filings Online”

Once on the homepage, locate the “Business Services” section. This area contains resources specifically designed for business entities, including LLCs.

In the “Business Services” section, find and click on the “Business Filings Online” link. This will direct you to the search page where you can input your desired LLC name.

Step 3: Enter the desired LLC name in the search field

On the search page, you will see a search box. Enter the name you want for your LLC in this field.

Use filters by search scope “Begins with” or “Contains,” by filing status “Active” or “Inactive,” and by including prior names “Exclude” or “Include” to refine your search results.

After entering the name, click the “Search” button to initiate the search. This action submits your query and allows the system to scan the database for any existing entities with the same or similar names.

Step 4: Review the search results for name availability

Once the search is complete, review the results displayed on the screen. If the search result shows “No results match the criteria entered,” it may mean the desired LLC name is available for registration.

If your desired name is listed, it means that it is already in use, and you will need to consider another name. You get information such as the Business Status, Business Type, and Name Type.

Clicking on the “Details” link will take you to a detailed profile page including:

• File Number
• Home Jurisdiction
• Filing Date
• Renewal Due Date
• Registered Office Address
• Registered Agent(s)
• Chief Executive Officer
• Principal Executive Office Address
• Filing History
• Renewal History

If you find that your desired LLC name is available, you can move forward with registering your business.

Crucial LLC Naming Guidelines and Requirements in Minnesota

The first step when forming your LLC in Minnesota is choosing a unique and legal name. Here are specific naming guidelines you must follow.

1. Include Required Terms

Your LLC name in Minnesota must include “Limited Liability Company” or an acceptable abbreviation such as “LLC” or “L.L.C.”

This requirement makes the business structure clear to the public, indicating that your business is a limited liability company and not a sole proprietorship or corporation.

2. Avoid Restricted Words

Certain words are restricted in Minnesota LLC names. Terms like “Bank,” “University,” “Trust,” and “Insurance” require special permissions or licenses to prevent misrepresentation.

Additionally, terms like “Corporation” or “Incorporated” (or abbreviations like “Corp.” or “Inc.”) cannot be used, as they imply a different type of entity.

3. Ensure the Name Is Unique and Distinguishable

Minnesota requires that every LLC name be distinguishable from other registered businesses in the state. This means your chosen name must be unique and easily distinguishable, not only by spelling but also by overall appearance.

4. Prohibited Content

Minnesota does not allow LLC names that imply illegal activity or are misleading about the business’s purpose. The state may reject names that suggest inappropriate or prohibited services.

Additionally, any names that mislead or are overly similar to government entities may be rejected.

5. Low-Profit LLC (L3C) Requirements

If you’re forming a low-profit limited liability company (L3C) in Minnesota, your business name must include the phrase “Low-Profit Limited Liability Company” or the abbreviation “L3C.”

This special designation applies to businesses formed with a primarily charitable or educational purpose, helping to clarify your LLC’s mission.

6. Assumed Name (DBA) Filing for Alternate Business Names

If you want to operate under a name different from your registered LLC name, Minnesota allows you to file for an assumed name, commonly known as a “Doing Business As” (DBA) name.

You must file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Minnesota Secretary of State for approval.

7. Reserving Your LLC Name

If you’re not ready to register your LLC but want to secure your chosen name, Minnesota allows you to reserve an LLC name for up to 12 months.

To reserve your name, you’ll need to file a Name Reservation application with the Secretary of State and pay the applicable fee. This ensures no other entity can register the name while you prepare for full registration.

What Words are not allowed in my Minnesota LLC name?

When choosing a name for your LLC in Minnesota, be aware of certain words that are not allowed.

Here’s a list of prohibited terms:

• Bank: Reserved exclusively for licensed financial institutions. Only registered banks can use this term.
• Insurance: Limited to licensed insurance companies, as this term implies specific regulatory oversight.
• Trust: Restricted to authorized legal entities that meet state requirements.
• Cooperative: Reserved for cooperative organizations, which differ legally from LLCs.
• University: Only accredited higher education institutions are permitted to use this term.
• Attorney or Lawyer: These terms imply the provision of legal services and are generally reserved for licensed legal practices.
• Engineer or Engineering: These terms are restricted to licensed professionals, as they imply specific technical qualifications.
• Architect or Architecture: Also restricted to certified professionals to prevent misleading the public about credentials.
• Credit Union: Reserved exclusively for registered and licensed credit unions.
• Accountant or CPA: These terms are reserved for licensed accounting professionals and cannot be used without proper certification.

Additionally, some words may require special permission from governing bodies:

• City or County: Including these terms may require authorization from relevant municipal or county authorities.
• State, Federal, National: These terms imply affiliation with government agencies and are generally restricted.

Other restricted terms:

• Charity or Nonprofit: LLCs cannot imply charitable status unless officially registered as nonprofit entities.
• Police or Sheriff: These terms imply law enforcement authority and are restricted to government agencies.
• Mutual: This is typically reserved for insurance or benefit organizations.

How do I File a Minnesota LLC Name Reservation? (In steps)

Reserving your LLC name in Minnesota is straightforward, and it’s a great way to secure your business name while you prepare for full registration.

Follow these steps to reserve your LLC name:

1. Choose a Unique Name Complying with Minnesota’s Naming Requirements

The name must include “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation such as “LLC” or “L.L.C.” It must be unique, meaning it is distinguishable from other businesses registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State.

2. Complete the Name Reservation Application

Download and fill out the “Name Reservation” form from the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website. The form will require basic details, including the applicant’s name, mailing address, and the desired LLC name.

3. Submit the Form and Pay the Reservation Fee

You can submit the form online, by mail, or in person to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office at First National Bank Building, 332 Minnesota Street, Suite N201, Saint Paul, MN 55101.

The filing fee is $55 if submitted online or $35 if submitted by mail. Ensure you make checks payable to the Minnesota Secretary of State.

4. Duration of Reservation

Once approved, your LLC name will be reserved for up to 12 months. This gives you ample time to complete your LLC formation without worrying about someone else claiming the name.

Other Business Entities and Naming Considerations

When starting a business in Minnesota, consider various naming options and legal requirements that go beyond just an LLC.

Filing for Doing Business As (DBA) in Minnesota

If you want to operate under a name different from your registered business name, you can file for a Doing Business As (DBA) in Minnesota. This allows you to establish a trade name that represents your business to the public.

To file a DBA, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State website. You’ll need to fill out the registration form and pay a $25 fee. Ensure your chosen name isn’t already in use by another business in the state.

The name must meet specific criteria to be accepted, such as not being too similar to existing names.

Trade Names and Trademark Search

Before you finalize your business name, it’s wise to conduct a trade name and trademark search. This helps avoid legal conflicts with existing businesses and ensures your name is unique.

You can search for registered trade names using the Minnesota Secretary of State’s database. Enter your desired name to see if it is available.

If you plan to trademark your business name, check the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database. Registering a trademark gives you exclusive rights to your name and can be critical for brand protection.

Check Domain Name Availability

In today’s digital age, securing a domain name that matches your business name is essential. Once you choose a name, check its availability as a domain name for your website. This step makes it easier for customers to find you online.

Use domain registration websites like GoDaddy or Namecheap to search for your desired domain. Ideally, the domain should reflect your business name closely.

If the exact match is taken, consider variations or different extensions like .net or .biz, but aim for consistency across your branding platforms.

Final Thoughts – Is it Worth it to Search and Reserve My Business in Minnesota?

Searching for your desired business name through a Minnesota LLC name search is a worthwhile investment for securing your brand and simplifying the registration process.

By conducting a name search, you ensure your desired name is unique, which protects your business identity and prevents potential conflicts with other Minnesota businesses.

Reserving your name gives you additional peace of mind, holding it for up to 12 months while you complete other setup steps.

Though there are small fees and time involved, the benefits of securing your brand and ensuring compliance far outweigh these costs.

A Minnesota LLC name search and reservation set a strong foundation for your business, establishing credibility, brand consistency, and legal protection as you move forward.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I look up the status of a Minnesota business online?

Yes, you can look up the status of a Minnesota business online. The Secretary of State’s website provides tools to check the status, history, and legal standing of businesses registered in the state.

What are the most important LLC naming guidelines in Minnesota?

When naming your LLC in Minnesota, ensure that your name is unique and not already in use. It must include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.” and cannot contain certain restricted words that may imply a different entity type.

Do I need a name reservation in Minnesota?

You do not need to reserve a name in Minnesota to register your LLC. However, if you want to ensure that your desired name is available for future use, you can reserve it for a fee.

Why do I need to perform a business entity search in Minnesota?

Performing a business entity search helps you confirm that your chosen business name is available. It also allows you to check the status of existing businesses, ensuring compliance with state laws.

How much does it cost to reserve your LLC name in Minnesota?

To reserve your LLC name in Minnesota, the fee is typically $55. This reservation lasts for 12 months, giving you time to complete your business registration.