South Dakota LLC Name Search & Lookup (Guide)

Securing a unique and compliant name for your LLC is key to setting up a successful business presence in South Dakota.

You can conduct a South Dakota LLC name search to check if your desired name is available. This feature allows you to ensure your business name meets state requirements and stands out in the marketplace.

This DIY guide will walk you through each step of the South Dakota LLC name search and lookup process.

Should You Conduct a South Dakota Entity Search or an LLC Lookup?

Knowing whether your desired name is available is important when starting a South Dakota LLC.

Here’s why:

• Check Availability: Using the South Dakota LLC name search tool helps confirm whether your proposed name is already taken. This step is crucial to avoid legal issues later.
• Compliance: South Dakota requires businesses to register their names. An entity search ensures you comply with state regulations.
• Trademark Conflicts: A name might be available at the state level but could be trademarked at a federal level. This search helps you identify potential conflicts.
• Business Structure: Different search tools are available for various business types. An LLC lookup focuses specifically on limited liability companies, giving targeted results.
• Save Time and Money: Finding out early if a name is available can save you time. You can avoid spending on registration fees for names that cannot be used.

South Dakota LLC Name Search (step-by-step)

To successfully search for an available LLC name in South Dakota, follow these clear steps:

Step 1: Visit the South Dakota Secretary of State’s website

Start by opening your web browser and visiting the South Dakota Secretary of State’s official website at sdsos.gov. This is where you will find all the necessary tools for business services.

Step 2: Navigate to “Division of Business Services”

Once on the site, locate the “Division of Business Services” section. Click on it to find links for registering a business, checking LLC name availability, and searching for business by registered agent.

Step 3: Click on “Search Business Name Availability”

After accessing the “Division of Business Services” section, look for and click the link that says “Search Business Name Availability.” This tool allows you to search for existing business entities in South Dakota.

Step 4: Enter the desired LLC name in the search field

In the search field, type the name you want for your LLC. It is essential to enter the name without identifiers like “LLC” at the end. This ensures a more accurate search. Double-check your spelling to avoid issues that may arise from typos.

With your LLC name entered, find and click the “Search” button. This action will initiate the database search.

Step 5: Review the search results for name availability

After the search is complete, review the results displayed on the screen. If the search result displays a red “No Records Found,” your proposed LLC is available.

If the search result shows one or more entries, your proposed LLC name is unavailable and already registered by another business. You will get info about the entry’s Business ID, Entity Type, Entity Name, Name Type, and State/Country of Formation.

You can click on the Blue “Business ID” that redirects you to a “Business Entity Detail” page that shows the following information:

• Status
• Initial Filing Date
• Term of Duration
• Next Annual Report Due Date
• Principal Office
• Registered Agent Name
• Registered Agent Physical Address
• Registered Agent Mailing Address

Critical LLC Naming Guidelines and Requirements in South Dakota

Here are the key guidelines and requirements to help you select a name that’s unique, compliant, and suitable for your business.

1. Choose a Unique Name

Your LLC name must be distinguishable from other businesses registered in South Dakota. For example, if there is already a registered “Black Hills Ventures, LLC,” your LLC name would need to be sufficiently different, such as “Black Hills Solutions, LLC.”

2. Include Required Designators

According to South Dakota state law, your LLC name must include a designator like “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation such as “LLC” or “L.L.C.” This helps the public easily recognize your business as a limited liability entity.

Prairie Ventures LLC or Dakota Horizons Limited Liability Company are acceptable formats.

3. Avoid Restricted Words

South Dakota restricts certain words in LLC names to prevent misunderstandings. Words that imply government affiliation, like “FBI,” “Treasury,” or “Federal,” are prohibited.

Additionally, terms related to regulated professions (e.g., “Bank,” “Attorney,” or “University”) may require specific permissions or licenses.

Naming your business “South Dakota Treasury Solutions” would be disallowed without special permissions.

4. Consider Your DBA (Doing Business As) Name

If you plan to operate under a different name than your LLC’s legal name, you’ll need to file for a “Doing Business As” (DBA) name. The DBA must be unique within South Dakota and must be registered with the state.

If your LLC name is “Prairie Tech Solutions LLC,” but you want to market as “Prairie Solutions,” you’d need to register “Prairie Solutions” as a DBA.

5. Understand Fictitious Names

In South Dakota, a “fictitious name” is another term for a trade name or DBA. Fictitious names must comply with state rules and cannot be identical to or easily confused with existing business names.

This fictitious name registration allows you to operate under a different name without changing your LLC’s legal name.

What Words are not allowed in my South Dakota LLC name?

When choosing a name for your South Dakota LLC, certain words are either prohibited or may require special approval.

Here’s a breakdown of these restricted terms and why they’re not allowed:

• “Bank”: Using “Bank” implies that your LLC operates within the financial sector, which is heavily regulated. To use this term, you may need to comply with specific state banking regulations and obtain relevant licenses.
• “Insurance”: This term is typically restricted to licensed insurance providers, and using it without proper licensing may result in rejection. Insurance-related names are limited to entities authorized to provide insurance services.
• “Trust”: The word “Trust” suggests a fiduciary or legal structure that may not be applicable to an LLC. It’s generally reserved for businesses that manage trusts or have fiduciary responsibilities.
• “Cooperative”: “Cooperative” implies a specific business structure characterized by member ownership and participation. LLCs don’t usually qualify as cooperatives, so using this term could be misleading.
• “Corporation” or “Inc.”: These terms are reserved for corporations, not LLCs, as they represent a completely different business structure. Using “Corporation,” “Incorporated,” or abbreviations like “Inc.” is not permitted in LLC names.
• “University”: Using this term implies an educational institution that typically requires state approval and accreditation.
• “College”: Similar to “University,” this term is restricted to accredited educational institutions.
• “Banking” or “Credit Union”: These terms imply financial services that are heavily regulated.
• “Mutual”: Often used in the insurance and financial sectors, typically restricted to licensed entities.
• “Loan” or “Lending”: These terms suggest lending or financial services, requiring regulatory compliance and licensing.
• “Association”: Generally used by specific types of organizations, such as nonprofits or certain mutual entities, and may be restricted for LLCs.
• “Law,” “Legal,” “Attorney,” or “Lawyer”: These are typically restricted to law firms and may require licensing from the state bar or legal board.
• “Doctor,” “Clinic,” “Dental,” “Pharmacy,” or “Medical”: These health-related terms suggest professional licensing requirements and regulatory oversight.
• “Veteran” or “Military”: These terms are restricted as they may imply affiliation with government entities or services provided to veterans.

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

Filing a name reservation for your South Dakota LLC is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to secure your desired name:

Step 1: Choose a Unique Business Name

Your LLC name must comply with South Dakota’s naming requirements, including containing the words “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation like “LLC” or “L.L.C.” The name must be distinguishable from other registered business names in South Dakota.

You can check name availability using the South Dakota Business Name Availability Search on the Secretary of State’s website.

Step 2: Complete the Application for Reservation of Name

Download the “Application for Reservation of Name” form from the South Dakota Secretary of State website.

Provide details, including the name you want to reserve, your full name, mailing address, and any other required information.

Step 3: Submit the Form

Here are the ways to submit your name reservation form in South Dakota:

• By Mail: Mail your completed form and the $25 filing fee (payable by check or money order to “Secretary of State”) to the Secretary of State Office, 500 E Capitol Ave Pierre, SD 57501 or by fax at (605)773-4845.
• In Person: You may also submit your reservation form and payment in person at the Secretary of State’s office.

Upon approval, your name will be reserved for 120 days, giving you time to finalize your LLC formation process without the risk of losing your chosen name.

Other Business Entities and Naming Considerations

When starting a business in South Dakota, it’s important to consider not just your LLC name but the names of other business entities you may want to use.

Filing for Doing Business As (DBA) in South Dakota

If you plan to operate your South Dakota business under a name different from your LLC’s legal name, you’ll need to file for a Doing Business As (DBA).

Filing a DBA allows transparency, ensuring that the public can identify who owns and operates the business. South Dakota requires that you file your DBA through the local county Register of Deeds office.

Some counties in South Dakota may require that you publish a notice of your DBA in a local newspaper. This step is typically done to inform the public of your new business identity and meet local transparency regulations.

Once your DBA is registered, you have the flexibility to market and operate under your chosen trade name while remaining legally protected under your original LLC.

Trade Names and Trademark Search

A trade name is the name under which a business operates. Unlike a DBA, a trade name can be protected under trademark laws. Before settling on a trade name, it is crucial to conduct a trademark search.

To check if your desired trade name is available, search through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database.

Registering a trademark protects your brand and provides legal backing if someone tries to use a similar name.

Check Domain Name Availability

In today’s digital landscape, having an online presence is vital for business success. Before finalizing your business name, it’s wise to check domain name availability to ensure you can establish a strong digital footprint.

To begin, use a domain registrar, such as GoDaddy or Namecheap, where you can easily search for available domain names.

Simply enter your desired business name into the search bar to see if the exact match is available. If it’s taken, these platforms often suggest similar alternatives, giving you options to consider.

If your first choice isn’t available, think creatively about variations or different extensions like “.net,” “.co,” or “.biz.” In many cases, minor adjustments can help you find a suitable alternative while keeping your brand recognizable.

Once you find an available domain name that aligns with your business, it’s essential to register it promptly.

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

Taking the time to search and reserve your business name in South Dakota can provide valuable benefits as you build your business.

A name search helps you avoid potential conflicts with existing businesses, saving you from the hassle and cost of rebranding down the road.

Reserving your chosen name not only locks in your unique brand identity but also gives you additional time to prepare your LLC paperwork and finalize other details without the fear of losing your name to another applicant.

While name reservation isn’t mandatory, it can be a strategic move, particularly if your business idea is still in development.

Related posts on South Dakota LLC:

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change my South Dakota LLC name?

To change your LLC’s name, you must file an amendment with the South Dakota Secretary of State. This can usually be done online or by submitting a paper form with the required fee.

Does my South Dakota LLC need a DBA?

If you want to operate your LLC under a name different from its official name, you will need to file for a DBA (Doing Business As). This is not mandatory unless you plan to use an alternate name.

How long does it take to set up an LLC in South Dakota?

Setting up an LLC in South Dakota can take several business days. If you file online, it may be processed more quickly than if you file by mail.

How do I search for and get a Trademark for my business in South Dakota?

To search for a trademark, visit the South Dakota Secretary of State’s website. You can use their trademark search tool to check for existing trademarks. If available, you can then follow the instructions for filing an application.