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Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is South Dakota’s Secretary of State page includes a name availability checker. Check out LLC Name Search to learn more.
Meanwhile, if you’re interested in learning more about starting a South Dakota LLC or forming an LLC in general, you can check out How to Start an LLC.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
How to Name an LLC in South Dakota
Time needed: 5 minutes
There are guidelines to follow in doing a South Dakota LLC name search. To learn more, check out LLC Naming Guidelines or read Foreign LLC Application for Registration if you’re planning to register a foreign LLC.
- Check Name Availability
Search the Business Entity Records in South Dakota’s Official Secretary of State page to check if your chosen business name is available. You may also try typing your trademark, business, or domain name on any search engine to generate businesses with similar names and to ensure your trademark is unique and meets the state’s requirements.
Check out How to File a DBA to learn more about registering a DBA or trademark. For social media pages, use Social Searcher to avoid using similar page names. - Check Domain Availability
If your business name is still available, you must register for a domain name using Namecheap, Google Workspace, or other domain name sites. So customers can easily find your business over the Internet. Use the Kinsta app to manage your domains efficiently.
- File Name Reservation
A Name Reservation Certificate is required along with a Certificate of Formation. You can reserve a name online, by mail, or in person with a $25 filing fee (plus tax for online).
File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of South Dakota. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to Secretary of State Office 500 E Capitol Ave Pierre, SD 57501.
Guidelines to Follow in Naming LLC
- Use a business name with the abbreviation “LLC” or the phrase “Limited Liability Company.”
- Your decided business name must not coincide with any existing government entity. Otherwise, you might have to face legal lawsuits when filing your LLC.
- Use the LLC name availability checker to ensure your business name is unique.
- Get a license first if you plan on using restricted words to avoid any complications.
Note that you must put adequate effort into naming your LLC because this name will be with your business for a long time. Making your LLC name unique is vital as it would prevent people from confusing your business with others, not to mention it would be easier for them to recall your business, products, or services.
F.A.Qs
A trade name (doing business as (DBA) name) is the official name under which a proprietor or company chooses to do business.
Having a domain isn’t necessary, but it is recommended. If you have a domain name, customers will find you more accessible through online means with your online website.
For domestic LLC, you can simply brainstorm for another name if the one you pick is no longer available. For foreign LLC, you must think up a “fictitious name,” which you’ll use only in the state.
How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in South Dakota
To reserve an LLC name in South Dakota you need to submit a name reservation request form to the South Dakota Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $25.
First and foremost, it is important to understand why reserving your LLC name is necessary. By reserving your desired name, you are essentially securing it for a set period of time before officially registering your LLC with the state. This prevents any other businesses from using the same name while you are in the process of setting up your own business.
To reserve an LLC name in South Dakota, you will need to file an Application for Reservation of Name with the Secretary of State’s office. This form can be easily downloaded from the Secretary of State’s website, and requires basic information such as the desired name you wish to reserve and your contact information.
It is important to note that the name you choose for your LLC must comply with the state’s specific naming guidelines. The name must be distinguishable from any other business entity already registered in South Dakota, and it must include the words “Limited Liability Company” or abbreviations such as “LLC.”
Once you have filled out the Application for Reservation of Name form, you can submit it to the Secretary of State’s office either by mail or in person. There is a small filing fee associated with reserving your LLC name, but this fee is minimal compared to the peace of mind it provides in knowing that your desired business name is secure.
After submitting your application, the Secretary of State’s office will review it and typically approve the name reservation within a few business days. Once your LLC name is reserved, you will have a set period of time, usually 120 days, to complete the necessary steps to officially register your LLC with the state.
Overall, reserving an LLC name in South Dakota is a simple and necessary step in the process of starting your business. By securing your desired name before officially registering your LLC, you can ensure that your business identity is protected and that no other businesses can use the same name.
It is important to follow the state’s specific guidelines for naming your LLC and to complete the necessary paperwork in a timely manner. By taking the time to reserve your LLC name, you can set your business up for success and avoid any potential conflicts with other businesses in the future.
In Conclusion
LLC names are important as it is the main identity of your business. While naming your LLC make sure to choose the one that suits the nature of your business. Follow the naming guidelines before you start filing your LLC name