Perform a Missouri LLC search to ensure that the name you are using is unique or distinguishable from existing businesses.

Missouri LLC Name Requirements

When you are looking for an LLC name, there are some things to keep in mind. The name must have a designator attached, such as LLC or L.L.C. The former is used most often. Make sure your name doesn’t contain any words that may suggest it is another kind of business entity. For instance, avoid the name Corporation LLC. The name you choose must be different from all other business names in the state of Missouri.

If there is a business with another designator, such as Inc. but the same name as yours, the designator is not enough to make your name unique. The following differences between names are not enough to make the distinguishable:

  • Articles such as “A,” “An,” or “The”
  • Conjunctions such as “and,” “or,” or “&”’
  • Different designators such as “Inc.,” “Corp,” and “L.L.C.”
  • Arabic numerals and word numerals
  • Punctuation such as periods, commas, and hyphens.

For example, the following are not distinguishable:

  • Peter’s Farms LLC vs. Peters Farms LLC
  • George’s Shoppes LLC vs. George’s Shoppe LLC
  • Bowling Alley LLC vs. The Bowling Alley LLC
  • George & Sandy’s LLC vs. George And Sandy’s LLC
  • Three Brothers Pizza LLC vs. 3 Brothers Pizza LLC

A business entity search helps organizations or individuals find out more about a company. Those who do the search are trying to find out:

  • The location of the business
  • The registered agent and his or her address
  • Whether the company is in good standing

The business entity search in Missouri can aid with the administration of your LLC. With this search you may be able to

When doing a search on a business in Missouri, it is a good idea to visit the secretary of state’s website. On this site, you can locate data on the public filings of an entity. If a company has been given official permission to buy or sell products or provide services in Missouri, it will appear on the site. When on the site, locate the “Search for a Business” tab. You will then be taken to the search page.

Once you have landed on the search page, you will be given tips on searching for specific businesses. You may decide to start your search with the name of the entity. Prior to typing in the name of the company, select an option from the drop down menu. You will be given the choice of:

  • Starting With
  • Any Word
  • All Words
  • Exact Match

You can search only companies that are still active.

Another option is to do a search for the registered agent. Simply type in the first and last name in the boxes. Choose an option from the dropdown menu and hit search. If you want to look for certificates that are relevant to your own business, enter the charter ID. You will find the information quicker. Type in the charter number and hit Search.

You will get to the listings page and will see information about the entity, such as the:

  • Charter number
  • Name
  • Status
  • Type
  • Incorporation Date

You can view more details when you click on the number of the name of the entity. This will allow you to see what the secretary of state has on the database. When you get to the third page, you will see the following:

  • Order
  • Copies/Certificates
  • File Online
  • Return to the Search Results

The data that is on the Secretary of State’s files should show up on the screen, including:

  • Incorporation date
  • Charter number
  • Registered agent name
  • Last reported filed
  • Registered agent address
  • Previous filings

The Name Availability search saves time because it provides results so you can check your business name is unique without having to scroll down a large number of results.

Type the name you want to choose for your business in the LLC name box and click search. When you type, there is no need to include the LLC at the end or use punctuation. Then type the first few letters of your name. This will allow you to see if your business name has been used before.

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