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Name availability · AR

Arkansas business name search

To see whether a name is free in Arkansas, use the Secretary of State's entity search. It has separate boxes for Name and Fictitious Name, so check both. Arkansas compares names after stripping suffixes, articles, "&" vs "and", plurals and punctuation, so near-identical names won't pass.

How to check if a name is available in Arkansas

  1. 01

    Open the Secretary of State entity search

    The Business & Commercial Services search lets you filter by corporation type (including LLCs, name reservations and name registrations), registered agent and filing number.

  2. 02

    Search Name, then Fictitious Name

    The form asks for either Name or Fictitious Name. Run your words through both so you see legal entity names and DBAs registered by corporations and LLCs.

  3. 03

    Try the Name Reservation type

    Set Corporation Type to Name Reservation and search again. A pending reservation blocks the name even though no business has formed yet.

  4. 04

    Apply the "not distinguishable" test

    If a result differs from your idea only by a suffix, "the", "&" vs "and", plural or possessive, or punctuation, Arkansas treats it as the same name.

  5. 05

    Search federal trademarks and handles

    State filing doesn't protect you against someone else's trademark, so check https://tmsearch.uspto.gov/ and look up the domain and social accounts too.

  6. 06

    Generate alternatives

    If the Arkansas search shows a conflict, our free /business-name-generator/ can suggest variations worth checking.

Arkansas business naming rules

  • An entity name must be distinguishable from every domestic and foreign entity on record.
  • Differences in suffix, articles (a, an, the), "and" vs "&", singular/plural/possessive forms, or punctuation and symbols do not make a name distinguishable.
  • An LLC name must include "Limited Liability Company", "Limited Company", "L.L.C.", "L.C.", "LLC" or "LC"; "Limited" may be shortened to "Ltd." and "Company" to "Co."
  • A corporation name must include "Corporation", "Incorporated", "Company" or an abbreviation of one of them.
  • Filing a name with the state doesn't give you the right to use it if it violates someone else's trade name or trademark rights.

Reserving a name

Arkansas reserves names for 120 days. Corporate reservations can't be renewed, while LLC and LP reservations get a one-time renewal, and a reservation can be transferred in writing. Check the current fee on the agency's site.

DBAs and trade names

Corporations and LLCs that use a fictitious name file it with the Arkansas Secretary of State. According to the state's Doing Business in Arkansas booklet, domestic corporations also file with the county clerk where their registered office is, except in Pulaski County.

Still looking for the right name?

Brainstorm dozens of options with the free generator, then run your shortlist through the Arkansas search above.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I search business names in Arkansas?

Use the Secretary of State's entity search and try your words in both the Name and Fictitious Name fields. Also filter by Name Reservation to catch names someone is holding.

Is "Ozark Outfitters" different from "The Ozark Outfitters, LLC" in Arkansas?

No. Arkansas ignores articles, entity suffixes and punctuation when comparing names, so those would be treated as the same.

How long can I reserve a name in Arkansas?

120 days. A corporate reservation can't be renewed, but an LLC reservation can be renewed once.

Where does an Arkansas LLC file a DBA?

With the Secretary of State, using the Application for Fictitious Name for your entity type. Check the current fee on the agency's site.

General information, not legal advice. Name approval is decided by the Arkansas Secretary of State (Business & Commercial Services); a name showing as available in a search is not a guarantee it will be accepted.