Name availability · IA
Iowa business name search
Iowa's Business Entities Search lets you search by the first few letters or words of a business name, or by the complete business number. Iowa's "distinguishable" test is fairly loose: one different letter, a plural or a numeral can be enough. But entity endings, capitalization and hyphens don't count. When you form an LLC through Fast Track Filing, the application also tests your name.
How to check if a name is available in Iowa
- 01
Open Business Entities Search
Go to the Iowa Secretary of State's Business Entities Search and choose Search by Business Name.
- 02
Enter the opening words
Iowa asks for the first few letters or words of the name. Start with your lead word, then try your second word first to widen the net.
- 03
Read the name type codes
Results label name types: R is a reserved name, RG a registered name, and RU a name registered because the real one was unavailable. A reserved name blocks you just like a formed company.
- 04
Use Iowa's distinguishable test
"MO MONEYS LLC" or "MO MONEY 1 LLC" would pass against "MO MONEY LLC"; "Mo Money LLC," "MO MON-EY LLC" or "MO MONEY CO." would not.
- 05
Check trademarks and online names
Search https://tmsearch.uspto.gov/ for federal marks and confirm the domain and social handles.
- 06
Brainstorm more options
Our free /business-name-generator/ can help if your first choice fails the Iowa test.
Iowa business naming rules
- Every Iowa LLC and corporation must have a unique, distinguishable name.
- A name is distinguishable if it has at least one different letter, a different sequence of letters or numerals, a dividing space, a singular/plural difference, or a numeral vs Roman numeral vs word difference.
- Entity words at the end of a name (Corporation, Company, Incorporated, Limited, LLC and their abbreviations), capitalization, hyphens and "&" vs "and" don't make a name distinguishable.
- Fictitious names, expired reservations and registrations, expired assumed names, and cancelled or revoked corporations are not counted when checking availability.
Reserving a name
Iowa lets you apply for a reservation of name through Fast Track Filing; reserved names show up with an "R" name type in search results. Check the current fee on the agency's site.
DBAs and trade names
In Iowa, sole proprietorships file a Trade Name Application with the county recorder's office in the county where they plan to do business.
Still looking for the right name?
Brainstorm dozens of options with the free generator, then run your shortlist through the Iowa search above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a business name is available in Iowa?
Search the Business Entities Search by the first words of the name, then apply Iowa's distinguishable rules. Fast Track Filing also tests availability when you form an entity.
Is "Mo Money LLC" different from "MO MONEY LLC" in Iowa?
No. Capitalization doesn't make a name distinguishable. Adding a letter, a plural or a numeral would.
Where do I file a DBA as a sole proprietor in Iowa?
File a Trade Name Application with the county recorder in the county where you plan to do business.
What does "R" mean in Iowa business search results?
It marks a reserved name. RG means registered, and RU means a name registered because the entity's real name was unavailable.
General information, not legal advice. Name approval is decided by the Iowa Secretary of State; a name showing as available in a search is not a guarantee it will be accepted.