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Name availability · MO

Missouri business name search

Missouri's Business Entity Search has a dedicated Name Availability mode alongside searches by business name, registered agent and charter number. You can match by Starts With, All Words, Any Word or Exact Match. Leave off Inc. or LLC unless you're running an Exact Match, which needs the designation and punctuation included.

How to check if a name is available in Missouri

  1. 01

    Open Business Entity Search

    Go to bsd.sos.mo.gov and open Business Entity Search.

  2. 02

    Choose the Name Availability tab

    Missouri has a Name Availability option next to the business name, registered agent and charter number searches. Use it for the clearest read on whether a name is open.

  3. 03

    Mind the Exact Match quirk

    For an Exact Match, include the corporate designation (Inc., LLC) and punctuation exactly. For Starts With and the word-based options, leave them out.

  4. 04

    Look at fictitious names too

    Fictitious names are registered with the same office, so treat a matching fictitious name as someone already doing business under that name.

  5. 05

    Check trademarks and web handles

    Search https://tmsearch.uspto.gov/ for federal marks and confirm the domain and social handles.

  6. 06

    Generate backups

    If Missouri shows a conflict, our free /business-name-generator/ can help you come up with alternatives.

Missouri business naming rules

  • A new entity's name must be distinguishable from any other foreign or domestic business entity registered in Missouri.
  • A for-profit corporation name must include "corporation," "company," "incorporated" or "limited," or end with an abbreviation of one of them. LLCs and LPs need their own designations.
  • Anyone doing business under a name other than their true name must register a fictitious name with the Secretary of State.
  • Fictitious name registrations expire five years after filing.

Reserving a name

Missouri reserves a name for 60 days after it finds the name available. You can renew twice, for up to 180 days in total. After the third period ends, you can never reserve that name again. Check the current fee on the agency's site.

DBAs and trade names

Missouri fictitious names (DBAs) are registered with the Secretary of State, and anyone doing business under a name other than their true name must register. Registrations expire five years after filing.

Still looking for the right name?

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

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Frequently asked questions

How do I check name availability in Missouri?

Use the Name Availability option in the Secretary of State's Business Entity Search. For Exact Match searches, include Inc. or LLC and punctuation; otherwise leave them out.

How long can I reserve a business name in Missouri?

60 days, renewable twice for up to 180 days in total. After that, you can't reserve the same name again.

Do I need a DBA in Missouri?

Yes, if you do business under any name other than your true name. You register it as a fictitious name with the Secretary of State.

How long does a Missouri fictitious name last?

Five years from the filing date, and then it must be renewed.

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