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Name availability · SD

South Dakota business name search

South Dakota's free Business Information Search lets you check names with Starts With or Contains, and you can limit it to active entities. The state's test is whether two names sound the same. Treat the availability search as a preliminary check, since it doesn't guarantee the name.

How to check if a name is available in South Dakota

  1. 01

    Search with "Contains"

    Open the Business Information Search, enter your key word, choose "Contains" and run it with and without "Active Entities Only."

  2. 02

    Say the results out loud

    South Dakota asks whether names sound the same. "Dear LLC" and "Deer LLC" are spelled differently but sound alike, so they aren't distinguishable.

  3. 03

    Check the DBA database

    Search the Secretary of State's DBA/Fictitious Business Name database too. Remember that adding LLC or Inc. to a DBA doesn't create an LLC or corporation.

  4. 04

    Check federal trademarks

    The Secretary of State's role with DBAs is purely ministerial. It doesn't police name misuse, so search tmsearch.uspto.gov yourself.

  5. 05

    Domain, socials and alternatives

    Check the domain and handles. If you need more ideas, try our free generator at /business-name-generator/.

South Dakota business naming rules

  • Names must be "distinguishable on record," which South Dakota explains as not sounding the same. Adding a word like "John" can make a name distinct, while sound-alike spellings like Dear and Deer don't.
  • The Business Name Availability Search is a preliminary check only and doesn't guarantee a name.
  • Any entity name containing "trust" needs approval from the Division of Banking and must be filed on paper.
  • A DBA can't be used to form an LLC, corporation, nonprofit or partnership by tacking on "LLC" or "Inc." Those entities must register properly with the Secretary of State.

Reserving a name

South Dakota offers name reservation filings for corporations and LLCs through the Secretary of State. Check the current fee on the Secretary of State's site.

DBAs and trade names

DBA (fictitious business name) statements can be filed online with the Secretary of State or on paper at your county Register of Deeds. Either way they go into a statewide database, last five years and can be renewed.

Still looking for the right name?

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

Business name generatorName ideas by industryHow to name your business

Frequently asked questions

How do I check if a business name is available in South Dakota?

Use the Secretary of State's Business Information Search. It's preliminary and doesn't guarantee the name, which is decided on whether names sound the same.

Where do I file a DBA in South Dakota?

Online with the Secretary of State, or on paper at your county Register of Deeds. Registrations last five years.

Do I need a DBA in South Dakota?

Yes, if you regularly do business under a name that doesn't plainly show every owner's true surname and isn't already on file with the Secretary of State as an entity.

Can I renew an expired South Dakota DBA?

No. Once it expires, you have to register it as a new DBA.

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