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The first step to forming an LLC in Mississippi is to search your desired LLC name and make sure it is available for use.
Your Mississippi LLC name must be unique and must follow certain state requirements.
Mississippi LLC Name Requirements
Before searching your LLC name in Mississippi, there are a few requirements you need to know:
1. The abbreviations “LLC” or “L.L.C.” must be used at the end of your Mississippi LLC name. The abbreviation “LLC” is the most common.
2. Because a Mississippi LLC is not a Corporation, your desired LLC name cannot use the word “Corporation”, “Incorporated,” or their abbreviations (“Corp.” or “Inc.”).
3. Your desired LLC name must be distinguishable. This means it must be different and unique from all other businesses registered in Mississippi.
Differences in designators (the identifiers at the end of a business name) and differences in grammar do not create distinguishability.
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For example:
- LLC, L.L.C, Inc., Corp.
- singular, plural, and possessive
- A, An, The
- and, or, &
- hyphens, slashes, periods, commas
- three vs. 3
The following examples are NOT distinguishable:
- Smith Investments, LLC vs. Smith Investments, Inc.
- Apple Farm, LLC vs. Apple Farms, LLC
- Print Shop, LLC vs. The Print Shop, LLC
- Night & Day, LLC vs. Night and Day, LLC
- Peter Paul & Mary Studios, LLC vs. Peter-Paul-Mary Studios, Inc
- Three Teachers Consulting, LLC vs. 3 Teachers Consulting, LLC
Searching the Mississippi Name Database
1. Visit the Database
Go to the Business Search page: Mississippi Secretary of State: Business Services Name Search
2. Search your LLC
Enter your desired LLC name in the “Business Name” search box.
Leave out the ending “LLC” and any punctuation.
Capitalization doesn’t matter.
To be thorough, just enter the first word or two of your LLC name to ensure you see everything that is potentially similar. (Ex: if your desired Mississippi LLC name is “Johnny Apple Farm LLC”, just enter “johnny apple”).
To be even more thorough, just enter a part of the first word. (Ex: if your desired Mississippi LLC name is “Printing Solutions LLC”, just enter “print”).
3. Browse the Results
Click the “Search” button and browse the list of existing Mississippi businesses:
If a “0, No Matches Found” message appears in the Mississippi database, that means your desired LLC name is unique and available for use.
If the results show names that are not too similar to yours (meaning yours is distinguishable), then your desired Mississippi LLC name is available for use.
If your desired LLC name appears in the list exactly as you want it, your desired Mississippi LLC name is not available for use. You’ll need to think of a new name or use some creativity and come up with a unique variation.
If the results show a name that is deceptively similar to your desired LLC name, your desired Mississippi LLC name is not available for use. You’ll need to think of a new name or use some creativity and come up with a unique variation.
Tip: And don’t worry, if you’re not 100% sure that your desired Mississippi LLC name is distinguishable, just file your paperwork with the state. If your name is not available, the state of Mississippi will send back your filing and let you know that the name needs to be changed.
Next Step
Once you find a Mississippi LLC name that is unique and distinguishable, you’re ready to select your LLC’s Registered Agent. We’ll discuss this in the next lesson: Mississippi LLC Registered Agent.
And check out TRUIC’s business name generator if you need help coming up with an LLC name.
Mississippi Secretary of State Contact Info
If you have any questions, you can contact the Mississippi Secretary of State at 601-359-1633 or send a message through their contact page.
References
Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.
MISSISSIPPI LLC GUIDE
Follow the lessons below to form your Mississippi LLC.