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The first step to forming an LLC in Missouri is to search your desired LLC name and make sure it’s available for use.
Missouri LLC Name Requirements
Before searching your LLC name in Missouri, 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 name. The abbreviation “LLC” is the most common.
2. Because an LLC is not a Corporation, your desired name cannot use the word “Corporation”, “Incorporated,” or their abbreviations (“Corp.”, “Inc.”).
3. Your desired LLC name must be distinguishable. This means it must be different and unique from all other businesses registered in Missouri.
Differences in designators (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 Missouri Name Database
To make sure your LLC name is distinguishable and available for use, you’ll need to search it in the Missouri Business Entity Database.
1. Visit the Missouri Business Entity Database search page:
2. Enter your desired LLC name in the “Business Name” box and click the “Search” button.
Leave out the ending “LLC” and any punctuation. Capitalization doesn’t matter. Enter the first few words of your name. Unless you have a single word for your name, then just enter that.
3. Browse the list of existing Missouri businesses and make sure your name is unique.
Note:
- If your desired LLC name is not unique you’ll need to think of a new name or use some creativity and come up with a variation.
- If you see “No Results”, then your desired LLC name is unique and available to use.
- If the results show names that are not too similar to yours (meaning yours is distinguishable), then your desired LLC name is available for use.
And check out TRUIC’s business name generator if you need help coming up with an LLC name.
Missouri Secretary of State Contact Info
If you have any questions, you can contact the Missouri Secretary of State:
573-751-4153 (phone)
866-223-6535 (toll-free phone)
corporations@sos.mo.gov (email)
http://www.sos.mo.gov/business/corporations (website)
How do I change my LLC name?
You can change your LLC’s name later by filing an Amendment form with the Secretary of State.
We have step-by-step instructions on how to change an LLC name in Missouri.
References
http://www.sos.mo.gov/business/startBusiness#names
https://missouribusiness.net/article/business-name
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.
MISSOURI LLC GUIDE
Follow the lessons below to form your Missouri LLC.
what is the Business address should i mentioned if i stay out of USA and im nit USA citizen?
Hi Ahmed, the main address on the Missouri Articles of Organization is the Missouri Registered Agent address. While there is a Principal Office Address on the Articles of Organization, this is optional, so you can leave it blank. So basically, you don’t need to enter your non-US address on the Articles of Organization.
What if the name that comes up is the fictitious name of your sole proprietorship that you are seeking to replace with an LLC? Can you still use the name? I want to keep the name but change the type of business it is.
Hey Nichole, yes, you can form an LLC with the same name as your Sole Proprietorship. For example, if your Fictitious Name is “Nichole’s New Company”, you could form an LLC with the name “Nichole’s New Company LLC”. Hope that helps!
You’re site walked me through and we’re an LLC in MO.
Thank you so much!
Fantastic! You’re very welcome :)