Before you form a limited liability company (LLC), register a trade name, or start a corporation, you’ll need to complete a business name search with the South Dakota Business Name Availability Search tool to see if your name is unique.
In our South Dakota Business Name Search guide, we’ll show you exactly how to check LLC name availability in South Dakota.
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Search NowHow to Check if Your South Dakota LLC Name Is Available
Checking if your desired LLC name is available involves a few key steps, such as ensuring your business name follows state requirements and performing a domain name and state search. These are the steps you need to take to determine if your business name is available in South Dakota.
1. Follow LLC Naming Rules
Before you perform an LLC name search, you need to make sure your business name follows the state’s business name requirements.
Some key guidelines for South Dakota LLC names include:
- Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or “limited company” or one of their abbreviations (e.g., “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” “LC,” or “L.C.”). “Limited” may be abbreviated as “Ltd.” and “company” may be abbreviated as “Co.”
- Your name must be distinguishable from any existing business in the state. This includes South Dakota reserved names.
Keep an eye out for restricted words. These words, such as “FBI” or “Treasury,” are often restricted to keep your LLC from sounding like an official institution.
For more information, check out South Dakota’s official state statutes.
Distinguishability
It’s important that your name be distinguishable from all other business names. In South Dakota, a distinguishable name is one that’s substantively different from all other existing or reserved business names in the state.
Failure to use a distinguishable name could result in the rejection of your formation filing.
2. Perform a State Name Search
The first name search you’ll need to complete is within your state. This helps to verify there isn’t an existing business utilizing the name you’ve chosen and ensures you meet state distinguishability requirements. You can check your business name availability by searching the South Dakota Business Name Availability Search online database.
3. Check Available Domain Names
When choosing a business name you’ll need to find out whether or not a good web domain name is available. Having a URL that clearly matches your business name is important. This small step can make a big difference in how prospective customers find your business.
The best way to determine if your desired URL is available is to search for it using your preferred domain registry, such as GoDaddy.
What if my LLC name is already taken? Our free AI-powered LLC name generator will give you thousands of new ideas.
4. Reserve Your LLC Name
You may reserve your LLC name in South Dakota for up to 120 days before you officially register it with the state. This prevents other businesses from registering your name until you have the opportunity to register it yourself.
You can file a name reservation by mail with the South Dakota Secretary of State. The filing fee is $25.
5. Conduct a Trademark or Service Mark Search
Don’t overlook the importance of a thorough trademark search. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website provides a powerful tool to check if your chosen business name or logo is already trademarked. Don’t assume state-level LLC name approval is sufficient. For additional support, consult our list of recommended trademark services for startups.
6. Form Your South Dakota LLC
Finally, you need to register your business name with the state by forming your business. To form an LLC in the Mount Rushmore State, you must submit Articles of Organization to the South Dakota Secretary of State. This filing officially creates your business entity.
Your Articles of Organization should include the LLC’s name, registered agent information, and duration (if not perpetual). South Dakota also requires you to specify whether the LLC is managed by managers or members and provide the name and address of each organizer, ensuring transparency in the formation process.
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Start NowSouth Dakota LLC Name Search FAQ
How do I check if an LLC name is taken in South Dakota?
You can use the South Dakota Business Name Availability Search tool to see if your business name is available.
Should I name my LLC after myself?
While there’s no rule against naming an LLC after yourself, most experts advise against doing this.
One of the benefits of starting an LLC is the ability to choose a different name for your business, which can make it sound more professional.
To explore other naming options, use our free AI-powered LLC name generator.
What words can’t be used in a South Dakota LLC name?
Business names generally can’t include words that imply the company is a banking or financial institution or that it’s affiliated with a local, state, or federal government agency.
Should I use an LLC name generator?
If you’re having trouble choosing a name for your LLC, an LLC name generator can help you come up with some ideas.
What is a brand name?
A brand name is a name a company gives to a product or line of products. It can be the same as the company’s name or something different.
Learn more about branding with your business entity name with our How to Name Your LLC guide.
Do I have to include LLC in my name?
Yes. South Dakota requires that its LLCs use “Limited Liability Company” or “Limited Company” or one of their abbreviations (e.g., “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” “LC,” or “L.C.”) in their legal name.
Do I need to renew my business name in South Dakota?
South Dakota doesn’t require LLCs to renew their legal name, but “doing business as” (DBA) names must be renewed every five years.
You can renew online, and the filing fee is $10.
Learn more about DBA names with our South Dakota DBA guide.
Can my business name be different from my LLC name in South Dakota?
Some companies choose to operate under a name that’s different from their legal name. This can either be called a “doing business as” (DBA) name or a “fictitious” name in South Dakota.
In South Dakota, LLC DBA names are filed with the Secretary of State.
Learn more about DBA names with our South Dakota DBA guide.
Does my LLC need a DBA name?
Your LLC doesn’t need a DBA name unless it plans to do business under a name other than its legal name. Learn more about South Dakota DBA names by reading our guide to filing for a DBA and selecting South Dakota from the drop-down menu.