How to Check Corporation Name Availability in Missouri


Before you form a corporation, you’ll need to complete a business name search with the Missouri business entity search tool to check if your corporation name is available.

We'll show you how to check corporation name availability in Missouri in this guide.

Recommended: You’ll want to secure your website domain name as soon as possible. Check GoDaddy to make sure it’s available.

Woman doing a Missouri corporation name search on her computer.

Missouri Corporation Name Search

The Missouri Secretary of State requires all business names to be distinguishable from other business entities in the state. So, you’ll want to search and make sure no other businesses in the state are already using your name.

It is also useful to see if your corporation name is available as a web domain (URL).

SKIP AHEAD:

  1. How to Register a Corporation Name in Missouri
  2. Missouri Corporation Name Requirements
  3. Missouri Corporation Name Search FAQ

How to Search Available Missouri Corporation Names

Once you know your corporation name meets Missouri business name guidelines, you can search for a corporation name in Missouri via:

  • Online database
  • Phone

Even if the online database shows that your name is available, we recommend calling the Secretary of State for preliminary name approval.

Online Database

You can check your business name availability by searching the Missouri business entity search tool

Phone

You can call the Missouri Secretary of State at (573) 751-4936 for a preliminary name availability screening.

Want to learn more about corporations? Check out our What Is a Corporation guide to get started.

How to Check Available Domain Names

When deciding on a name for your corporation, you should make sure that a similar or exact domain name is available. A matching URL will help potential customers find your corporation faster.

Find a Domain Now

How to Register a Corporation Name in Missouri

Register Your Name

A corporation name is officially registered when you file your Missouri Articles of Incorporation. You can hire a professional service to form a corporation for you or start a corporation yourself.

Ready to register your corporation name? Use our Form a Corporation guide to get started.

If you want to register a DBA in Missouri, known as a fictitious name, that’s a separate process that requires filing a separate form with the Secretary of State.

Reserve Your Name

While not required, you have the option to reserve your corporation name in Missouri for up to 60 days (with the option for up to two 60-day renewals) before you register it. This prevents other businesses from registering your name until you are ready to register it yourself. 

Name reservations can be filed online or by mail with the Missouri Secretary of State. The filing fee is $25.

Need Help Forming Your Corporation? ZenBusiness will get you started.

Missouri Corporation Name Requirements

Key Guidelines

Missouri has official requirements for its corporation names.

The name must contain the word “corporation,” “company,” “incorporated,” “limited,” or an abbreviation of one of these terms.

There are also restricted words, such as “FBI” or “Treasury,” that you cannot use in order to keep your LLC from sounding like an official institution.

Missouri corporation names also cannot imply that the corporation is organized for any purpose other than the one outlined in its Articles of Incorporation.

For more information, check out the Missouri state statute on corporation names.

Distinguishability

Your name must be distinguishable from all other Missouri business names. In Missouri, a distinguishable name is one that is substantively different from all other existing or reserved business names in the state.

If your corporation name isn’t distinguishable, your Articles of Incorporation filing will likely be rejected.

What if my corporation name is already taken? Our AI-powered corporation name generator will give you thousands of new ideas. 

For a list of brainstorming tips, check out our guide to naming your business.

Missouri Corporation Name Search FAQ

How do I check if a corporation name is taken in Missouri?

You can use the Missouri business entity search tool to see if your business name is available, or you can call the Missouri Secretary of State at (573) 751-4936 for a preliminary name availability screening.

Learn more about business entity name availability in the Missouri Corporation Name Search section.

Should I name my corporation after myself?

While there’s no rule against naming a corporation after yourself, most experts advise against doing this. 

One of the benefits of starting a corporation 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 business name generator.

What words can’t be used in a Missouri corporation 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.

Additionally, Missouri corporation names cannot imply that the corporation is organized for any purpose other than the one outlined in its Articles of Incorporation.

Learn more about corporation naming requirements in the Missouri Corporation Name Requirements section.

Should I use a business name generator?

If you’re having trouble choosing a name for your corporation, a corporation name generator can help you come up with some ideas.

Do I have to include ‘corporation’ in my name?

Missouri corporation names must contain the word “corporation,” “company,” “incorporated,” “limited,” or an abbreviation of one of these terms.

Learn more about corporation naming requirements in the Missouri Corporation Name Requirements section.

Do I need to renew my business name in Missouri?

Missouri doesn't require corporations to renew their legal name, but fictitious names must be renewed every five years with the Secretary of State.

Can my business name be different from my corporation name in Missouri?

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 Missouri. 

In Missouri, fictitious names for corporations are filed with the Secretary of State.

Learn more about fictitious names with our Missouri DBA guide.

Does my corporation need a DBA name?

Your corporation doesn’t need a DBA name unless it plans to do business under a name other than its legal name. Learn more with our Missouri DBA guide.