One of the most crucial aspects in launching a new company in Missouri is coming up with a catchy, distinctive name that also accurately conveys your brand. However, you must confirm that the name is free and not currently in use by another company before you can formally register it. This article will provide instructions on how to determine whether a business name is available in Missouri and address some associated queries.
A business is given a Missouri Charter Number, a special identification number, by the Missouri Secretary of State. This number is frequently needed when submitting business forms or requesting information from the state. It is used to track a business’s status, including its registration and renewal dates.
Use the Business Entity Search tool on the Missouri Secretary of State website to see if a business name is available in Missouri. Using this tool, you may look up existing company names and see whether they are in use right now. The steps are as follows:
1. Visit the website for the Missouri Secretary of State. Click the “Business Services” tab in step two. 3. From the dropdown menu, choose “Business Entity Search”. 4. Fill up the “Name” field with the name you want to search for. *
5. Select “Search”.
You can continue with registering your business name if the search results reveal that the name is not already in use. If the name is already in use, you will have to think of a new name or think about adding a distinctive identifier to your name, like a region or term particular to your business.
If you have already registered your company as an LLC in Missouri, you must renew your registration every year to keep your registration in good standing. You can use the Missouri Online Business Services website and take the following actions to renew your LLC: Visit the Missouri Online Business Services website in step 1. Click “Renew a Business Entity” in step two. 3. Type your Missouri business name or charter number.
4. To finish your renewal, follow the onscreen instructions. To avoid any fines or fees, it’s crucial to renew your LLC on time.
In Missouri, you must submit an Amendment of Articles of Organization to the Missouri Secretary of State if you need to change the name of your company. The steps are as follows:
1. Visit the website for the Missouri Secretary of State. 2. Select “Forms” from the drop-down menu under “Business Services” by clicking on that link. Download the “Amendment of Articles of Organization” form, then fill it out. 4. Deliver the filled-out application together with any necessary fees to the Missouri Secretary of State. Alternative Term for Fictitious Name A “DBA” or “Doing Business As” name is another term for a false name. This is a name that a company goes by that is not the same as its legal name. For instance, if a company operates under the name “John Smith LLC” but is registered as “John Smith LLC,” “Smith’s Hardware” would be regarded as a false name.