Iowa business search
Iowa's official business search is Business Entity Search, run by the Iowa Secretary of State. It's free, and you can search by name or file number.
Search Iowa recordsHow to check if a name is taken in Iowa
- Type the main words of the name into the search. Leave off endings like LLC or Inc.
- Look for exact matches and close ones. States usually refuse a name that only differs by punctuation, spacing or the ending.
- If nothing close comes up, run a free trademark search. A state accepting your name doesn't give you the right to use it as a brand.
LLC name endings in Iowa
An LLC's name has to end with one of these: LLC, L.L.C., L.C., LC, Limited Company, Limited Liability Company.
Once the name is clear
Iowa charges $50 to form an LLC and $50 to form a corporation. See how to start an LLC in Iowa, or a Iowa DBA if you only need a trade name.
Iowa business search questions
Is the Iowa business search free?
Yes. The Iowa Secretary of State doesn't charge to search its records.
Does searching reserve a name in Iowa?
No. A search only shows what's on record today. The name is yours once your filing is accepted, and most states also let you pay to hold a name for a set time.
Can I see who owns a Iowa LLC?
The record shows what Iowa requires a company to file, which is often its registered agent and sometimes its managers or members. Many states don't list owners at all.