Minnesota business search
Minnesota's official business search is Search Business Filings, run by the Minnesota Secretary of State. It's free, and you can search by name or file number.
Search Minnesota recordsHow to check if a name is taken in Minnesota
- 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 Minnesota
An LLC's name has to end with one of these: LLC, L.L.C., Limited Liability Company.
Once the name is clear
Minnesota charges $155 to form an LLC and $155 to form a corporation. See how to start an LLC in Minnesota, or a Minnesota DBA if you only need a trade name.
Minnesota business search questions
Is the Minnesota business search free?
Yes. The Minnesota Secretary of State doesn't charge to search its records.
Does searching reserve a name in Minnesota?
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 Minnesota LLC?
The record shows what Minnesota 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.