South Dakota business search
South Dakota's official business search is Business Information Search, run by the South Dakota Secretary of State. It's free, and you can search by name or file number.
Search South Dakota recordsHow to check if a name is taken in South Dakota
- 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 South Dakota
An LLC's name has to end with one of these: LLC, L.L.C., LC, L.C., Limited Liability Co., Ltd. Liability Company, Limited Liability Company.
Once the name is clear
South Dakota charges $150 to form an LLC and $150 to form a corporation. See how to start an LLC in South Dakota, or a South Dakota DBA if you only need a trade name.
South Dakota business search questions
Is the South Dakota business search free?
Yes. The South Dakota Secretary of State doesn't charge to search its records.
Does searching reserve a name in South Dakota?
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 South Dakota LLC?
The record shows what South Dakota 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.