Arkansas LLC Name Search

Before starting your LLC in Arkansas, you'll need to ensure the name is available.

We'll help you perform an Arkansas LLC name search to check name availability and establish your Arkansas LLC with our guide.

Recommended: Northwest ($29 + State Fees) will register your business name when you form an LLC.

Check LLC Name Availability in Arkansas

1. Do an Arkansas Business Name Search

Use the Arkansas’ Business Entity Search to check the availability of your desired name.

To perform the most effective search, type in the name you would like to use, excluding identifiers like “LLC”, and leave all other boxes blank. This will return all entities using the same or similar names.

If your business name is several words, you can even search just the first two words to ensure you pull up all possible similar names. If you can't find the name in your search, that means the name has not been taken and is available for you to use.

Whether you file online or by mail, be sure to conduct a thorough search before completing your paperwork to avoid rejection.

2. Search Available Domain Names

Another important consideration to make when selecting a business name is whether or not your desired web domain name is available.

Having a URL that clearly matches your business name is important. This seemingly small step can make a big difference in how prospective customers find your business.

The best way to determine if your desired URL is available is to search for it online using your preferred domain registry, such as GoDaddy.

3. Follow Arkansas Naming Guidelines

When setting up a limited liability company (LLC) in Arkansas, there are specific rules you must follow when choosing a name for your company. 

The Arkansas Secretary of State outlines these criteria to serve the business community and prevent confusion or disputes. 

These guidelines aim to ensure the name you choose is unique and not already in use by another entity.

Distinguishability of a Name

The name of your LLC must be distinguishable from other entities registered or reserved with the Arkansas Secretary of State, including corporations, partnerships, nonprofits, and others.

Distinguishability Exceptions

Below are the factors that do not contribute to making a name unique:

• The use or derivative of an active registered trademark or trade name.
• Entity designations such as LLC, LP, LLP, Corp, Inc., etc. For example, "Central Broadcasting Company" and "Central Broadcasting Company Inc" are considered the same.
• The inclusion of "Arkansas" or its abbreviation in the name.
• Spaces, punctuation, or different letter cases.
• Articles of speech, prepositions, contractions, or pronouns.
• Abbreviations and commonly understood meanings, like "H2O" for water.
• Unique spelling or phonetically similar words.
• Duplicative wording.
• Numbers, unless it is part of the owner's current name on file, a protected series, a street address affiliated with the entity, or the combination forms distinguishable keywords.
• Addition or removal of letters or changing the order of letters.
• Possessive words, plural words, or variations of a root word.
• Web address prefix or suffix.
• The addition of "American," "America," "US," "USA," "National," "International", or quantity indicators to a registered or reserved name.
• Inappropriate, vulgar, deceptive, or misleading language.

Potential Distinguishability

On the other hand, certain factors might help in making a name unique:

• Geographic location, provided the two entities aren't in the same town.
• Distinction of service offered.
• Adding key words that make the name clearly distinguishable.

Restrictions and Approvals Needed

Some names require approval from different Arkansas agencies, boards, or commissions:

• Names containing the word "bank," "trust," or any combination of the two require approval from the Arkansas State Bank Department.
• The words "engineer," "engineering," or any modification thereof require approval from the State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors.
• A medical or dental practice LLC needs to obtain a certificate of registration from the Arkansas State Medical Board or the Dental Corporation Act, respectively.
• Insurance companies require permission from the Arkansas Insurance Department.
• The use of "Razorback(s)" or "Arkansas Razorbacks(s)" requires approval from the University of Arkansas System.

It's advisable to consult with a legal professional to ensure the chosen name doesn't infringe on any trademarks or service marks.

Not sure what to name your business? Check out our LLC Name Generator.

Registering Your Arkansas Business Name

In Arkansas, there's no obligation to reserve a business name prior to submitting your Articles of Organization. This flexible approach allows you to register your business name and kick-start your LLC concurrently.

Register Your Arkansas LLC Name

In Arkansas, registering your LLC name is a relatively seamless process. The official registration of your business name is accomplished when you file the Arkansas Articles of Organization. This crucial document represents the formal initiation of your business in the state.

The Arkansas Secretary of State’s website provides a thorough guide on how to complete the form and pay the associated state filing fee.

Note: Opting for a professional LLC formation service can alleviate the burden by taking care of the registration of your LLC name and the establishment of your LLC. To explore more, see our Best LLC Services review.

Reserve Your Arkansas Business Entity Name

Arkansas’ Secretary of State Business and Commercial Services division handles all LLC naming questions and requests. Business entities organized or admitted to do business in Arkansas are given exclusive rights to the use of its business name(s) at the time of filing with Arkansas’ Secretary of State, unless the name is the same as or too similar to one that is already in existence in the state. Business names may be reserved for 120 days prior to formation of the business entity and LLCs are able to renew this reservation once only.

More information can be found with Arkansas' online business services. Business names can be reserved online or by filing an application by mail. When reserving your name, you will have to pay a filing fee.

After choosing a name for your LLC, take the next step and create a unique logo with our Free Logo Generator.

Application for Reservation of Entity Name in Arkansas

OPTION 1: File Online With the Arkansas Secretary of State

- OR -

OPTION 2: File Form RN-06 by Mail or In Person

Fee: $22.50 (online), $25 (mail and in person)

Filing Address:
Secretary of State
Attn: Business and Commercial Services Division
1401 W. Capitol Ave., Suite 250
Little Rock, AR 72201 

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Other Considerations

Arkansas’ only requirement for reserving a name for your LLC is that it is distinguishable from other registered business entities in the state. However, before filing your paperwork it is a good idea to do some additional research.

You’ll want to be sure your name or one very close to it is not being used by unregistered businesses such as sole proprietorships or partnerships, has not been trademarked by another business in your state or industry, and is otherwise available for use across the internet. This will help ensure you have full, unrestricted use of your business name.

Trademark Search

Conducting a trademark search of your business name and associated slogans or logos before registering can help prevent costly litigation in the future. Discovering that another entity has trademarked your business name does not automatically disqualify you from using it.

However, it is important to know who is using the name, what industry they operate in, and where they are located to be sure you do not inadvertently infringe upon anyone’s intellectual property rights.

To complete this step:

• Search Arkansas’ trademark records to see if your business name or associated slogans, logos, or others are in use by another business in your state.
• Search the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s electronic records to find any federally registered trademarks associated with your business name.

Social Media Search

Just as important, or more so, than finding a domain name that fits your business is ensuring that your business name is available for use across social media platforms. You can do this by simply searching your business name on each major site, or use a tool such as Namecheckr to search across all platforms at once.

Bottom Line

Having a name for your business is an important first step for creating a successful LLC, and one that is incredibly easy to do. Once you have found your preferred name using the Arkansas Business Entity Search, you'll want to secure your domain name so that your customers will be able to find your business online. Reserving your name with the Arkansas Secretary of State will help you stand out from the competition. With your name secured, you will be ready to take the next steps to formalize your LLC.

What's Next?

Now that you have your name, it's time to take the next steps to establish your LLC. Check out our full guide on how to form an LLC in Arkansas, where we can guide you every step of the way.

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