How to Conduct a Minnesota Business Search

3. Review the results

If there are no similar business names in the search results, then your name is likely available for use. The final determination must be provided by the Secretary of State.

If there are exact names, then the name you’ve chosen is not available because it is already in use.

If there are similar names in the results, then it may not be available for use. You can apply to use it—which incurs a small fee—or come up with a new, more distinguishable name. Distinguishability makes it easier for customers to find your business.

If you want to learn more information about an existing business, you can click on “details” to learn the following:

• Entity name
• Business type
• File number
• Filing date
• Renewal due date
• Registered Agent
• Status

This information can be helpful if you’re interested in contacting the business owner to buy their business name.

Here, you’ll also be able to:

• Order certification
• File amendments or renewals
• Order copies of business documents

Most of these tasks are reserved only for the business owner.

Why should I conduct an MN business lookup?

There are a few different reasons someone might conduct a Minnesota business name search:

• Checking to see if a business name is available for use for a new business
• Finding information about an existing business
• Looking for their own business to find the registration number or other information

Important naming guidelines in Minnesota

When choosing a business name, it’s important to understand some of Minnesota’s naming guidelines.

• Distinguishability. Your business name must be different enough from other business names in the state that it doesn’t cause confusion.
• Requirements for LLCs and corporations. Your business name will need to include the designation at the end, but doesn’t require a comma. So, an LLC’s full name will be Sample Company, LLC or Sample Company LLC. 
• Prohibited terms. Business names in Minnesota can only contain English alphabet letters, numbers, and standard English keyboard symbols.
• Check domain and social media handle availability. Before settling on your final business name, it’s important to make sure you can also get the website URL or domain name and the social media handles that go with your business.
• Conduct a trademark search. If you plan on filing for a trademark or operating your business beyond Minnesota, you should perform a trademark search prior to registering your business name. This will give you information on the availability of that name nationally/federally.