Arkansas Business Name Search

If you’re looking to start a business in Arkansas, then you want to ensure that you have control over your branding. Consumers are very particular about the brands they buy from, and they want to trust you and your company. Branding can also be a way to attract new businesses and improve performance. However, to ensure that you have control, you need to have a unique name and that is why you need to conduct an Arkansas Business Name Search. In this article, we will look at how to complete this process.

What are the Benefits of Registering an Arkansas Business Name?

There are numerous benefits to registering a name in the state. For example, a name that is registered is protected from being used by other people who are looking to work in the same area. Therefore, you can control the use of the brand and be sure that customers aren’t going to be confused.

In addition, you can be sure that your personal assets are protected when there are liabilities against your business. Therefore, if there should be an issue or a debt, you won’t lose your home or possessions.

Finally, there are benefits to getting funding, business bank accounts, and better credit terms with suppliers. Therefore, you can have a more successful business and find it easier to get going.

However, there are also challenges. You might wish to speak to legal support or an accountant to help you make the final decision as to whether an LLC is the best business model for your organization.

Checking Business Name Availability Steps

Below are the steps that you need to check business name availability and complete a registration form for your business.

Step 1 – Create Potential Business Names

The first thing that you need to consider is what you would like to be called. This name is something that is going to be important to how you are referred to by clients, customers, suppliers, employees, and the government. It will become synonymous with your brand, ethics, products/services, and more. Customers may also decide if your brand is worth investing time in or purchasing from.

The brand name should therefore be unique.

A good brand name generator can help you come up with a few good options that can support your decision. However, it is often best if you try to come up with several options and check that they are available.

Step 2 - Check Business Name Availability

Once you’ve got a shortlist of business name options, you need to conduct an Arkansas business name search. The first option is to conduct a quick Google search for the potential names to find any matching brands. Though this is not always effective. You might also want to check social media channels to see if anyone has registered the name on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.

Then you need to check with the domain registrar of your choice. Ensure that there aren’t any businesses that are registered with the name that you would like to use but have not yet been registered anywhere or got their website up and running yet.

Then you need to also check for Arkansas-specific names using the Arkansas business name search facility through the Secretary of State.

Step 3 - Register an Arkansas Business Name

Now you will need to register an Arkansas business name. To complete this task, you need to file your Certificate of Organization with the Arkansas Secretary of State. There are options to complete the process online via the website for state. Alternatively, you can file your papers via mail, but the costs are higher and it will take longer.

Numerous business models will be required to register in the state. There are also some business models, like proprietorships, that don’t need to register. However, an LLC, which needs to be registered has several benefits, such as brand name protection and personal asset protection.

If you’re registering a business name that is not your name, then you will need to complete a DBA. A DBA is a document that states you are trading, but you’re trading under a different name. DBA stands for ‘Doing Business as’.

The DBA is filed with the county clerk in the state. There are specific naming rules that are applied to businesses in this sector. For instance, you cannot:

Use words, acronyms, or phrases that will confuse your business with a government agency.
Use a name to imply illegal purposes, intended or otherwise.
Use restricted words protected by professional licenses.

The Arkansas Business Registration Office Details

To register an Arkansas business, you need to register it with the secretary of state. The details for this office are the following.

The Online Portal

Once you’ve confirmed Arkansas business name availability, you can go to the website and use the online portal. The website is very detailed and helpful, but some people can get confused between the variety of business structures and the different certifications.

You will need to ensure that you have all the information for your business. Then you can reduce the delay in ensuring your business is registered correctly. If there is wrong information, then you will find that your business name registration will be rejected and you may need to pay again when you re-submit the documents.

The Costs to Register an Arkansas Business Name

There are numerous costs when it comes to registering a business in Arkansas. For corporations and LLCs, the cost is $22.50 when you are applying online. Or if you want to do it in person or by mail, the cost is slightly higher at $22.50.

If you would like to register a partnership, then the cost is $13.50 for online applications or $15 for mail or in-person registration.

There will likely be other charges that you will need to pay at specific times. For example, you might need to make a payment to get a permit or license to run a business.

Final Word: Arkansas Business Name Search

If you’re looking to run an Arkansas business, then you will need to do an Arkansas business name search. The process is relatively quick and is a major part of the business-building process. Above are the steps that you need to complete. If you need help, you can always seek the services of ZenBusiness or Bizee.