How to Register a Business Name in Minnesota
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Registering a business name in Minnesota can be done in 3 ways. You can start your business as a separate entity of its own by registering as an LLC or Corporation, or you can file a DBA (known officially as an Assumed Name) as a sole proprietor or general partnership. If you want federal recognition of your business name, you may also want to file a USPTO trademark.
You should determine your business name and have it registered prior to completing most other business filings, including:
- Submitting your application for a Minnesota Tax ID Number with the Minnesota Department of Revenue. This ID is used for both sales and use tax and withholding tax
- Registering with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) as a new employer for the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program
- File for state issued business licenses using the Minnesota ELicensing website
- Obtaining local business licenses from a city licensing department or your city/county clerk
- Acquiring an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS
- Opening business bank account
How much does it cost to Register a Business Name in Minnesota?
The cost to register a Minnesota business name varies depending on the type of registration:
- Minnesota LLC cost: $155
- Minnesota Corporation cost: $135
- Minnesota DBA cost: $50
Steps to Registering a Business Name in Minnesota:
1. Check Business Name Availability
Before you dive into registering your name, you must ensure your chosen name is good to go. That means checking if it’s already being used or is too similar to other business names out there. This step is super important because it helps prevent problems like clashes with similar businesses or your Minnesota name registration being turned down. To do this properly, you should do three specific types of searches:
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Start your Minnesota business name search with the help of professionals.
Trademark Search
Your first search should be for federal trademarks. Trademarks registered at the federal level provide the most legal protection. As a result, they override any registrations at the local or federal level, so it’s important to ensure that your name is not trademarked. If the business name you chose is the same or too similar to an existing trademark, come up with a new name.
To search the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database, visit the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) page. Just be advised – the returned results can be overwhelming and hard to understand. Alternatively, you can use Trademark Engine’s Free Trademark Search, which provides results from TESS in an easier-to-use format.
Minnesota Business Name Search
After verifying that the business name you want isn’t a registered trademark, it’s time to move on to doing a Minnesota business name search. Use the Minnesota Search Business Filings to search the Minnesota database of registered businesses.
Make sure you search more than just your exact business name, and you do some searches using either only parts of your name or wildcard characters. This is especially important because your name registration can be rejected if it’s too similar to an existing business.
Pro Tip: Pay close attention to if the business name you want to use was used in the past, even if it’s available now. Registering your business name using a name that was used in the past can cause a lot of problems when you try to get an EIN.
Using a previously registered name will often result in the online assistant rejecting your EIN application and returning reference number 101. This error happens when your name matches or is too close to a name that was already issued an EIN. If a business shows as being previously registered, they were also likely issued an EIN. If you get reference error 101, it will require that you call and fax your formation paperwork to the IRS, which is quite a headache.
Website Domain Search
Once you’ve verified you can use your business name, you should verify the matching website domain name is available. Most businesses will need some online presence, but even if you won’t build a website, you should register your domain name to prevent others from using it. You’ll also need it if you plan on using a matching business email address.
Domain Name and Business Email
You can use Namecheap to verify if your domain name is available. They also offer a business email service that’s free to try for the first 60 days when you purchase a domain.
2. Choose a Business Structure
When starting the process of registering your business name in Minnesota, you need to determine which business structure you’ll use. Your choice of business structure has many downline implications for your business and will change the process of how your business is registered. You should choose a business structure that matches the amount of liability risk, tax implications, and financing your business will require. If you can’t decide based on the information below, you can get more guidance by using our guide on Choosing a Business Structure, where you can get more in-depth information.
Recommended Business Structure:
Most new businesses benefit the most by starting as an LLC. You can have as many owners as needed and they provide tax and management flexibility. They have liability protection that sole proprietorships and general partnership lack and aren’t subject to double taxation (corporate income tax) like a corporation.
Consider using an LLC formation service to ensure your filing is completed correctly. Our list of the best LLC services can help you find the one that works best for you.
LLC
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a legal entity recognized under Minnesota law (MN Statute § 322C) that shields owners from personal liability for business debts while offering operational flexibility and pass-through taxation benefits.
Learn More: What is an LLC
LLC Pros
- Personal liability protection
- Legally separate entity
- Default pass-through taxation (business income taxed once)
- Unlimited number of owners (members)
- Flexible management – can be run by members or non-owner managers
- Option for S-Corp tax status
LLC Cons
- Upfront filing costs
- Ongoing cost and filings to stay compliant
- Unable to go public
Do you need to register to be an LLC in Minnesota?
Yes, if you want to set your business up as an LLC you need to register with the Minnesota Secretary of State.
Corporation
A corporation is a distinct legal business entity under Minnesota law (MN Statute § 302A). Stockholders are owners with limited liability. It’s ideal for raising external funds and safeguarding personal finances.
Learn More: What is a Corporation
Corporation Pros
- Personal liability protection
- Legally separate entity
- Unlimited number of owners (shareholders)
- Easier to raise capital by selling stock
- Able to go public
- Option for S-Corp tax status
Corporation Cons
- Default double taxation
- Upfront filing costs
- Ongoing costs and filings to stay compliant
- Increased record keeping requirements
- Strict management structures set by law
Do you need to register to be a Corporation in Minnesota?
Yes, to obtain legal Corporation status in Minnesota, registration with the Minnesota Secretary of State is required.
Sole Proprietor
A sole proprietorship is a single-owner venture. Start simply, with minimal red tape. The owner’s personal liability is unlimited, and it can be difficult to get loans, raise capital, and sell the business.
Learn More: What is a Sole Proprietorship
Sole Proprietor Pros
- Easy and inexpensive to start
- Simple taxes (business income taxed once)
- Easy to maintain
- Complete control for owner
Sole Proprietor Cons
- Unlimited Liability Risk
- Hard to raise money and get loans
- Not separate from owner
- Difficult to sell business
- No other tax status options
Do you need to register your sole proprietor business name in Minnesota?
As a sole proprietor in Minnesota, if your business name doesn’t have both your first and last name, you’ll need to complete a registration for a “doing business as” name (DBA), sometimes referred to as an Assumed Name. For example, if your name was “Chris Miller” and you ran a landscaping business, you wouldn’t need to register the name “Chris Miller Landscaping” but if you wanted a more branded business name like “Evergreen Landscaping” a DBA name would need to be filed.
Partnership
A partnership has 2 or more owners who join forces sharing in business responsibilities. Each partner has unlimited liability. Income passes directly to partners, who account for their share on personal tax returns.
Learn More: What is a Partnership
Partnership Pros
- Easy and inexpensive to start
- Pass-through taxation (business income taxed once)
- Unlimited number of owners (partners)
- Shared business responsibilities
Partnership Cons
- Unlimited Liability Risk
- Responsible for partners’ actions
- Hard to raise outside capital
- Not separate from partners
- Difficult to sell business
- No other tax status options
Do you need to register your partnership business name in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, a partnership is required to register a “doing business as” (DBA) name if their chosen business name doesn’t have the last names of all partners. For instance, if Emily Martinez, Jason Adams, and Rachel Kim decide to start a fitness studio and want to operate as a partnership, they can use the name “Martinez, Adams & Kim Fitness Center” without filing. However, if they opt for a creative business identity like “Elevate Motion Gymworks”, they must file an Assumed Name (DBA) to operate legally.
3. File your Minnesota Business Name Registration
With your business name confirmed and structure in place, the next move is to register it within Minnesota. Select the method that fits the business structure you’ve chosen. If you’ve decided to operate as a sole proprietorship or partnership, you’ll register your name via a DBA.
Register a Minnesota LLC Name
To establish your Minnesota LLC, you’ll be required to submit Articles of Organization to the Minnesota Secretary of State along with a filing fee of $155. In your Articles of Organization you’ll provide details about your business, such as:
- LLC Name
- Information about the LLC members (owners) and managers (if applicable)
- Business Address (Must be a physical address – PO Boxes not allowed)
- Name and Address of your Registered Agent
Minnesota LLC Name Requirements
Minnesota LLCs must use a name that follows the naming rules outlined in Minnesota law (MN Statute § 322C.0108.):
- Must be distinguishable (unique) from all others businesses registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State
- Must clearly denote the business is legally structured as an LLC by including the words “limited liability company” or an abbreviation such as “LLC”
- Cannot use words or designators associated with Corporations such as “Corporation” “Incorporated” “Corp” or “Inc”
- Cannot contain words that imply association with a government entity
- Cannot contain words that are prohibited or require prior approval such as Bank, Banker, Banking, Savings, Safe Deposit, Trust, Trustee, Insurance, Credit Union
For more in-depth information check out our How to Start an LLC in Minnesota guide, where we cover all the steps needed to form an LLC in full detail.
Want Help Starting a Minnesota LLC?
Use a professional filing service like Northwest Registered Agent ($39 +state fees), which can save you $210 vs LegalZoom when forming a Minnesota LLC.
Register a Minnesota Corporation Name
To establish your Minnesota business as a Corporation, you must submit Articles of Incorporation to the Minnesota Secretary of State, which has a fee of $135. Within your Articles of Incorporation filing, you’ll include details about your business, such as:
- Corporation Name
- Names and addresses of the board of the directors
- Number and type of authorized shares
- Business Address (Must be a physical address – PO Boxes not allowed)
- Name and Address of your Registered Agent
Minnesota Corporation Name Requirements
Corporations in Minnesota are required to use a name that follows the rules detailed under Minnesota law (MN Statute § 302A.115):
- Must be distinguishable (unique) from all others businesses registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State
- Clearly indicate the business is legally structured as a corporation by including the words “Corporation” or “Incorporated” or use an abbreviation such as “Corp” or “Inc”
- Cannot use words or designators associated with LLCs such as “limited liability company” or “LLC”
- Cannot contain words that imply association with a government entity
- Cannot contain words that are prohibited or require prior approval such as Bank, Banker, Banking, Savings, Safe Deposit, Trust, Trustee, Insurance, Credit Union
Want to Incorporate in Minnesota?
If you’re interested in incorporating, you can learn more with the ZenBusiness guide on How to Start a Corporation in Minnesota, which covers each step you’ll need to complete to start a Minnesota corporation.
Register a Minnesota DBA (Assumed Name)
A Minnesota DBA (Assumed Name) allows a business to operate using a business name that is different than their legal name. To register a Minnesota DBA you’ll need to complete a Certificate of Assumed Name Registration application and submit it to the Minnesota Secretary of State, along with the filing fee of $50. You’ll need to provide the following information:
- Name and address of Applicant(s)
- Business Name (Assumed Name)
- Address where business is transacted
Minnesota DBA (Assumed Name) Requirements
The rules for a Minnesota Assumed Name (DBAs) are not quite as strict as they are for LLCs or Corporations, however there are still restrictions. Mainly, your DBA can’t include designators used for legal entities like “LLC” or “Inc” in the Assumed Name. DBAs also can’t contain prohibited words or words that imply association with government entities.
You’re required to register a DBA if you operate under any name other than your legal name in Minnesota. Any person or business found to be in violation of MN Code 333.065 is subject to penalties and remedies outlined in Minnesota Statute Sec. 8.31.
Minnesota DBA Registration Assistance
Get help registering your Minnesota DBA with Swyft Filings. Packages starting at $99 (plus filing fees).
4. File a Trademark (Optional)
If you want to protect your business identity, consider filing for a trademark. A trademark can help safeguard your brand name and give you control over it. Unlike state registrations, trademarks offer federal-level protection nationwide.
While you can apply by yourself online, registering a trademark can be a complex and lengthy process. On average, it takes 7-9 months before a USPTO examining attorney reviews your application. You’ll need to properly prepare and submit your application to limit delays.
Consider seeking assistance from a qualified attorney or a trademark filing service to make the trademark registration process smoother. Their expertise can save you time and spare you the challenges involved in application submission and follow-ups.
Trademark Filing Assistance
Ensure your trademark is filed properly with the help of the experts at Trademark Engine, who’ve helped file over 120,000 trademarks since 2016. Packages start at $99 (+USPTO fees).
Additional Business Resources in Minnesota
For more help, check out our How to Start a Business in Minnesota guide, or use these resources:
- Minnesota Secretary of State – The official government website for business registration, document filing, and access to business-related information in Minnesota.
- Minnesota Department of Revenue – Comprehensive information about state taxes, required permits, and licenses for businesses operating in Minnesota.
- Minnesota Chamber of Commerce – A platform providing networking opportunities, business advocacy, and essential resources to help new businesses thrive in Minnesota.
- Minnesota Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – Free consulting, training, and a wide array of resources to support the establishment and growth of businesses throughout Minnesota.
- SCORE Minnesota – Valuable mentoring and resources delivered by experienced business professionals to guide aspiring entrepreneurs in Minnesota.
- Minnesota Business Finance Corporation – Diverse financing options, loan programs, and dedicated support aimed at assisting businesses in obtaining funding in Minnesota.