South Dakota LLC Name Search
Check if your business name is available in South Dakota before you file, then see South Dakota's LLC naming rules, fees and filing requirements
- Filing Fee
- $150
- Articles of Organization
- Annual Report
- $55
- Due by the first day of your LLC’s anniversary month each year, starting the year after you form it
- Name Reservation
- $25
- Holds a name for 120 days
How to Check LLC Name Availability in South Dakota
South Dakota checks every new LLC name against the businesses already on its records. These steps help your name get approved the first time.
- 1
Search South Dakota business records
Enter your name in the search above to open South Dakota’s official business entity search in a new tab.
- 2
Check close variations, not just the exact name
South Dakota law requires a new LLC name to be distinguishable upon the records of the Secretary of State (SDCL 47-34A-105). Differences in punctuation, spacing, capitalization, a leading “The” or the ending (LLC vs. L.L.C.) usually aren’t enough to make a name different, so search the core words of your name.
Read SDCL 47-34A-105 → - 3
Add an LLC designator
Your South Dakota LLC name must include “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation such as “LLC” or “L.L.C.”.
- 4
Avoid restricted words
Words like Bank, Insurance, Trust or University usually need approval from another agency, and names that suggest a government connection are typically not allowed.
- 5
Reserve the name if you aren’t ready to file
A South Dakota name reservation costs $25 and holds the name for 120 days. It can’t be renewed.
Reservation rules → - 6
File to lock in the name
A clear search doesn’t hold the name for you. South Dakota confirms it when it accepts your Articles of Organization ($150).
Doing business under a different name
File a fictitious business name with the Secretary of State online, or with a county register of deeds, for $10. You renew it every five years.
Fictitious business name rules →Prefer to search the state directly? Open South Dakota’s official business search →
How Much Does an LLC Cost in South Dakota?
Filing your Articles of Organization in South Dakota costs $150. After that, the annual report costs $55 a year and is due by the first day of your LLC’s anniversary month each year, starting the year after you form it.
Articles of Organization
Filed online. Paper filings cost $165. Source →
$150
Annual Report
Due by the first day of your LLC’s anniversary month each year, starting the year after you form it. Paper filings cost $70. Source →
$55
Name reservationOptional
Holds a name for 120 days. Source →
$25
Fictitious business nameOptional
Only if you do business under a name other than the LLC’s legal name. Source →
$10
Checked against official South Dakota sources on October 23, 2026. Fees change, so confirm with the state before you file.
LLC Requirements in South Dakota
Formation Requirements
Basic Requirements
- Operating Agreement (recommended)
- Federal Tax ID (EIN)
- Business Licenses (if applicable)
Registered Agent
South Dakota requires all LLCs to maintain a registered agent in the state.
Processing Time
Online filings are processed immediately, and paper filings take 1–3 business days.
You can request faster processing for $50.
Source →Contact the South Dakota Business Filing Office
Search LLC Name isn’t a government website. For an official answer about a name or a filing, contact the state office directly.
Contact Details
Phone
605-773-4845Fax
605-773-4550
Address Information
Mailing Address
500 East Capitol Avenue Ste. 204, Pierre, SD 57501-5070
Physical Address
500 East Capitol Avenue Ste. 204, Pierre, SD 57501-5070
Official South Dakota Resources
South Dakota LLC Name Search FAQ
Enter the name in the search at the top of this page to open South Dakota’s official business entity search. Search close variations too: South Dakota law requires a new LLC name to be distinguishable upon the records of the Secretary of State (SDCL 47-34A-105). A clear search is a good sign, but the state makes the final call when it reviews your filing.
It must include “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation such as “LLC” or “L.L.C.”. South Dakota law requires a new LLC name to be distinguishable upon the records of the Secretary of State (SDCL 47-34A-105). Words like Bank, Insurance or Trust usually need approval from another agency.
A South Dakota name reservation costs $25 and holds the name for 120 days. It can’t be renewed.
Filing your Articles of Organization in South Dakota costs $150. After that, the annual report costs $55 a year and is due by the first day of your LLC’s anniversary month each year, starting the year after you form it.
Online filings are processed immediately, and paper filings take 1–3 business days. You can request faster processing for $50.
Yes, South Dakota requires every LLC to keep a registered agent in the state who can receive legal documents for the business.
South Dakota requires an annual report ($55), due by the first day of your LLC’s anniversary month each year, starting the year after you form it. You also need to keep a registered agent in the state.
File a fictitious business name with the Secretary of State online, or with a county register of deeds, for $10. You renew it every five years.
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