How to Register a Business Name in Mississippi

The State of Mississippi

Starting your own business can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. There are so many things to do just to become official that some people quit before they even get started. One of the things you must do is to register your business name. This is one of the most important things to do because it gives you credibility and makes you sound professional. Each state, though, has different requirements for registering your business. Following are some steps to follow if you want to register a business name in Mississippi.

Things You'll Need

• Business name

Instructions

1. Decide on a name for your business. Your product or service that you offer will help you decide on a name for your business. You can try to incorporate your service or product into your business name, such as "Unique Tailored Designs" or "Unlimited Typing." When deciding on a name, it's often helpful to find a name that incorporates "Mississippi" or something else indicative of the area. For instance, "Unlimited Typing of Mississippi" reminds potential customers that they are hiring a professional unique to their home state. Or, if your business is located near the coastline, you can incorporate terms like "Gulf" or "Delta" in your business name.

2. Decide what type of business entity you want to be. You can choose between becoming incorporated, a Limited Partnership (LP), a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) or a sole proprietorship. The latter is the most common for small businesses. If you are the only person running the business, you will be the sole proprietor. However, the option you choose will determine how to register your business name in Mississippi and how much of a fee you'll need to pay. In Mississippi, the fee to file as a limited partnership is $50. If you want to file for a Certificate of Registered Domestic LLP, the fee is about $250.

3. Check with the Mississippi Secretary of State. If you decide to become anything other than a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to register your business name with the Business Services Group at the Mississippi Secretary of State. You can reach them at 1-800-256-3494.

4. Know your local rules. Business owners of sole proprietorships or general partnerships do not need to register their name with the state of Mississippi. However, you may need to check with your county, city or town to see if there are any licenses or permits you need to legally operate your business. Most districts in Mississippi require a business to register their name if they are using anything other than the person's actual name. For instance, if John Doe simply does work under his own name, he is not required to register with his local government. However, if he does business as "JD's Lawn Services," he may need to file a DBA (Doing Business As...) with his particular county.

5. Advertise your product or services with your business name. The best way to get your name "out there" is to start advertising using your new business name. Consider placing ads in local newspapers. Depending on the region of Mississippi where you live, some popular local newspapers include "The Hattiesburg American," "The Meridian Star," the "Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal" and the "Mississippi Business Journal." Place ads in your county's Yellow Pages, too. The more exposure you can get, the better you'll succeed.

Tips & Warnings

• Be creative with your business name. The more creative and catchy, the more likely potential customers are to remember it when it comes time to use your product or services.

• Avoid choosing a name that includes the words "enterprises," "services" and other vague terms that don't explain what you offer.

• Avoid names that limit you. For instance, don't use a city in your business name because potential customers in the surrounding cities may be discouraged to call you. Names like "Tupelo Designs" or "Hattiesburg Typing Services" could limit your potential customer base. Use something more encompassing, like "Mississippi Designs" or "Gulf Coast Typing Services."

Resources

• Mississippi Secretary of State