How to Change a LLC's Name in Missouri

A Missouri LLC can change its name by filing an LLC amendment form.

The Corporations Division of the Missouri Office of the Secretary of State processes registrations for limited liability companies. An LLC chooses a name and registers it when filing its articles of organization. An LLC can also change its name after filing the articles. Missouri limited liability companies can change an LLC's name by filing an amendment form with the Corporations Division.

Things You'll Need

• LLC "Amendment of Articles of Organization"
• Internet access
• Original LLC "Articles of Organization"
• Printer

Instructions

1. Select an LLC name that includes one of the following abbreviations or phrases in the name: Limited Liability Company, L.L.C., LLC, L.C., LC or Limited Company. You may not include any of the following words or abbreviations of such words in the LLC name: Corporation, Incorporated, Limited Partnership, Ltd. or L.P.

2. Visit the Missouri Secretary of State "Business Entity Search" web page to run a name search for your chosen LLC name. You may also call the Corporations Division at 573-751-4153 to request a name search. Use the "Sounds Like" option on the name search to find similar registered names. Do not pick a name unless it is "distinguishable" from all other registered Missouri business names. You must also avoid any name that implies that the LLC is a government agency.

3. Access the "Amendment of Articles of Organization" form on the Secretary of State's website. You may fill out this form online and print it out on a computer. Have a copy of your original LLC "Articles of Organization" on hand to help you complete the LLC amendment form.

4. Fill out the amendment form. In Item 4, note that you are changing the name of the LLC. Check off "a change in name of the limited liability company" in Item 5.

5. Make out a check or money order to "Secretary of State." As of 2010, the fee to file an amendment and change an LLC's name in Missouri is $25.

6. Mail or deliver the "Amendment of Articles of Organization" to the Missouri Corporations Division. Use the following address to mail the form and fee:

   Missouri Secretary of State
   ATTN: Corporations Division
   P.O. Box 778
   Jefferson City, MO 65102
   866-223-6535
   sos.mo.gov

   Use this address to personally deliver the form and fee:

   Missouri State Information Center
   600 W Main St.
   Jefferson City, MO 65101

Tips & Warnings

• You have the option--but not the requirement--of reserving an LLC name for up to 180 days. As of 2010, the fee is $25 to reserve a name for 60 days with the "Application for Reservation of Name" form (see Resources). Use the same ordering instructions and addresses used to file the LLC amendment form.

• An out-of-state LLC that has changed its name in the home state should use the "Amendment of a Foreign Limited Liability Company" form to change its registered name in Missouri (see Resources). The LLC must also include a certificate of existence from the home state issued within 60 days of the filing. Use the same fees and filing instructions used for a Missouri LLC.

References

• Missouri Secretary of State: Business Entity Search
• Missouri Secretary of State: Limited Liability Company Instruction Sheet and Articles of Organization
• Missouri Secretary of State: Amendment of Articles of Organization

Resources

• Missouri Secretary of State: Application for Reservation of Name
• Missouri Secretary of State: Amendment of a Foreign Limited Liability Company