How to Reserve a Business Name in Mississippi

Do you have the perfect name idea for a new business entity in the state of Mississippi, but you’re not quite ready to form your company?

Mississippi allows you to reserve a business name until you’re prepared for the business formation process, but how does the reservation process work and how long will the state reserve the name for you? In this guide, we’ll run down all the important details of reserving a business name in Mississippi.

How to Reserve a Business Name in Mississippi

The first step is to determine if your desired business name is even available in Mississippi to begin with. In Mississippi, you can easily determine if your desired business name is already in use by searching for it on the Secretary of State’s website. You can access the business search tool here. Once you’ve determined the availability of your desired name, you can begin the process of reserving it with the state.

Whether you choose to file your name reservation online or by mail, you will need to fill out the form electronically via the Secretary of State’s website (you will need to make an account if you don’t already have one). Once you log in to your account here, you must click on “Reserve a Business Name” and provide the following information:

• Type of business
• Name to reserve
• Business email address
• Name and address of the applicant
• Title, name, and address of the authorized representative
• Method of payment ($25 processing fee)

Then, you can choose to either submit the form electronically, or print out the form to mail to the following address:

Secretary of State P.O. Box 136 Jackson, MS 39205

If you do choose to file by mail, your application must include a check for $25 made payable to the “Secretary of State.”

How Long Is My Business Name Reserved For?

Mississippi name reservations last for 180 days. If you still require more time to form your business, you may extend your reservation for an additional 180-period.

Conclusion

Just because you aren’t ready to form your Mississippi business entity doesn’t mean you can’t lock down your desired business name.

Mississippi name reservations last for approximately 6 months, which is significantly more time than most states provide. Additionally, you can finish filling out and submitting the forms online in a matter of minutes. So, if you have a business name in mind, there is no reason to delay filing for your name reservation.