Q: I want to change the name of my Missouri LLC. Is that possible, and how do I do that?
Thanks to one of our customers in Missouri for this question! Changing your LLC’s name in Missouri is relatively straightforward. It involves filing an amendment with Missouri’s Secretary of State. However there are a few more steps than just filing an amendment. We’ll go over all that you’ll need to do in order to successfully change your LLC’s name in Missouri.
1. Make Sure the Business Name is Available
It’s a good idea to check the Missouri Secretary of State’s business entity name search to make certain your new LLC name is available. If your desired LLC name is already taken by an existing Missouri business, you won’t be able to use it. If the name is available, you can use it right away, or you can reserve the business name for up to 180 days by submitting an Application for Reservation of Name to Missouri’s Secretary of State and paying the $25 fee.
2. Consult With LLC Membership
If you’re a single member LLC, you won’t need to take a vote to change the name, but you’ll want to make note of it in your Missouri LLC operating agreement. If you’re a multi-member LLC, you’ll want to take a vote on the name change, and get signed approval from all LLC members.
3. Amend Your LLC’s Articles of Organization
To officially change the name of your LLC, you’ll need to fill out and file an Amendment of Articles of Organization with Missouri’s Secretary of State. The amendment costs $25, and you can file by mail or in person. Processing times vary, but it can take between 7-10 business days before your LLC name change takes effect.
Where do I mail or hand deliver my amendment paperwork?
Mail:
Missouri Secretary of State
Corporations Division
PO Box 778
Jefferson City, MO 65102
In person:
Missouri Secretary of State
Corporations Division
600 W. Main St., Rm. 322
Jefferson City, MO 65102
You can also submit your paperwork to one of two regional offices:
St Louis
U.S. Customs House & Old Post Office Building
815 Olive Street, Suite 210
St Louis, MO 63101
Kansas City
State Office Bldg Ste 513
615 E 13th St
Kansas City, MO 64106
How will I know when the name change has been processed?
Once your amendment has been processed (7-10 days), Missouri will send you a confirmation copy of the amendment by mail. You will also be able to print a copy for your records directly from their website.
Check out our page on How To File A Missouri LLC Amendment!
4. Amend your LLC Operating Agreement
You’ll want to amend your LLC’s operating agreement to reflect the new name. Unlike the your LLC’s Articles of Organization, your operating agreement is an internal document, which means you can keep it filed with the rest of the business records.
5. Notify State Agencies and other Organizations
Once your LLC name change has been processed by the state, you’ll need to make sure that you inform everyone you do business with. This includes:
- The IRS, and other state and local tax authorities.
- State and local licensing agencies.
- Update your LLC name on all bank and loan accounts.
- Order new business cards, update your social media and web presence.
- Make sure your customers, clients, and vendors know about the name change
What if my LLC is registered in more than one state?
If your LLC is registered in more than one state, you will need to file documents to change the name of your LLC with each state. In most cases the process will mirror the one you just went through in Missouri. It won’t hurt, however, to contact the secretary of state’s office in each foreign jurisdiction where your LLC is registered.