Use the South Dakota business entity search to gauge whether your name can be approved today. Start broad in the Secretary of State’s Business Information Search (run both “Starts With” and “Contains”), then confirm the exact string with the state’s Name Availability lookup. South Dakota requires the correct entity designator (e.g., “LLC” or “Inc.”) and a name that’s “distinguishable upon the records,” so cosmetic tweaks like punctuation, plurals, or adding “The/Company” rarely solve conflicts. When your scan looks clean, either reserve the name for 120 days or file online to lock it immediately.
How to Search South Dakota Businesses Online
South Dakota’s official portal lets you run a South Dakota business entity search by name or Business ID, then open each record to see status, formation/authority dates, jurisdiction (domestic/foreign), registered agent, addresses, and filing history. There are also dedicated searches for DBAs and for registered agent service lookups. Everything below uses the Secretary of State’s own tools.
Open The Business Information Search
Use the SOS Business Information Search (free). This is the hub for entity details, filings, and ordering certificates/copies. Tip: Keep this tab open, you’ll bounce back here after viewing records.
Search by Name or Business ID
Start broad, then tighten. If you have a Business ID, paste it for a direct hit. Otherwise type the Search Name, pick Starts With for a wide net, then switch to Contains to catch spacing/punctuation variants. Run your first pass with Active Entities Only unchecked (to see history), then re-run with it checked to focus on live conflicts you’ll have to beat in the South Dakota business entity search.
Refine Results with Additional Keywords & Variants
After you click Search, scan the results table and note the Status and Type. With “Prairie Peak,” you may see entries like Prairie Peak Holdings LLC, Prairie Peak Roofing LLC, and Prairie Peaks Providers PROF. LLC (all Entity – Good Standing). Use this page to separate true conflicts (same stem) from distant matches (different stems), then iterate your query.
How to tighten your list (iterate like a pro):
- Flip the match mode.
Re-run with Contains to surface “PrairiePeak,” “Prairie-Peak,” and plural forms (“Peaks”). - Probe stems and add-ons.
Try single-word stems (“Prairie,” “Peak”) and attach industry words you might use (“Holdings,” “Roofing,” “Supply,” “Foods”). - Try reversed/adjacent words.
Search “Peak Prairie,” “Prairie Ridge,” or coined blends (“PrairiePeak”) to expose near-misses. - Open promising records.
Click the Business ID to check Status/Good Standing, domestic/foreign, registered agent, and addresses – context you need to judge risk/relatedness. - Run the RA sweep.
If you see many hits around one brand, use Search for Registered Agents to list entities by that agent and spot clusters you should avoid.
“Prairie Peak” examples, what likely fails vs. often passes:
| Candidate name | Verdict | Why / How to fix |
|---|---|---|
| Prairie Peak LLC | ❌ Likely flagged | Identical stem to multiple active entities; add a distinctive lead word. |
| Prairie Peaks LLC | ❌ Cosmetic | Pluralization doesn’t create distinction. |
| Prairie-Peak LLC | ❌ Cosmetic | Hyphen/spacing won’t save a conflict. |
| The Prairie Peak LLC / Prairie Peak Company LLC | ❌ Cosmetic | “The,” “Company/Co.”/endings are ignored for distinctiveness. |
| Prairie Peak Roofing & Remodeling LLC | ❌ Too close | Same core + common descriptor; still confusingly similar. |
| Black Hills Prairie Peak Supply LLC | ✅ Often works | New, distinctive lead (“Black Hills”) + different descriptor. |
| Spearfish Creek Prairie Peak Kitchen LLC | ✅ Often works | Multi-word locale lead + new industry term. |
| Creston Ridge Prairie Peak Analytics LLC | ✅ Often works | Unique coined/geographic lead placed before the core brand. |
Open the entity record and review status authority addresses and registered agent
Scan the results table, then click the Business ID to open a record.
On the detail page, confirm Status/Good Standing, formation or authority date, domestic vs. foreign, principal/mailing addresses, and the registered agent section (name + registered office). These fields tell you if the company can transact in South Dakota and where to serve process.
Open Filings and Download or Purchase Documents
Use the History panel to open images (e.g., Articles, Annual Reports). The right rail shows Available Actions like Certificate of Good Standing, Statement of Change, and Certified Copies Request. Fees: Good Standing $20 online; certified copies $15 certification + $2/page; optional $50 expedite.
Use Registered Agent Search to List Entities by Agent
To see everything tied to one agent, open Search for Registered Agents, enter the agent’s name or RA number, and review the full list of entities they represent. This is useful for conflict checks or when comparing a registered agent service.
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Confirm a South Dakota Business Name
Before you print signage, make sure your name can actually be approved. South Dakota applies “distinguishable upon the records” rules and enforces entity designators (like LLC or Inc.). Even if a South Dakota business name search looks clear, the Secretary of State makes the final call during filing review, so follow the checks below to avoid rejections.
Run The Exact Name Availability Search
Start with the state’s Name Availability tool for a one-click EXACT check. Type the name exactly as you’ll file it, punctuation and designator included (e.g., “Prairie Peak, LLC”). Treat the result as preliminary; approval happens at filing.
How to use this result:
- Exact pass:
If you see “No Records Found,” your exact string isn’t on record now, good sign, not a guarantee. - Conflict sweep:
Jump to the Business Information Search and run Contains and Starts With to catch near-matches that can still be refused. - Adjust once, not endlessly:
If collisions appear, add a distinctive lead word (not punctuation/“LLC/Inc.”), then re-run the exact check and one conflict sweep. - Decide:
File now to lock the name, or reserve for 120 days if you’re not ready.
Apply distinguishability and required designators
Start by aligning your name with the state’s naming statutes. This prevents easy-to-avoid rejections when you file.
Key designator & “distinguishable” rules:
| Entity type | Required words/abbreviations | Distinguishability source |
|---|---|---|
| LLC | Must include “limited liability company” or “limited company,” or L.L.C./LLC/L.C./LC. (“Limited” may be Ltd.; “Company” may be Co.) | SDCL 47-34A-105. |
| Corporation | Must include “corporation,” “incorporated,” “company,” or “limited,” or corp./inc./co./ltd. | SDCL 47-1A-401. |
| LLP / PLLP | Must include LLP or PLLP (or full words). | SDCL 47-11F-11. |
| PLLC (professional) | Must include Professional Limited Liability Company or Prof. L.L.C./Prof. LLC/PLLC. | SDCL 47-11E-4 / 47-13A-2. |
| All entities | Name must be distinguishable upon the records of the Secretary of State (not deceptively similar to an existing record). | SD SOS guidance & statutes. |
Reserve a Business Name for 120 Days
Name reservations are optional. Use them strategically, otherwise, you can skip straight to formation.
When a reservation helps (and when it hurts)?
If you’re more than a few weeks away (funding, partner approvals, lease negotiations), reserve the name to keep it off the market; if you’re ready to file, don’t slow down, form now and lock the name via your Articles. (Banks and vendors care more that your entity exists than that a name is “on hold.”)
How reservations work in South Dakota:
- Length: 120 days. After that, you must wait 60 days before reserving the same name again.
- Fee: $25 (state “Reservation of Name” fee; expedite optional at $50).
- Who may reserve: Applicants planning a domestic filing, a foreign registration, or a transfer can reserve (LLC/corporation/LP forms provided by SOS).
- Where to file: Use SOS LLC/Corp forms (paper PDFs list the 120-day term) or go straight to Business Services Online to file your formation and secure the name immediately. For a step-by-step walkthrough, check our how to start an LLC in South Dakota guide.
Ready now? File Articles online (fastest) and appoint your registered agent service during formation; this immediately reserves and activates your name on the record. If you’re comparing providers, you can review the best registered agent services in South Dakota first.
Read South Dakota Search Results Correctly
When you open a South Dakota Secretary of State (SOS) business record, you’ll see a snapshot of the entity’s status (e.g., Active, Delinquent, Dissolved, Revoked), whether it’s in Good Standing, and links to filings. Read these carefully: “Good Standing” typically means the entity is active and current on annual reports/fees and has a valid registered agent on file. If reports are late, the status moves to Delinquent and late fees apply; if not cured, the SOS can administratively dissolve a domestic entity or revoke a foreign entity’s authority. You can verify due dates, late-fee rules, and reinstatement paths directly in the SOS FAQs and fee schedule.
Status Meanings & Good Standing Indicators
Interpreting statuses correctly helps you avoid taking a name that isn’t truly available and lets you gauge a competitor’s compliance.
| Status | What it means | Why it matters / next step |
|---|---|---|
| Active – Good Standing | Entity is active, current on required filings/fees, and has a registered agent on file. Certificates of Good Standing are available only for “Active” entities in “Good Standing.” | Name is not available. Use this record to confirm agent, office, and filing cadence. |
| Delinquent | Annual report not filed by the delinquency threshold (2 months after the due date); a $50 late fee applies. | Not available for naming; entity can still cure by filing. Track whether it flips back to Good Standing. |
| Administratively Dissolved (domestic) | SOS may dissolve a domestic LLC/corp for failure to pay fees/taxes or to file the annual report within 60 days of the due date; reinstatement is available after curing all deficiencies. | Name generally remains unavailable until the entity is terminated or the name is formally released; consider monitoring. |
| Revoked (foreign) | SOS can revoke a foreign entity’s Certificate of Authority for similar failures (fees, reports, or agent issues). Foreign entities cannot be reinstated, they must re-qualify. | Name remains tied to the domestic/foreign record; not automatically available. |
| Dissolved/Terminated (voluntary) | Owners filed to wind up & terminate the entity. | Name may be released later; check the record history and consider a name reservation if eligible. |
Good standing cues to look for on the SOS detail page: “Active,” “Good Standing,” an upcoming Annual Report due date (first day of the anniversary month), and a valid registered agent/office. If you see “Delinquent,” the entity missed its filing window and late fees apply; if it stays delinquent, the SOS can administratively dissolve/revoke.
Domestic and Foreign Authority Details
South Dakota distinguishes domestic entities (formed in SD) from foreign entities (formed elsewhere but authorized to do business in SD). A foreign LLC must obtain a Certificate of Authority before transacting business in the state; its application must include principal-office addresses and a South Dakota agent for service of process. If a foreign LLC later fails to keep a valid agent, pay fees, or file its annual report, the SOS may revoke authority.
Filings to review first for due diligence
Before you trust a name or rely on an SOS record, open these items from the History/Filings section. Most filing images from 1994-present are downloadable; filings before 11/12/2016 appear under Image Links on the history row; pre-1994 images require a request. Only certified copy requests are guaranteed to include all images on file.
- Articles of Organization/Incorporation (initial filing) – Confirms the exact legal name/designator, initial registered agent/office, and formation date.
- Certificate of Authority (foreign only) – Proves authority to operate in SD and may show an assumed/adopted name if the home-state name conflicts in South Dakota.
- Latest Annual Report – Verifies current principal address and listed managers/officers and whether filings are on time (due the 1st day of the anniversary month; delinquent after 2 months; $50 late fee).
- Amendments / Restated Articles – Track name changes, management structure changes, and other material updates that affect what appears on the detail page.
- Mergers / Conversions / Domestications – Explain status shifts by showing structural changes (e.g., conversion from corp → LLC or domestication into SD). Check the filed articles for the effective date.
Registered Agents in South Dakota
Your registered agent is the official point of contact for lawsuits and state notices. In South Dakota, the agent must keep a real, in-state registered office where service of process can be delivered, this is a compliance cornerstone for staying in good standing. Not sure why this matters? Here’s a plain-English look at the registered agent requirement in South Dakota.
Who Can Serve and Physical Street Address Rules
A South Dakota registered agent can be an individual (18+) or a business listed with the state as a noncommercial or commercial agent. The registered office must be a South Dakota actual street address (or rural route) where process may be delivered, P.O. Boxes don’t satisfy the “actual street” requirement shown on state forms. Practically, the agent should be reachable during normal business hours so service isn’t missed.
Find Appoint or Change a Registered Agent Online
Start at Business Services Online. From there you can (1) use Search for Registered Agents to view an agent’s details and every business they represent, and (2) file a Statement of Change to appoint or replace your agent (card payment accepted). If you don’t know the Business ID, run the Business Information Search first to pull the record and ID. Street address is required for the registered office (no P.O. Boxes).
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Trade Names and State Trademarks
DBAs (trade/assumed names) let you operate under a public-facing name, but they don’t create a legal entity or grant exclusive rights. For exclusivity, register a trademark/service mark (state or federal). In South Dakota these are separate tools: DBAs are filed/renewed online (every 5 years, $10), while state trademarks last 4 years and cost $125 per new/renewal/assignment. If you sell beyond SD, add a USPTO search/registration.
If you’re deciding between a trade name and full entity protection, compare LLC vs DBA.
Search and Register a South Dakota DBA
Begin with the state’s DBA portal to register, amend, renew, or cancel online. DBAs must be renewed every 5 years; renewals open within 90 days before expiration; if a registration expires, you must file a new one. Fees are $10 for new, amendment, and renewal; cancellation is no charge.
Search and register a South Dakota trademark or service mark
Run a South Dakota trademark search first, then file at the SOS if the mark is available. State trademark registrations run 4 years, and new/renewal/assignment filings each cost $125. Consider a federal USPTO search/registration if you’ll operate across states.
Annual Reports and Compliance
Annual reports are the lever that keeps you in Good Standing, and therefore eligible for bank requests like a Certificate of Good Standing/Existence. If you’re running an LLC in South Dakota (or a corporation, LLP, nonprofit, etc.), the due date follows your entity’s anniversary month and missing it leads to delinquency, late fees, and eventually administrative dissolution or revocation.
Due date on the first day of the anniversary month
Most entities file every year on the 1st day of the anniversary month of formation/qualification. You can file starting two months before the due date. Limited Partnerships and Business Trusts are exempt from annual reports; nonprofits do file, but at a lower fee.
- In-scope filers (examples):
LLCs, business corporations (domestic/foreign), LLPs, nonprofits. - Filing window:
Opens 2 months prior; due on day 1 of your anniversary month; delinquent if still unfiled two months after the due date.
Late Penalties Dissolution or Revocation and Reinstatement Basics
Miss an annual report and costs/risks stack up fast. Most LLCs/corporations owe $55 online (or $70 paper) per report; nonprofits pay $10. If you file late, the SOS adds a $50 late fee per report, and paper adds a $15 processing fee. Continued non-filing triggers administrative dissolution (domestic) or revocation (foreign).
To return to Good Standing, file all delinquent reports + late fees, keep a valid registered agent, and submit a Reinstatement (LLC $150, corporation $300, nonprofit $30). For-profits also need a Department of Revenue tax clearance sent to the SOS; foreign entities cannot be reinstated, they must re-qualify with a new Certificate of Authority.
Records and Certificates
Sometimes a simple printout of the SOS detail page is fine (e.g., internal checks). But banks, vendors, and foreign filings usually require official documents: Certificates of Good Standing/Existence, certified copies, or proof of authority for foreign entities. South Dakota lets you order these online and even verify authenticity via a verification number.
Order a Certificate of Good Standing online
Use the SOS Certificates of Good Standing portal: enter the Business ID, pay $20 online, and download the PDF immediately. Certificates are issued only for entities that show Active/Good Standing. Share the PDF with your bank/vendor; if they want to validate it, point them to the SOS Verify a Certificate page and the document’s verification number.
Request certified copies and validate documents
From the entity’s detail page, request certified copies of Articles, Amendments, Certificates of Authority, etc. Online certified copies are available for filings on/after 11/14/2016; earlier images may require a manual request. Standard fees: $15 certification + $2/page, with optional $50 expedite. For authenticity checks, recipients can rely on the SOS verification tools referenced above.
Download business or DBA databases by subscription
Need bulk data? The SOS offers full database downloads for a fee. Options include a Business Filings Database Subscription, Monthly New Business Entity file, and Monthly DBA/Fictitious Name file; UCC and state trademark datasets are also available. You can reach the download page from the Business Information Search (“download the full database”) or the Database Downloads hub; some programs use a short subscription form.
UCC Filings and Liens
Run a South Dakota UCC search when you’re lending against assets, buying a business, or checking debtor risk. UCC filings show secured creditor claims on a debtor’s personal property and help you spot priority issues before closing.
Search South Dakota UCC records
South Dakota’s SOS runs the UCC system. You can (a) become a subscriber to search online and request copies/certified searches inside the portal, or (b) submit a UCC11 information request. Search exactly by the debtor’s public-organic name (not a DBA); include the corporate ending if present. For individuals, follow the form’s name-format guidance.
Order copies and certified UCC searches
Use the SOS UCC2 Certified Search Request or subscriber tools to order: (1) an index/certified search and (2) copies of financing statements and amendments. Expect standard SOS copy/certification fees. Review each record for debtor & secured party, collateral description, file date, lapse date, and continuations/terminations to understand lien priority and current status. For questions, contact the SOS UCC Division.
Register a New Business in South Dakota
Ready to act? This is your streamlined path from “idea” to filed. Use the state’s online system to clear the name, appoint your registered agent service, and file in minutes, then knock out tax, banking, and federal items so you can start operating.
Prefer a done-for-you route? See our 10 best LLC services in South Dakota, a ranked, four-stage review so you choose a provider that files Articles correctly and handles licenses fast.”
Choose a Structure and Clear The Name
Pick the structure that fits how you’ll own, manage, and fund the business. Most small teams choose an LLC in South Dakota for flexibility; corporations make sense if you’ll issue stock. Confirm the name is distinguishable and has the correct designator (e.g., “LLC,” “Inc.”), then check for conflicts. Start with the SOS Business Information Search, and, if needed, run DBA and trademark checks to prevent brand collisions before you file. If you’re weighing structures, skim the LLC tax benefits to see how pass-through treatment compares with corporations.”
File Formation or Foreign Registration Online
Use Start a New Business to form a domestic LLC/corporation or to register a foreign company. You’ll need: proposed name/designator, South Dakota registered agent (with an actual street address, not a P.O. Box), principal office address, and payment card. Foreign entities must also provide a recent Certificate of Existence/Good Standing from their home jurisdiction. After submitting, you can print/mail instead of e-filing, but the paper option adds a $15 processing fee.
For step-by-step timing expectations, see our South Dakota LLC approval timeline.
Post filing checklist for tax accounts licenses banking and BOI reporting
After approval, complete these items so you’re bankable and compliant:
- EIN & banking.
Get your EIN free from the IRS, then open a business bank account with your formation docs (and operating agreement/bylaws if applicable). - State tax & payroll.
Register for sales/use tax (Department of Revenue) and, if you’ll have employees, reemployment (unemployment) insurance with the Department of Labor & Regulation. If you want help running payroll and staying compliant, consider vetted PEO services in South Dakota. - Local permits & professional licenses.
Check city/county portals and relevant state boards for any industry licensing. Not sure what’s required? Here’s a plain-English answer to do LLCs need a business license? - BOI reporting (federal).
As of 2025, U.S.-created (domestic) companies are exempt from FinCEN’s BOI reporting; certain foreign companies registered to do business in the U.S. must file under updated deadlines. Verify your status on FinCEN’s BOI page before assuming an obligation. - Records on hand.
Keep stamped Articles/Certificate of Authority, registered agent details, and your operating agreement/bylaws; you can order South Dakota Certificates of Good Standing/Existence or certified copies online when a bank or vendor asks.
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota Business Entity Search
Use the official South Dakota business entity search to check name availability, read filings, and verify good standing fast. Whether you’re forming an LLC in South Dakota or registering a corporation, this FAQ answers the most common questions people ask when running a South Dakota business search.
How do I check if a business name is available in South Dakota?
Use the state’s free Business Information Search. Run both “Starts With” and “Contains,” then apply the “distinguishable on record” test (South Dakota uses a sounds-alike standard). The search is a preliminary check, final approval happens during filing. If your name is borderline, add a distinctive word (not punctuation or just LLC/Inc.) and re-search; when confident, file online for fastest processing.
How soon do new filings appear in the South Dakota business search?
Online filings post immediately in the SOS system; mailed paper filings are typically processed in 3-5 business days (plus mail time). If speed matters, file online and download your stamped documents right away. Note that paper submissions for items that can be filed online incur an extra $15 paper processing fee, so online filing is both faster and cheaper overall.
Can I be my own registered agent in South Dakota?
Yes, if you’re a South Dakota resident with both a physical and mailing address in SD. The state allows a noncommercial registered agent, which may be an individual; your filing must list an Actual Street Address (no P.O. Box) for service of process. Ensure someone is reliably available at that address during business hours to receive legal notices.
Do trade names and state trademarks block my entity name in South Dakota?
Not automatically, DBAs (fictitious names) and state trademarks are separate programs and don’t create or replace entity registration. Name approval relies on the distinguishable-on-record standard for entities; however, conflicting DBAs or trademarks can still create brand/legal risk. Search both systems (and consider a federal USPTO check) to avoid disputes even if the entity name appears available.
When is the annual report due and can I file it early?
It’s due every year on the 1st day of your anniversary month. You may file up to 2 months early. If you miss the window by 2 months, the entity becomes Delinquent and a $50 late fee applies (nonprofits exempt from the late fee but must still file). Online annual reports process immediately; filing keeps you eligible for Good Standing.
How do I get back to good standing after a delinquent or revoked status?
For domestic entities: file all past-due annual reports, pay fees/penalties, keep a valid registered agent, and submit a Reinstatement; for profit entities also need a tax clearance sent to SOS by the Dept. of Revenue. But, foreign entities cannot be reinstated, they must file a new Certificate of Authority to regain authority in South Dakota.
How do I order and verify a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing online?
Go to Certificates of Good Standing, enter the Business ID, pay $20, and download the color PDF immediately (only for entities that are Active/Good Standing). To authenticate, use the portal’s “Verify a Certificate” tool and enter the document’s verification number, banks and vendors can use the same page to confirm validity.
- South Dakota Department of Revenue: Sales & Use Tax
- South Dakota Legislature: SDCL 47-34A-105 – LLC Names
- South Dakota Legislature: SDCL 47-1A-401 – Corporate Names
- South Dakota Legislature: SDCL 47-11E-4 – Professional LLC/PC Naming
- Federal Register: BOI Reporting – Revision & Deadline Extension (Mar 26, 2025)
- USPTO: Trademark Search
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