How to Change Your LLC Name in Minnesota

Changing your LLC’s name in Minnesota requires filing Articles of Amendment with the Minnesota Secretary of State. Whether you’re rebranding, expanding your business focus, or simply want a better name, the process is straightforward but involves several important steps both before and after filing.

When You Might Need to Change Your LLC Name

Business owners typically change their LLC names for several reasons:

• Rebranding efforts: Your business has evolved beyond its original scope
• Marketing improvements: The new name better reflects your services or appeals to customers
• Legal requirements: Your current name conflicts with another business or trademark
• Business expansion: You’re adding new services or entering new markets
• Partnership changes: New partners joining or leaving the business

Step 1: Check Your New Name’s Availability

Before filing any paperwork, you must verify that your desired name is available for use in Minnesota. The new name must be distinguishable from existing business names on file with the Minnesota Secretary of State.

Your new LLC name must also comply with Minnesota naming requirements:

• Include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.”
• Not contain restricted words without proper licensing
• Not imply association with government agencies
• Be distinguishable from other registered business names

You can search existing names using the Minnesota LLC name search database through the Secretary of State’s website. If your preferred name is available, consider reserving it for $55 to hold it while you prepare your amendment filing.

Name Reservation (Optional)

Minnesota allows you to reserve an available name for 12 months by filing a Name Reservation form and paying a $55 fee. This prevents others from claiming your chosen name while you prepare your Articles of Amendment.

Step 2: File Articles of Amendment

Once you’ve confirmed your new name is available, file Articles of Amendment with the Minnesota Secretary of State. This document officially changes your LLC’s name in state records.

Required Information

Your Articles of Amendment must include:

• Your LLC’s current legal name
• Your LLC’s file number (from original Articles of Organization)
• The specific amendment (your new name)
• Signature of an authorized member or manager
• Filing fee of $55

Filing Methods

You can file your Articles of Amendment:

• Online: Through the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Business Services Online portal
• By mail: Send completed forms and payment to Minnesota Secretary of State, Business Services, 60 Empire Drive, Suite 100, St. Paul, MN 55103

Online filing typically processes faster than mail submissions. The standard processing time is 5-10 business days for both methods.

Source: Minnesota Secretary of State Fee Schedule, verified March 2026

Step 3: Update Your Federal Tax Records

After Minnesota approves your name change, you must notify the IRS of your new business name. The IRS doesn’t automatically receive updates from state agencies, so this step is crucial for maintaining proper tax records.

How to Notify the IRS

Send a letter to the IRS including:

• Your EIN (Employer Identification Number)
• Old business name
• New business name
• Effective date of the name change
• Your signature as an authorized person

Mail this letter to the IRS address where you file your business tax returns. The IRS will send you Letter 147C confirming the name change in their records.

Step 4: Update Banking and Financial Accounts

Contact your bank to update your business accounts with the new LLC name. Most banks require:

• Copy of the approved Articles of Amendment
• Letter 147C from the IRS (when available)
• Valid ID from an authorized account holder
• Current operating agreement (if updated)

Some banks may require you to open new accounts under the new name and close the old ones. Plan for potential temporary disruption to automatic payments and deposits.

Business Banking Recommendation

If you’re considering switching banks during your name change, look for accounts designed specifically for LLCs. Features like no monthly maintenance fees, unlimited transactions, and integrated bookkeeping can save time and money for growing businesses.

Step 5: Update Business Licenses and Permits

Review all your business licenses and permits to determine which ones need updates. Common licenses that require name changes include:

• Minnesota business licenses
• Professional licenses
• City or county business permits
• Federal permits (if applicable)
• Industry-specific certifications

Contact each licensing agency to understand their specific requirements and fees for name changes. Some agencies may require new applications rather than simple updates.

Step 6: Update Your Operating Agreement

If your LLC has an operating agreement, update it to reflect the new name. While Minnesota doesn’t require LLCs to have written operating agreements, having one protects your business interests and clarifies member responsibilities.

Your updated operating agreement should reflect the name change throughout the document and include the effective date of the change.

Step 7: Update Marketing Materials and Online Presence

The final step involves updating all your business materials with the new name:

• Business cards and letterhead
• Website domain and content
• Social media profiles
• Email signatures
• Marketing brochures and advertisements
• Signage and vehicle wraps
• Contracts and invoicing templates

Costs and Timeline Summary

Here’s what to expect for costs and timing:

• Articles of Amendment: $55 (Minnesota Secretary of State fee)
• Name reservation (optional): $55
• Processing time: 5-10 business days
• Additional costs: Bank fees, license updates, marketing materials (varies)

The total timeline from filing to complete implementation typically ranges from 2-6 weeks, depending on how quickly you update third-party accounts and materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my LLC name to anything I want?

Your new name must comply with Minnesota naming requirements and be distinguishable from existing businesses. It must include an LLC designator and cannot contain restricted words without proper licensing.

Do I need a new EIN after changing my LLC name?

No, you keep the same EIN. However, you must notify the IRS of the name change to update their records.

How long does the name change take to process?

Minnesota typically processes Articles of Amendment within 5-10 business days. Expedited processing may be available for additional fees.

Can I operate under the new name immediately after filing?

You should wait until the Minnesota Secretary of State approves your Articles of Amendment before using the new name for official business purposes.

If you need assistance with any part of the name change process, consider working with a professional service that handles business filings. They can ensure your paperwork is completed correctly and filed promptly.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Filing fees and requirements change : always confirm current fees with your state’s Secretary of State office.