Filing Guide

Minnesota · checked 2026-09-02 · Source-backed guide

Minnesota assumed name filing guide

All covered entity types

Authority and fee for this entity route. Choose your entity below before filing.

Authority: Office of the Minnesota Secretary of StateSource: mn.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptOffice of the Minnesota Secretary of State
Official fee: $30 by mail and $50 in person or onlineSource: mn.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptDetermining Whether an Assumed Name is Available An assumed name will not be accepted for filing if it is the same as, or is not distinguishable from, the name of a corporation, Limited Liability Company, limited partnership, limited liability partnership or state trademark on file with the Secretary of State. (See the section titled “Determining Whether A Name is Distinguishable” later in this chapter.) Business owners may call the general information line of the Secretary of State 651-296-2803 or access the Secretary of State website section, How to Check Business Name Availability, prior to registration to determine whether a name is available. The Secretary of State will perform a preliminary check but does not guarantee that the name will be available at the time of filing. There is no procedure for reserving an assumed name. A sole proprietorship or partnership that intends to incorporate at a later date may, however, reserve the corporate name by filing a reservation of corporate name with the Secretary of State. This procedure is described in the section of this Guide on forming a corporation. Restrictions on Assumed Names • You can only use designations like Inc., Corp., or LLC if your business is legally that type of entity. • Don’t include a location in the name if your business is not in that community. • Banks and other financial institutions must get approval from the Minnesota Department of Commerce before using an assumed name. • When filing an Assumed Business Name, the Secretary of State does NOT check against other Assumed Names on record as the law allows for the same or similar Assumed Business Name to be filed. How to File an Assumed Name Check name availability You may call the Secretary of State Office at 651-296-2803 or access their website at How To Check Business Name Availability, prior to filing to determine whether the name is available. Complete the form Download and complete Certificate of Assumed Name form or file online through an online account. View how to create an account at How to Create an Account. Pay the filing fee The filing fee is $30 by mail and $50 in person or online. Publish the name After approval, you must publish the certificate in a qualified “legal newspaper” in your county for two consecutive issues. The Secretary of State maintains a list of qualified legal newspapers. The Assumed Name must be published within 60 days of filing. The newspaper will give you proof of publication. If you do not publish, your assumed name filing is invalid.
Form: Certificate of Assumed NameSource: mn.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptCertificate of Assumed Name

Use the official filing path →Source: mblsportal.sos.mn.gov official record · retrieved

Supporting excerptOfficial destination title: Business & Liens Home Page

What Minnesota calls a DBA

The official term documented here is assumed name.

Source: mn.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptassumed name

Minnesota calls this filing a Certificate of Assumed Name, and the state's own business guidance also refers to it as an assumed name or DBA, short for doing business as.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • assumed name
  • Certificate of Assumed Name

Unlike states that split the filing between a state office and county clerks, Minnesota applies one uniform rule: every filer registers with the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State
  • In-Person (Appointment required)
Source: mblsportal.sos.mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Official destination title: Business & Liens Home Page

Under Minnesota Statutes section 333.001, the word "person" covers natural persons, partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability companies, limited liability partnerships, corporations, trusts, and any other business organization, so sole proprietors, general partnerships, LLCs, and corporations all follow the same state-level process.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Any person or partnership that conducts or transacts business in Minnesota under a name that is different than the full, true name of each owner or partner must register the name of the business by filing a Certificate of Assumed Name with the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State. It's also required of corporations, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships or limited liability companies that do business under a name that is different from their exact legal names.
  • Filing is not required if they do business as John Grimey and Jerry Grungy Janitorial Service.

Anyone carrying on a commercial business under a name that does not set forth the true name of every person interested in the business must file the certificate before commencing business, under section 333.02.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Certificate of Assumed Name

Filing is not required when the business name contains the full, true name of each owner or partner, or when an entity operates under its exact legal name.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Any person or partnership that conducts or transacts business in Minnesota under a name that is different than the full, true name of each owner or partner must register the name of the business by filing a Certificate of Assumed Name with the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State. It's also required of corporations, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships or limited liability companies that do business under a name that is different from their exact legal names.
  • Filing is not required if they do business as John Grimey and Jerry Grungy Janitorial Service.

The filing is a public notice of who is behind the name; state guidance warns it does not give exclusive rights to the name, and the Secretary of State does not check a new assumed name against other assumed names already on file.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • assumed name
  • Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State
  • Any person or partnership that conducts or transacts business in Minnesota under a name that is different than the full, true name of each owner or partner must register the name of the business by filing a Certificate of Assumed Name with the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State. It's also required of corporations, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships or limited liability companies that do business under a name that is different from their exact legal names.
  • Filing is not required if they do business as John Grimey and Jerry Grungy Janitorial Service.
Source: mblsportal.sos.mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Official destination title: Business & Liens Home Page
Source: www.revisor.mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • The certificate shall be published after it has been filed with the secretary of state in a qualified newspaper in the county in which the person has a principal or registered office for two successive issues.
  • in a qualified newspaper in the county in which the person has a principal or registered office for two successive issues
Source: mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Determining Whether an Assumed Name is Available An assumed name will not be accepted for filing if it is the same as, or is not distinguishable from, the name of a corporation, Limited Liability Company, limited partnership, limited liability partnership or state trademark on file with the Secretary of State. (See the section titled “Determining Whether A Name is Distinguishable” later in this chapter.) Business owners may call the general information line of the Secretary of State 651-296-2803 or access the Secretary of State website section, How to Check Business Name Availability, prior to registration to determine whether a name is available. The Secretary of State will perform a preliminary check but does not guarantee that the name will be available at the time of filing. There is no procedure for reserving an assumed name. A sole proprietorship or partnership that intends to incorporate at a later date may, however, reserve the corporate name by filing a reservation of corporate name with the Secretary of State. This procedure is described in the section of this Guide on forming a corporation. Restrictions on Assumed Names • You can only use designations like Inc., Corp., or LLC if your business is legally that type of entity. • Don’t include a location in the name if your business is not in that community. • Banks and other financial institutions must get approval from the Minnesota Department of Commerce before using an assumed name. • When filing an Assumed Business Name, the Secretary of State does NOT check against other Assumed Names on record as the law allows for the same or similar Assumed Business Name to be filed. How to File an Assumed Name Check name availability You may call the Secretary of State Office at 651-296-2803 or access their website at How To Check Business Name Availability, prior to filing to determine whether the name is available. Complete the form Download and complete Certificate of Assumed Name form or file online through an online account. View how to create an account at How to Create an Account. Pay the filing fee The filing fee is $30 by mail and $50 in person or online. Publish the name After approval, you must publish the certificate in a qualified “legal newspaper” in your county for two consecutive issues. The Secretary of State maintains a list of qualified legal newspapers. The Assumed Name must be published within 60 days of filing. The newspaper will give you proof of publication. If you do not publish, your assumed name filing is invalid.
Source: www.revisor.mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • The certificate shall be published after it has been filed with the secretary of state in a qualified newspaper in the county in which the person has a principal or registered office for two successive issues.

Minnesota also requires newspaper publication of the certificate after filing, and the certificate stays active only while an annual renewal is filed each calendar year.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Certificate of Assumed Name
Source: www.revisor.mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Filing of a certificate hereunder shall be effective upon filing and shall remain in effect as long as an annual renewal for the certificate is filed in each calendar year following the calendar year in which the original filing was filed. The certificate expires in the calendar year following a calendar year in which the annual renewal was not filed. Notice of the annual renewal requirement must be provided to the person or entity submitting the certificate at the time of the original filing.
  • The secretary of state shall charge and collect a fee of $30 for each filing submitted with respect to an assumed name except for the annual renewal, for which no fee will be charged.
Source: www.revisor.mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • The certificate shall be published after it has been filed with the secretary of state in a qualified newspaper in the county in which the person has a principal or registered office for two successive issues.
  • in a qualified newspaper in the county in which the person has a principal or registered office for two successive issues
Source: mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Determining Whether an Assumed Name is Available An assumed name will not be accepted for filing if it is the same as, or is not distinguishable from, the name of a corporation, Limited Liability Company, limited partnership, limited liability partnership or state trademark on file with the Secretary of State. (See the section titled “Determining Whether A Name is Distinguishable” later in this chapter.) Business owners may call the general information line of the Secretary of State 651-296-2803 or access the Secretary of State website section, How to Check Business Name Availability, prior to registration to determine whether a name is available. The Secretary of State will perform a preliminary check but does not guarantee that the name will be available at the time of filing. There is no procedure for reserving an assumed name. A sole proprietorship or partnership that intends to incorporate at a later date may, however, reserve the corporate name by filing a reservation of corporate name with the Secretary of State. This procedure is described in the section of this Guide on forming a corporation. Restrictions on Assumed Names • You can only use designations like Inc., Corp., or LLC if your business is legally that type of entity. • Don’t include a location in the name if your business is not in that community. • Banks and other financial institutions must get approval from the Minnesota Department of Commerce before using an assumed name. • When filing an Assumed Business Name, the Secretary of State does NOT check against other Assumed Names on record as the law allows for the same or similar Assumed Business Name to be filed. How to File an Assumed Name Check name availability You may call the Secretary of State Office at 651-296-2803 or access their website at How To Check Business Name Availability, prior to filing to determine whether the name is available. Complete the form Download and complete Certificate of Assumed Name form or file online through an online account. View how to create an account at How to Create an Account. Pay the filing fee The filing fee is $30 by mail and $50 in person or online. Publish the name After approval, you must publish the certificate in a qualified “legal newspaper” in your county for two consecutive issues. The Secretary of State maintains a list of qualified legal newspapers. The Assumed Name must be published within 60 days of filing. The newspaper will give you proof of publication. If you do not publish, your assumed name filing is invalid.
Source: www.revisor.mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • The certificate shall be published after it has been filed with the secretary of state in a qualified newspaper in the county in which the person has a principal or registered office for two successive issues.

Rules by legal entity type

Jump to the entity that already exists. Each section keeps its own authority, fee, exceptions, and official evidence.

Build a personal filing plan for Minnesota →

All covered entity types

Required: Yes, when the documented conditions apply.Source: www.revisor.mn.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptNo person shall hereafter carry on or conduct or transact a commercial business in this state under any designation, name, or style, which does not set forth the true name of every person interested in such business unless such person shall file in the Office of the Secretary of State, a certificate setting forth the name and business address under which the business is conducted or transacted
Authority: Office of the Minnesota Secretary of StateSource: mn.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptOffice of the Minnesota Secretary of State
When this route applies: Any person or partnership that conducts or transacts business in Minnesota under a name that is different than the full, true name of each owner or partner must register the name of the business by filing a Certificate of Assumed Name with the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State. It's also required of corporations, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships or limited liability companies that do business under a name that is different from their exact legal names.Source: mn.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptAny person or partnership that conducts or transacts business in Minnesota under a name that is different than the full, true name of each owner or partner must register the name of the business by filing a Certificate of Assumed Name with the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State. It's also required of corporations, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships or limited liability companies that do business under a name that is different from their exact legal names.
Official form: Certificate of Assumed NameSource: mn.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptCertificate of Assumed Name
Form destination: Could not be confirmed because the official source blocked access.
Online filing link: https://mblsportal.sos.mn.gov/Source: mblsportal.sos.mn.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptOfficial destination title: Business & Liens Home Page
Official fee: $30 by mail and $50 in person or onlineSource: mn.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptDetermining Whether an Assumed Name is Available An assumed name will not be accepted for filing if it is the same as, or is not distinguishable from, the name of a corporation, Limited Liability Company, limited partnership, limited liability partnership or state trademark on file with the Secretary of State. (See the section titled “Determining Whether A Name is Distinguishable” later in this chapter.) Business owners may call the general information line of the Secretary of State 651-296-2803 or access the Secretary of State website section, How to Check Business Name Availability, prior to registration to determine whether a name is available. The Secretary of State will perform a preliminary check but does not guarantee that the name will be available at the time of filing. There is no procedure for reserving an assumed name. A sole proprietorship or partnership that intends to incorporate at a later date may, however, reserve the corporate name by filing a reservation of corporate name with the Secretary of State. This procedure is described in the section of this Guide on forming a corporation. Restrictions on Assumed Names • You can only use designations like Inc., Corp., or LLC if your business is legally that type of entity. • Don’t include a location in the name if your business is not in that community. • Banks and other financial institutions must get approval from the Minnesota Department of Commerce before using an assumed name. • When filing an Assumed Business Name, the Secretary of State does NOT check against other Assumed Names on record as the law allows for the same or similar Assumed Business Name to be filed. How to File an Assumed Name Check name availability You may call the Secretary of State Office at 651-296-2803 or access their website at How To Check Business Name Availability, prior to filing to determine whether the name is available. Complete the form Download and complete Certificate of Assumed Name form or file online through an online account. View how to create an account at How to Create an Account. Pay the filing fee The filing fee is $30 by mail and $50 in person or online. Publish the name After approval, you must publish the certificate in a qualified “legal newspaper” in your county for two consecutive issues. The Secretary of State maintains a list of qualified legal newspapers. The Assumed Name must be published within 60 days of filing. The newspaper will give you proof of publication. If you do not publish, your assumed name filing is invalid.
Effective duration: Filing of a certificate hereunder shall be effective upon filing and shall remain in effect as long as an annual renewal for the certificate is filed in each calendar year following the calendar year in which the original filing was filed. The certificate expires in the calendar year following a calendar year in which the annual renewal was not filed.Source: www.revisor.mn.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptFiling of a certificate hereunder shall be effective upon filing and shall remain in effect as long as an annual renewal for the certificate is filed in each calendar year following the calendar year in which the original filing was filed. The certificate expires in the calendar year following a calendar year in which the annual renewal was not filed. Notice of the annual renewal requirement must be provided to the person or entity submitting the certificate at the time of the original filing.
Renewal: The secretary of state shall charge and collect a fee of $30 for each filing submitted with respect to an assumed name except for the annual renewal, for which no fee will be charged.Source: www.revisor.mn.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptThe secretary of state shall charge and collect a fee of $30 for each filing submitted with respect to an assumed name except for the annual renewal, for which no fee will be charged.
Changes or amendments: Within 60 days after the occurrence of any event which makes any statement in the last previous certificate filed incorrect, an amended certificate shall be filed and the amended certificate shall be published by the person conducting the business in the same manner as provided by section 333.01. If the amendment is made only to comply with a change in the law that occurred since the previous date of filing, publication is not required.Source: mn.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptWithin 60 days after the occurrence of any event which makes any statement in the last previous certificate filed incorrect, an amended certificate shall be filed and the amended certificate shall be published by the person conducting the business in the same manner as provided by section 333.01. If the amendment is made only to comply with a change in the law that occurred since the previous date of filing, publication is not required.
Abandonment or cancellation: Cancellation $0 $0 / $0Source: mn.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptCancellation $0 $0 / $0
Important exclusions: Filing is not required if they do business as John Grimey and Jerry Grungy Janitorial Service.Source: mn.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptFiling is not required if they do business as John Grimey and Jerry Grungy Janitorial Service.
Mail filing: Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State First National Bank Building 332 Minnesota Street, N201 St. Paul, MN 55101Source: mn.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptOffice of the Minnesota Secretary of State (SOS) Business and Nonprofit Services address: Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State First National Bank Building 332 Minnesota Street, N201 St. Paul, MN 55101 651-296-2803 877-551-6767 (Greater MN) business.services@state.mn.us
In-person filing: In-Person (Appointment required)Source: mn.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptIn-Person (Appointment required)

How to file through the authority

First, check whether the assumed name is available: it cannot be the same as, or not distinguishable from, the name of a corporation, LLC, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, or state trademark on file with the Secretary of State, and there is no procedure for reserving an assumed name.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • assumed name
  • Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State
  • Any person or partnership that conducts or transacts business in Minnesota under a name that is different than the full, true name of each owner or partner must register the name of the business by filing a Certificate of Assumed Name with the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State. It's also required of corporations, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships or limited liability companies that do business under a name that is different from their exact legal names.
  • Filing is not required if they do business as John Grimey and Jerry Grungy Janitorial Service.
Source: mblsportal.sos.mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Official destination title: Business & Liens Home Page

Then complete the Certificate of Assumed Name, described as a simple one-page document.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • assumed name
  • Certificate of Assumed Name

Filers can download the form and submit it by mail to the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State, First National Bank Building, 332 Minnesota Street, N201, St. Paul, MN 55101, or file online by creating an account through the Secretary of State's Business and Liens portal at mblsportal.sos.mn.gov.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State
  • Certificate of Assumed Name
  • In-Person (Appointment required)
Source: mblsportal.sos.mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Official destination title: Business & Liens Home Page
Source: mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State (SOS) Business and Nonprofit Services address: Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State First National Bank Building 332 Minnesota Street, N201 St. Paul, MN 55101 651-296-2803 877-551-6767 (Greater MN) business.services@state.mn.us

In-person filing is listed in the official fee schedule as requiring an appointment.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Determining Whether an Assumed Name is Available An assumed name will not be accepted for filing if it is the same as, or is not distinguishable from, the name of a corporation, Limited Liability Company, limited partnership, limited liability partnership or state trademark on file with the Secretary of State. (See the section titled “Determining Whether A Name is Distinguishable” later in this chapter.) Business owners may call the general information line of the Secretary of State 651-296-2803 or access the Secretary of State website section, How to Check Business Name Availability, prior to registration to determine whether a name is available. The Secretary of State will perform a preliminary check but does not guarantee that the name will be available at the time of filing. There is no procedure for reserving an assumed name. A sole proprietorship or partnership that intends to incorporate at a later date may, however, reserve the corporate name by filing a reservation of corporate name with the Secretary of State. This procedure is described in the section of this Guide on forming a corporation. Restrictions on Assumed Names • You can only use designations like Inc., Corp., or LLC if your business is legally that type of entity. • Don’t include a location in the name if your business is not in that community. • Banks and other financial institutions must get approval from the Minnesota Department of Commerce before using an assumed name. • When filing an Assumed Business Name, the Secretary of State does NOT check against other Assumed Names on record as the law allows for the same or similar Assumed Business Name to be filed. How to File an Assumed Name Check name availability You may call the Secretary of State Office at 651-296-2803 or access their website at How To Check Business Name Availability, prior to filing to determine whether the name is available. Complete the form Download and complete Certificate of Assumed Name form or file online through an online account. View how to create an account at How to Create an Account. Pay the filing fee The filing fee is $30 by mail and $50 in person or online. Publish the name After approval, you must publish the certificate in a qualified “legal newspaper” in your county for two consecutive issues. The Secretary of State maintains a list of qualified legal newspapers. The Assumed Name must be published within 60 days of filing. The newspaper will give you proof of publication. If you do not publish, your assumed name filing is invalid.

Per the state's guide, the filing fee is $30 by mail and $50 in person or online.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: mblsportal.sos.mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Official destination title: Business & Liens Home Page
Source: mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State (SOS) Business and Nonprofit Services address: Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State First National Bank Building 332 Minnesota Street, N201 St. Paul, MN 55101 651-296-2803 877-551-6767 (Greater MN) business.services@state.mn.us
  • Determining Whether an Assumed Name is Available An assumed name will not be accepted for filing if it is the same as, or is not distinguishable from, the name of a corporation, Limited Liability Company, limited partnership, limited liability partnership or state trademark on file with the Secretary of State. (See the section titled “Determining Whether A Name is Distinguishable” later in this chapter.) Business owners may call the general information line of the Secretary of State 651-296-2803 or access the Secretary of State website section, How to Check Business Name Availability, prior to registration to determine whether a name is available. The Secretary of State will perform a preliminary check but does not guarantee that the name will be available at the time of filing. There is no procedure for reserving an assumed name. A sole proprietorship or partnership that intends to incorporate at a later date may, however, reserve the corporate name by filing a reservation of corporate name with the Secretary of State. This procedure is described in the section of this Guide on forming a corporation. Restrictions on Assumed Names • You can only use designations like Inc., Corp., or LLC if your business is legally that type of entity. • Don’t include a location in the name if your business is not in that community. • Banks and other financial institutions must get approval from the Minnesota Department of Commerce before using an assumed name. • When filing an Assumed Business Name, the Secretary of State does NOT check against other Assumed Names on record as the law allows for the same or similar Assumed Business Name to be filed. How to File an Assumed Name Check name availability You may call the Secretary of State Office at 651-296-2803 or access their website at How To Check Business Name Availability, prior to filing to determine whether the name is available. Complete the form Download and complete Certificate of Assumed Name form or file online through an online account. View how to create an account at How to Create an Account. Pay the filing fee The filing fee is $30 by mail and $50 in person or online. Publish the name After approval, you must publish the certificate in a qualified “legal newspaper” in your county for two consecutive issues. The Secretary of State maintains a list of qualified legal newspapers. The Assumed Name must be published within 60 days of filing. The newspaper will give you proof of publication. If you do not publish, your assumed name filing is invalid.
Source: mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • In-Person (Appointment required)

After the Secretary of State accepts the filing, the certificate must be published in a qualified legal newspaper in the county where the registered office or principal place of business is located, for two consecutive issues, and the guide states the name must be published within 60 days of filing; the newspaper provides proof of publication, and a filing that is not published is invalid.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State
  • Certificate of Assumed Name
  • In-Person (Appointment required)
Source: mblsportal.sos.mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Official destination title: Business & Liens Home Page
Source: www.revisor.mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • The certificate shall be published after it has been filed with the secretary of state in a qualified newspaper in the county in which the person has a principal or registered office for two successive issues.
  • in a qualified newspaper in the county in which the person has a principal or registered office for two successive issues
Source: mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Determining Whether an Assumed Name is Available An assumed name will not be accepted for filing if it is the same as, or is not distinguishable from, the name of a corporation, Limited Liability Company, limited partnership, limited liability partnership or state trademark on file with the Secretary of State. (See the section titled “Determining Whether A Name is Distinguishable” later in this chapter.) Business owners may call the general information line of the Secretary of State 651-296-2803 or access the Secretary of State website section, How to Check Business Name Availability, prior to registration to determine whether a name is available. The Secretary of State will perform a preliminary check but does not guarantee that the name will be available at the time of filing. There is no procedure for reserving an assumed name. A sole proprietorship or partnership that intends to incorporate at a later date may, however, reserve the corporate name by filing a reservation of corporate name with the Secretary of State. This procedure is described in the section of this Guide on forming a corporation. Restrictions on Assumed Names • You can only use designations like Inc., Corp., or LLC if your business is legally that type of entity. • Don’t include a location in the name if your business is not in that community. • Banks and other financial institutions must get approval from the Minnesota Department of Commerce before using an assumed name. • When filing an Assumed Business Name, the Secretary of State does NOT check against other Assumed Names on record as the law allows for the same or similar Assumed Business Name to be filed. How to File an Assumed Name Check name availability You may call the Secretary of State Office at 651-296-2803 or access their website at How To Check Business Name Availability, prior to filing to determine whether the name is available. Complete the form Download and complete Certificate of Assumed Name form or file online through an online account. View how to create an account at How to Create an Account. Pay the filing fee The filing fee is $30 by mail and $50 in person or online. Publish the name After approval, you must publish the certificate in a qualified “legal newspaper” in your county for two consecutive issues. The Secretary of State maintains a list of qualified legal newspapers. The Assumed Name must be published within 60 days of filing. The newspaper will give you proof of publication. If you do not publish, your assumed name filing is invalid.
Source: www.revisor.mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • The certificate shall be published after it has been filed with the secretary of state in a qualified newspaper in the county in which the person has a principal or registered office for two successive issues.

Renewal, amendment, and abandonment

A Minnesota certificate of assumed name does not run for a fixed term of years.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • assumed name
  • Certificate of Assumed Name
Source: www.revisor.mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Filing of a certificate hereunder shall be effective upon filing and shall remain in effect as long as an annual renewal for the certificate is filed in each calendar year following the calendar year in which the original filing was filed. The certificate expires in the calendar year following a calendar year in which the annual renewal was not filed. Notice of the annual renewal requirement must be provided to the person or entity submitting the certificate at the time of the original filing.
  • The secretary of state shall charge and collect a fee of $30 for each filing submitted with respect to an assumed name except for the annual renewal, for which no fee will be charged.

Under Minnesota Statutes section 333.055, it is effective upon filing and remains in effect as long as an annual renewal is filed in each calendar year following the year of the original filing; the certificate expires in the calendar year after a year in which no annual renewal was filed.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Certificate of Assumed Name
Source: www.revisor.mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Filing of a certificate hereunder shall be effective upon filing and shall remain in effect as long as an annual renewal for the certificate is filed in each calendar year following the calendar year in which the original filing was filed. The certificate expires in the calendar year following a calendar year in which the annual renewal was not filed. Notice of the annual renewal requirement must be provided to the person or entity submitting the certificate at the time of the original filing.
  • The secretary of state shall charge and collect a fee of $30 for each filing submitted with respect to an assumed name except for the annual renewal, for which no fee will be charged.

The annual renewal carries no fee when filed on time, and the state's guide says the Secretary of State sends a digital reminder.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State
Source: mblsportal.sos.mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Official destination title: Business & Liens Home Page
Source: mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Determining Whether an Assumed Name is Available An assumed name will not be accepted for filing if it is the same as, or is not distinguishable from, the name of a corporation, Limited Liability Company, limited partnership, limited liability partnership or state trademark on file with the Secretary of State. (See the section titled “Determining Whether A Name is Distinguishable” later in this chapter.) Business owners may call the general information line of the Secretary of State 651-296-2803 or access the Secretary of State website section, How to Check Business Name Availability, prior to registration to determine whether a name is available. The Secretary of State will perform a preliminary check but does not guarantee that the name will be available at the time of filing. There is no procedure for reserving an assumed name. A sole proprietorship or partnership that intends to incorporate at a later date may, however, reserve the corporate name by filing a reservation of corporate name with the Secretary of State. This procedure is described in the section of this Guide on forming a corporation. Restrictions on Assumed Names • You can only use designations like Inc., Corp., or LLC if your business is legally that type of entity. • Don’t include a location in the name if your business is not in that community. • Banks and other financial institutions must get approval from the Minnesota Department of Commerce before using an assumed name. • When filing an Assumed Business Name, the Secretary of State does NOT check against other Assumed Names on record as the law allows for the same or similar Assumed Business Name to be filed. How to File an Assumed Name Check name availability You may call the Secretary of State Office at 651-296-2803 or access their website at How To Check Business Name Availability, prior to filing to determine whether the name is available. Complete the form Download and complete Certificate of Assumed Name form or file online through an online account. View how to create an account at How to Create an Account. Pay the filing fee The filing fee is $30 by mail and $50 in person or online. Publish the name After approval, you must publish the certificate in a qualified “legal newspaper” in your county for two consecutive issues. The Secretary of State maintains a list of qualified legal newspapers. The Assumed Name must be published within 60 days of filing. The newspaper will give you proof of publication. If you do not publish, your assumed name filing is invalid.
Source: www.revisor.mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Filing of a certificate hereunder shall be effective upon filing and shall remain in effect as long as an annual renewal for the certificate is filed in each calendar year following the calendar year in which the original filing was filed. The certificate expires in the calendar year following a calendar year in which the annual renewal was not filed. Notice of the annual renewal requirement must be provided to the person or entity submitting the certificate at the time of the original filing.
  • The secretary of state shall charge and collect a fee of $30 for each filing submitted with respect to an assumed name except for the annual renewal, for which no fee will be charged.

An expired certificate may be reinstated by filing the annual renewal with a reinstatement fee: the statute prints a $25 reinstatement fee, while the Secretary of State fee schedule reproduced in the state's guide lists Annual Reinstatement at $65 by mail and $85 in person or online, noting that an entity inactive for over six years cannot be reinstated online.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State
  • Certificate of Assumed Name
  • In-Person (Appointment required)
  • Any person or partnership that conducts or transacts business in Minnesota under a name that is different than the full, true name of each owner or partner must register the name of the business by filing a Certificate of Assumed Name with the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State. It's also required of corporations, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships or limited liability companies that do business under a name that is different from their exact legal names.
  • Filing is not required if they do business as John Grimey and Jerry Grungy Janitorial Service.
Source: mblsportal.sos.mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Official destination title: Business & Liens Home Page
Source: mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State (SOS) Business and Nonprofit Services address: Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State First National Bank Building 332 Minnesota Street, N201 St. Paul, MN 55101 651-296-2803 877-551-6767 (Greater MN) business.services@state.mn.us
  • Determining Whether an Assumed Name is Available An assumed name will not be accepted for filing if it is the same as, or is not distinguishable from, the name of a corporation, Limited Liability Company, limited partnership, limited liability partnership or state trademark on file with the Secretary of State. (See the section titled “Determining Whether A Name is Distinguishable” later in this chapter.) Business owners may call the general information line of the Secretary of State 651-296-2803 or access the Secretary of State website section, How to Check Business Name Availability, prior to registration to determine whether a name is available. The Secretary of State will perform a preliminary check but does not guarantee that the name will be available at the time of filing. There is no procedure for reserving an assumed name. A sole proprietorship or partnership that intends to incorporate at a later date may, however, reserve the corporate name by filing a reservation of corporate name with the Secretary of State. This procedure is described in the section of this Guide on forming a corporation. Restrictions on Assumed Names • You can only use designations like Inc., Corp., or LLC if your business is legally that type of entity. • Don’t include a location in the name if your business is not in that community. • Banks and other financial institutions must get approval from the Minnesota Department of Commerce before using an assumed name. • When filing an Assumed Business Name, the Secretary of State does NOT check against other Assumed Names on record as the law allows for the same or similar Assumed Business Name to be filed. How to File an Assumed Name Check name availability You may call the Secretary of State Office at 651-296-2803 or access their website at How To Check Business Name Availability, prior to filing to determine whether the name is available. Complete the form Download and complete Certificate of Assumed Name form or file online through an online account. View how to create an account at How to Create an Account. Pay the filing fee The filing fee is $30 by mail and $50 in person or online. Publish the name After approval, you must publish the certificate in a qualified “legal newspaper” in your county for two consecutive issues. The Secretary of State maintains a list of qualified legal newspapers. The Assumed Name must be published within 60 days of filing. The newspaper will give you proof of publication. If you do not publish, your assumed name filing is invalid.
Source: www.revisor.mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Filing of a certificate hereunder shall be effective upon filing and shall remain in effect as long as an annual renewal for the certificate is filed in each calendar year following the calendar year in which the original filing was filed. The certificate expires in the calendar year following a calendar year in which the annual renewal was not filed. Notice of the annual renewal requirement must be provided to the person or entity submitting the certificate at the time of the original filing.
  • The secretary of state shall charge and collect a fee of $30 for each filing submitted with respect to an assumed name except for the annual renewal, for which no fee will be charged.

If any statement in the last filed certificate becomes incorrect, an amended certificate must be filed within 60 days of the event, and the amendment is published the same way as the original certificate unless it is made only to comply with a change in law.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Certificate of Assumed Name
  • Within 60 days after the occurrence of any event which makes any statement in the last previous certificate filed incorrect, an amended certificate shall be filed and the amended certificate shall be published by the person conducting the business in the same manner as provided by section 333.01. If the amendment is made only to comply with a change in the law that occurred since the previous date of filing, publication is not required.
Source: www.revisor.mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • The certificate shall be published after it has been filed with the secretary of state in a qualified newspaper in the county in which the person has a principal or registered office for two successive issues.
  • in a qualified newspaper in the county in which the person has a principal or registered office for two successive issues
Source: mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Determining Whether an Assumed Name is Available An assumed name will not be accepted for filing if it is the same as, or is not distinguishable from, the name of a corporation, Limited Liability Company, limited partnership, limited liability partnership or state trademark on file with the Secretary of State. (See the section titled “Determining Whether A Name is Distinguishable” later in this chapter.) Business owners may call the general information line of the Secretary of State 651-296-2803 or access the Secretary of State website section, How to Check Business Name Availability, prior to registration to determine whether a name is available. The Secretary of State will perform a preliminary check but does not guarantee that the name will be available at the time of filing. There is no procedure for reserving an assumed name. A sole proprietorship or partnership that intends to incorporate at a later date may, however, reserve the corporate name by filing a reservation of corporate name with the Secretary of State. This procedure is described in the section of this Guide on forming a corporation. Restrictions on Assumed Names • You can only use designations like Inc., Corp., or LLC if your business is legally that type of entity. • Don’t include a location in the name if your business is not in that community. • Banks and other financial institutions must get approval from the Minnesota Department of Commerce before using an assumed name. • When filing an Assumed Business Name, the Secretary of State does NOT check against other Assumed Names on record as the law allows for the same or similar Assumed Business Name to be filed. How to File an Assumed Name Check name availability You may call the Secretary of State Office at 651-296-2803 or access their website at How To Check Business Name Availability, prior to filing to determine whether the name is available. Complete the form Download and complete Certificate of Assumed Name form or file online through an online account. View how to create an account at How to Create an Account. Pay the filing fee The filing fee is $30 by mail and $50 in person or online. Publish the name After approval, you must publish the certificate in a qualified “legal newspaper” in your county for two consecutive issues. The Secretary of State maintains a list of qualified legal newspapers. The Assumed Name must be published within 60 days of filing. The newspaper will give you proof of publication. If you do not publish, your assumed name filing is invalid.
Source: www.revisor.mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • The certificate shall be published after it has been filed with the secretary of state in a qualified newspaper in the county in which the person has a principal or registered office for two successive issues.

Ending the name is inexpensive: the official fee schedule lists Cancellation at $0 by mail, in person, or online.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: mblsportal.sos.mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Official destination title: Business & Liens Home Page
Source: mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State (SOS) Business and Nonprofit Services address: Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State First National Bank Building 332 Minnesota Street, N201 St. Paul, MN 55101 651-296-2803 877-551-6767 (Greater MN) business.services@state.mn.us
  • Determining Whether an Assumed Name is Available An assumed name will not be accepted for filing if it is the same as, or is not distinguishable from, the name of a corporation, Limited Liability Company, limited partnership, limited liability partnership or state trademark on file with the Secretary of State. (See the section titled “Determining Whether A Name is Distinguishable” later in this chapter.) Business owners may call the general information line of the Secretary of State 651-296-2803 or access the Secretary of State website section, How to Check Business Name Availability, prior to registration to determine whether a name is available. The Secretary of State will perform a preliminary check but does not guarantee that the name will be available at the time of filing. There is no procedure for reserving an assumed name. A sole proprietorship or partnership that intends to incorporate at a later date may, however, reserve the corporate name by filing a reservation of corporate name with the Secretary of State. This procedure is described in the section of this Guide on forming a corporation. Restrictions on Assumed Names • You can only use designations like Inc., Corp., or LLC if your business is legally that type of entity. • Don’t include a location in the name if your business is not in that community. • Banks and other financial institutions must get approval from the Minnesota Department of Commerce before using an assumed name. • When filing an Assumed Business Name, the Secretary of State does NOT check against other Assumed Names on record as the law allows for the same or similar Assumed Business Name to be filed. How to File an Assumed Name Check name availability You may call the Secretary of State Office at 651-296-2803 or access their website at How To Check Business Name Availability, prior to filing to determine whether the name is available. Complete the form Download and complete Certificate of Assumed Name form or file online through an online account. View how to create an account at How to Create an Account. Pay the filing fee The filing fee is $30 by mail and $50 in person or online. Publish the name After approval, you must publish the certificate in a qualified “legal newspaper” in your county for two consecutive issues. The Secretary of State maintains a list of qualified legal newspapers. The Assumed Name must be published within 60 days of filing. The newspaper will give you proof of publication. If you do not publish, your assumed name filing is invalid.
Source: mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • In-Person (Appointment required)
  • Cancellation $0 $0 / $0

Publication and notice

Plan your publication: schedule, quotes and proof →

All covered entity types

Publication required: Yes, when the conditions below apply.

The certificate shall be published after it has been filed with the secretary of state in a qualified newspaper in the county in which the person has a principal or registered office for two successive issues.

Source: www.revisor.mn.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptThe certificate shall be published after it has been filed with the secretary of state in a qualified newspaper in the county in which the person has a principal or registered office for two successive issues.
When to start: The Assumed Name must be published within 60 days of filing.Source: mn.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptDetermining Whether an Assumed Name is Available An assumed name will not be accepted for filing if it is the same as, or is not distinguishable from, the name of a corporation, Limited Liability Company, limited partnership, limited liability partnership or state trademark on file with the Secretary of State. (See the section titled “Determining Whether A Name is Distinguishable” later in this chapter.) Business owners may call the general information line of the Secretary of State 651-296-2803 or access the Secretary of State website section, How to Check Business Name Availability, prior to registration to determine whether a name is available. The Secretary of State will perform a preliminary check but does not guarantee that the name will be available at the time of filing. There is no procedure for reserving an assumed name. A sole proprietorship or partnership that intends to incorporate at a later date may, however, reserve the corporate name by filing a reservation of corporate name with the Secretary of State. This procedure is described in the section of this Guide on forming a corporation. Restrictions on Assumed Names • You can only use designations like Inc., Corp., or LLC if your business is legally that type of entity. • Don’t include a location in the name if your business is not in that community. • Banks and other financial institutions must get approval from the Minnesota Department of Commerce before using an assumed name. • When filing an Assumed Business Name, the Secretary of State does NOT check against other Assumed Names on record as the law allows for the same or similar Assumed Business Name to be filed. How to File an Assumed Name Check name availability You may call the Secretary of State Office at 651-296-2803 or access their website at How To Check Business Name Availability, prior to filing to determine whether the name is available. Complete the form Download and complete Certificate of Assumed Name form or file online through an online account. View how to create an account at How to Create an Account. Pay the filing fee The filing fee is $30 by mail and $50 in person or online. Publish the name After approval, you must publish the certificate in a qualified “legal newspaper” in your county for two consecutive issues. The Secretary of State maintains a list of qualified legal newspapers. The Assumed Name must be published within 60 days of filing. The newspaper will give you proof of publication. If you do not publish, your assumed name filing is invalid.
How often to publish: in a qualified newspaper in the county in which the person has a principal or registered office for two successive issuesSource: www.revisor.mn.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptin a qualified newspaper in the county in which the person has a principal or registered office for two successive issues
How long to publish: two successive issuesSource: www.revisor.mn.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptThe certificate shall be published after it has been filed with the secretary of state in a qualified newspaper in the county in which the person has a principal or registered office for two successive issues.
Deadline for proof: Not confirmed in this guide.

Next steps: self-file first

Confirm your name is distinguishable from entity names and trademarks on file — the Secretary of State's business name search is linked from the Business and Liens portal, and the office's general information line is 651-296-2803.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State
  • In-Person (Appointment required)
  • Any person or partnership that conducts or transacts business in Minnesota under a name that is different than the full, true name of each owner or partner must register the name of the business by filing a Certificate of Assumed Name with the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State. It's also required of corporations, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships or limited liability companies that do business under a name that is different from their exact legal names.
  • Filing is not required if they do business as John Grimey and Jerry Grungy Janitorial Service.
Source: mblsportal.sos.mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Official destination title: Business & Liens Home Page

Then file the Certificate of Assumed Name yourself: create an online account at mblsportal.sos.mn.gov to file electronically, or download the one-page form and mail it with the $30 mail filing fee to the Secretary of State's St. Paul office.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • assumed name
  • Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State
  • Certificate of Assumed Name
  • In-Person (Appointment required)
Source: mblsportal.sos.mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Official destination title: Business & Liens Home Page
Source: mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State (SOS) Business and Nonprofit Services address: Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State First National Bank Building 332 Minnesota Street, N201 St. Paul, MN 55101 651-296-2803 877-551-6767 (Greater MN) business.services@state.mn.us
  • Determining Whether an Assumed Name is Available An assumed name will not be accepted for filing if it is the same as, or is not distinguishable from, the name of a corporation, Limited Liability Company, limited partnership, limited liability partnership or state trademark on file with the Secretary of State. (See the section titled “Determining Whether A Name is Distinguishable” later in this chapter.) Business owners may call the general information line of the Secretary of State 651-296-2803 or access the Secretary of State website section, How to Check Business Name Availability, prior to registration to determine whether a name is available. The Secretary of State will perform a preliminary check but does not guarantee that the name will be available at the time of filing. There is no procedure for reserving an assumed name. A sole proprietorship or partnership that intends to incorporate at a later date may, however, reserve the corporate name by filing a reservation of corporate name with the Secretary of State. This procedure is described in the section of this Guide on forming a corporation. Restrictions on Assumed Names • You can only use designations like Inc., Corp., or LLC if your business is legally that type of entity. • Don’t include a location in the name if your business is not in that community. • Banks and other financial institutions must get approval from the Minnesota Department of Commerce before using an assumed name. • When filing an Assumed Business Name, the Secretary of State does NOT check against other Assumed Names on record as the law allows for the same or similar Assumed Business Name to be filed. How to File an Assumed Name Check name availability You may call the Secretary of State Office at 651-296-2803 or access their website at How To Check Business Name Availability, prior to filing to determine whether the name is available. Complete the form Download and complete Certificate of Assumed Name form or file online through an online account. View how to create an account at How to Create an Account. Pay the filing fee The filing fee is $30 by mail and $50 in person or online. Publish the name After approval, you must publish the certificate in a qualified “legal newspaper” in your county for two consecutive issues. The Secretary of State maintains a list of qualified legal newspapers. The Assumed Name must be published within 60 days of filing. The newspaper will give you proof of publication. If you do not publish, your assumed name filing is invalid.

Once the filing is accepted, arrange publication in a qualified legal newspaper in your county for two consecutive issues within 60 days of filing, and keep the newspaper's proof of publication.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: www.revisor.mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • The certificate shall be published after it has been filed with the secretary of state in a qualified newspaper in the county in which the person has a principal or registered office for two successive issues.
  • in a qualified newspaper in the county in which the person has a principal or registered office for two successive issues
Source: mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Determining Whether an Assumed Name is Available An assumed name will not be accepted for filing if it is the same as, or is not distinguishable from, the name of a corporation, Limited Liability Company, limited partnership, limited liability partnership or state trademark on file with the Secretary of State. (See the section titled “Determining Whether A Name is Distinguishable” later in this chapter.) Business owners may call the general information line of the Secretary of State 651-296-2803 or access the Secretary of State website section, How to Check Business Name Availability, prior to registration to determine whether a name is available. The Secretary of State will perform a preliminary check but does not guarantee that the name will be available at the time of filing. There is no procedure for reserving an assumed name. A sole proprietorship or partnership that intends to incorporate at a later date may, however, reserve the corporate name by filing a reservation of corporate name with the Secretary of State. This procedure is described in the section of this Guide on forming a corporation. Restrictions on Assumed Names • You can only use designations like Inc., Corp., or LLC if your business is legally that type of entity. • Don’t include a location in the name if your business is not in that community. • Banks and other financial institutions must get approval from the Minnesota Department of Commerce before using an assumed name. • When filing an Assumed Business Name, the Secretary of State does NOT check against other Assumed Names on record as the law allows for the same or similar Assumed Business Name to be filed. How to File an Assumed Name Check name availability You may call the Secretary of State Office at 651-296-2803 or access their website at How To Check Business Name Availability, prior to filing to determine whether the name is available. Complete the form Download and complete Certificate of Assumed Name form or file online through an online account. View how to create an account at How to Create an Account. Pay the filing fee The filing fee is $30 by mail and $50 in person or online. Publish the name After approval, you must publish the certificate in a qualified “legal newspaper” in your county for two consecutive issues. The Secretary of State maintains a list of qualified legal newspapers. The Assumed Name must be published within 60 days of filing. The newspaper will give you proof of publication. If you do not publish, your assumed name filing is invalid.
Source: www.revisor.mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • The certificate shall be published after it has been filed with the secretary of state in a qualified newspaper in the county in which the person has a principal or registered office for two successive issues.

Put the free annual renewal on your calendar for every following calendar year so the certificate does not expire.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Certificate of Assumed Name
Source: www.revisor.mn.gov official record · retrieved
  • Filing of a certificate hereunder shall be effective upon filing and shall remain in effect as long as an annual renewal for the certificate is filed in each calendar year following the calendar year in which the original filing was filed. The certificate expires in the calendar year following a calendar year in which the annual renewal was not filed. Notice of the annual renewal requirement must be provided to the person or entity submitting the certificate at the time of the original filing.
  • The secretary of state shall charge and collect a fee of $30 for each filing submitted with respect to an assumed name except for the annual renewal, for which no fee will be charged.

Paid help, if offered later, is optional. This independent guide does not submit filings or accept government fees.

Official sources

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