Short answer: Must be distinguishable on the record.
We've pulled these figures from the Montana Secretary of State's own pages. If something's changed since our last check, the state's portal wins, so it's worth a quick look before you pay.
Montana naming rules
Must be distinguishable on the record.
Open the official Montana name search
Reserving a name
Montana lets you reserve a name for $10, which holds it for 120 days.
Doing business under another name
Montana DBAs are filed with: state. Fee: $10.
How Montana compares
Montana's name reservation fee is $10. That ties for the lowest of the 50 jurisdictions we track. The national median is $25, so Montana comes in $15 under it.
| State | Fee | National rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| Montana | $10 | 41 of 50 |
| Idaho | $20 | 33 of 50 |
| North Dakota | $10 | 41 of 50 |
| Wyoming | $60 | 4 of 50 |
| Nevada | $25 | 18 of 50 |
| South Dakota | $25 | 18 of 50 |
Montana fees that apply here
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $35 | Filing is entirely online, with no mail-in option accepted. |
| Name reservation (optional) | $10 | 120 days |
| Amendment | $15 | |
| DBA / assumed name | $10 | state |
Name search and rules: Montana questions
How do I check if an LLC name is available in Montana?
Use the official Montana Secretary of State business search. A name that's distinguishable from existing records can usually be registered.
What words must a Montana LLC name include?
Must be distinguishable on the record.
Can I reserve an LLC name in Montana?
Yes. Reservation costs $10 and holds the name for 120 days.
Do I need a DBA in Montana?
Only if you'll do business under a name other than your exact LLC name. DBAs are filed with: state. Fee: $10.
Sources and verification
Last checked against official state sources on . States change fees with little notice, so confirm on the filing portal before you pay. How we verify.