Short answer: Must include standard LLC designators and be distinguishable.
We've pulled these figures from the North Dakota Secretary of State, Business Registration Unit'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.
North Dakota naming rules
Must include standard LLC designators and be distinguishable.
Open the official North Dakota name search
Reserving a name
North Dakota lets you reserve a name for $10, which holds it for 12 months.
Doing business under another name
North Dakota DBAs are filed with: state. Fee: $25.
How North Dakota compares
North Dakota's name reservation fee is $10. That ties for the lowest of the 50 jurisdictions we track. The national median is $25, so North Dakota comes in $15 under it.
| State | Fee | National rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | $10 | 41 of 50 |
| Minnesota | $55 | 6 of 50 |
| Montana | $10 | 41 of 50 |
| South Dakota | $25 | 18 of 50 |
| Iowa | $10 | 41 of 50 |
| Wyoming | $60 | 4 of 50 |
North Dakota fees that apply here
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $135 | Applicable equally to paper and online submissions. |
| Name reservation (optional) | $10 | 12 months |
| Amendment | $50 | |
| DBA / assumed name | $25 | state |
Name search and rules: North Dakota questions
How do I check if an LLC name is available in North Dakota?
Use the official North Dakota Secretary of State, Business Registration Unit business search. A name that's distinguishable from existing records can usually be registered.
What words must a North Dakota LLC name include?
Must include standard LLC designators and be distinguishable.
Can I reserve an LLC name in North Dakota?
Yes. Reservation costs $10 and holds the name for 12 months.
Do I need a DBA in North Dakota?
Only if you'll do business under a name other than your exact LLC name. DBAs are filed with: state. Fee: $25.
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.