Short answer: Must be distinguishable and include a proper designator.
We've pulled these figures from the South Dakota 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.
South Dakota naming rules
Must be distinguishable and include a proper designator.
Open the official South Dakota name search
Reserving a name
South Dakota lets you reserve a name for $25, which holds it for 120 days.
Doing business under another name
South Dakota DBAs are filed with: state. Fee: $10.
How South Dakota compares
South Dakota's name reservation fee is $25. That's the 18th highest of 50 jurisdictions we track. The national median is $25, right where South Dakota sits.
| State | Fee | National rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | $25 | 18 of 50 |
| Iowa | $10 | 41 of 50 |
| Nebraska | $30 | 13 of 50 |
| North Dakota | $10 | 41 of 50 |
| Wyoming | $60 | 4 of 50 |
| Colorado | $25 | 18 of 50 |
South Dakota fees that apply here
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $150 | $150 online; paper mail incurs a $15 processing surcharge ($165 total). |
| Name reservation (optional) | $25 | 120 days |
| Amendment | $60 | |
| DBA / assumed name | $10 | state |
Name search and rules: South Dakota questions
How do I check if an LLC name is available in South Dakota?
Use the official South Dakota Secretary of State business search. A name that's distinguishable from existing records can usually be registered.
What words must a South Dakota LLC name include?
Must be distinguishable and include a proper designator.
Can I reserve an LLC name in South Dakota?
Yes. Reservation costs $25 and holds the name for 120 days.
Do I need a DBA in South Dakota?
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.