How to Change Your Iowa Business Name

How to Get a New Business Name in Iowa

Let’s look at some steps that teach you how to change a business name in Iowa. First, it’s interesting to note that a business name change in Iowa is a little more complicated than in most other states. Unfortunately, Iowa doesn’t provide a form for you to fill out. You have to draw up a document yourself that has what the state requires and then file it with the Secretary of State. We break down the general steps for you below. 

1.) Choose a new business name

Your new business name can be anything you want, as long as it follows some simple rules established by the state. 

• The business name has to be unique from any other name used in the state
• The business name has to use the business structure abbreviation, such as Inc. or LLC

As you’re deciding on which name to use, check each new option with our Business Name Checker to make sure it isn’t currently in use.

2.) Gather information for filing your amendment

Iowa requires that you create your own business name form. This can simply be a typed-up letter that contains the required information.

For a name change to an Iowa LLC, you have to file an Amendment to the Certificate of Organization that includes the following information:

• The name of the company
• The date of filing of its certificate of organization
• The changes the amendment makes to the certificate as most recently amended or restated

For a name change to an Iowa corporation, you have to file an Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation that includes the following information:

• The name of the corporation
• The text of each amendment adopted, or the information required by section 490.120, subsection 11, paragraph “e”
• If an amendment provides for an exchange, reclassification, or cancellation of issued shares, you must include provisions for implementing the amendment, if not contained in the amendment itself

Both of these documents don’t have to be very complicated. It’ll likely require only one sheet of paper to include the requested information.

3.) File your Iowa amendment

Both LLC and corporation name amendments will take place on the date that the filing was made. Also, a small fee is required at the time of filing. If you’re worried about doing it correctly, our experts are standing by to help you through the process with our Amendment Filing Service.

After You Change Your Business Name

Having a new name for your business can be exciting, but there’s still some more leg work that needs to be done before your company is fully switched over.

• If you have any contracts or loan documents where the old name was used, those documents need to be changed
• You need to develop a marketing plan to promote your new business name so your customers aren’t confused
• Be sure to review your business start-up papers to determine if any other documents need updating with the new name

We can help

We understand that as a small business owner, your time is always short and you have many things you’re responsible for. That’s where we come in. We can do all of these things for you and significantly cut down the amount of time you’re spending on paperwork. If you’re just starting out and not sure where to begin in creating your company, check out our Iowa LLC Formation page and our Iowa Corporation Formation page. If you want to change your business name in Iowa, you can use our Amendment Filing Service to make sure it’s done correctly and on time. 

Our Worry-Free Compliance Service will ensure that going into the future, your company will stay compliant with the law and whatever needs to be filed with the state. With this ongoing help, you can spend less time on research and paperwork, and more time making your small Iowa business a success!