JASON KANDER
SECRETARY OF STATE
STATE OF MISSOURI
CORPORATIONS
(573) 751-4153
J
AMES C. KIRKPATRICK
STATE INFORMATION CENTER
(573) 751-4936
James C. Kirkpatrick State Information Center
600 W. Main Street • Jefferson City 65101
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General Business Corporation Instruction Sheet
Here is information we hope you will find useful in considering the formation of a Missouri Corporation.
1. The name of the Corporation:
A. The name must be distinguishable upon the records from the name of any domestic corporation cur-
rently in existence, any foreign corporation which is qualified and in good standing, limited partner-
ship, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, limited liability limited partnership or a
name which is currently reserved.
B. The corporation name may not be one that might falsely imply governmental affiliation.
C. The words Cooperative, Bank, Insurance Company and Redevelopment may not be used in a corpo-
rate title for a Chapter 351 or 355 corporation.
D. Name Check. Before drafting articles of incorporation it is imperative that you check with this office
concerning the availability of the desired name. This may be done by mail or telephone by calling
either (573) 751-4153 or (866) 223-6535 (toll-free). You may also select the Online Business Services
business entity search at www.sos.mo.gov. Even though a name may have been checked with us for
availability, checks, letterheads, seals or share certificates ordered prior to incorporation are purchased
at your own risk. We recommend that nothing be printed until a name is incorporated by this office
and you have received your certificate of incorporation.
E. Reservation of corporate name. If you wish, you may reserve a corporate name in advance. You may
request a reservation with either a letter or forms from this office. A name may be reserved for 60
days, and a fee of $25.00 must accompany a reservation of a corporate name. The name may not be
reserved for more than 180 days.
2. The corporation must have a registered agent and office in Missouri, which may be an individual or regis-
tered corporation in Missouri.
3. The incorporation fee is $58.00 if no more than 30,000 shares are issued and the par value does not exceed
$30,000. If either amount is exceeded the fee is based on “authorized capital.” The fee is $55.00 for any
amount up to $30,000 and $5.00 more for each additional $10,000 of authorized capital. To this total, add
$3.00 for the filing fee.