If you are interested in forming an entity and have a specific name in mind, the Fast Track Filing system will allow you to: 1) Check if the name is available, and 2) Reserve an available name.
Through Fast Track Filing, you can reserve a name online for a period of 120 days. During that period, you can then prepare the entity’s formation documents and submit them to the Secretary of State’s office. (Please note that if you choose to reserve an entity name through the Fast Track Filing System, you will be unable to complete your formation documents online—instead, you will need to complete all formation documents on paper.)
With all that in mind, here is how to apply for a reservation of name on Fast Track:
Step One:
First, go to https://filings.sos.iowa.gov/.
Step Two:
You will need an account to file anything on Fast Track Filing (excluding Biennial Reports). To learn how to create an account, click here. Once you are logged in, you will see a “Home” screen that displays the Fast Track Filing Communication Center. At the top of the page, there will be a navigation menu—click on “Business Filings”.
Step Three:
A drop-down menu will appear. Click on “File A Document”.
Step Four:
In the “New Entities” menu, click on the “Application for Reservation of Name” link.
Step Five:
You will now be directed to a page that will allow you to start the application.
In the first drop-down menu, you may choose between the following:
- Iowa Business Corporation Act (profit corporations)
- Revised Iowa Nonprofit Corporation Act (Iowa Code Chapter 501.A)
- Iowa Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act
- Iowa Uniform Limited Partnership Act
- Iowa Cooperative Associations Act
- Banks (Iowa Code Chapter 524)
After selecting the business entity in which you would like to reserve your name, you must select the Chapter from the drop-down menu. The Chapters to choose from will be different depending on what business entity you chose.
(Note: If you chose the “Iowa Uniform Limited Partnership Act” icon, another drop-down menu would appear with additional options.)
After that is done, you may reserve your Entity Name.
Step Six:
Next, fill out the name and address of the applicant.
Step Seven:
After you have filled out the required forms and electronically signed the application, select “Review and Pay”. You will now be given the option to review your filing. Please make sure that there are no errors in your Application for Reservation of Name.
Step Eight:
After you are finished, click “Submit to File” at the bottom of the page. If your submission was successful, you will see the text “Filing Submission Status: Success” on your screen.
Step Nine:
Congratulations! Your filing has been successfully submitted. The submission will be reviewed by the Secretary of State’s office, and you will be notified by email when the filing is complete.
Once the submission is complete, you will be able to see your filing in your Dashboard. To access your Dashboard:
- Visit Fast Track Filing (iowa.gov)
- Sign in with your Username and Password
- Go to “Business Filings” and then “Dashboard”
You will see a category named “Approved Filings”, and your Certificate of Organization will be listed there. You can now print your certificate, view/print your receipt of payment, and view the Acknowledgement of Document Filed from the Secretary of State.