If you are forming an LLC or a corporation in Louisiana, you first need a business name search. Like all other states, Louisiana requires each LLC or corporation registered to have a unique business name. You can do a Louisiana business name search on the Louisiana Secretary of State website to see if the business name you want to use is available.
Related: Checklist To Start A Business In Louisiana
Steps To Do A Louisiana Business Name Search
Step 1: Visit the Louisiana Entity Name Database
Visit the Louisiana Secretary of State website.
Step 2: Enter the Business Name
Enter the name you want to use in the “Entity Name” field. In this example, we will do a Louisiana LLC name search by looking up “The Pool Guys.” Enter the company name, and click “Search.”
Step 3: Review Results
When we search the registered names, we get a list of all the businesses with the words “The Pool Guys.” The name must be distinguishable from the other registered names to register a corporation or LLC name in Louisiana. If you were looking to form a corporation or LLC with this name, you wouldn’t be able to since they are both already registered.
To find more information about each registered business name, click on the link in the “Name” column. In this example, we will look up “The Pool Guys, LLC.”
While the name “The Pool Guys, LLC” has a result, the detailed report shows that the status is “Inactive,” which means it is no longer in use. The name may be available to register.
To see the result of a name that isn’t being used, we will search for “Cowboy Cleaners.” If the search returns no results while final approval is still with the Louisiana Secretary of State, it is likely available to register.
These are the basics of searching for a small business name in Louisiana. Even when the name of the business you want is available, the Secretary of State will make a final determination when filing to ensure the name you picked isn’t too similar to other registered names.
What information can be found on the Louisiana business entity database?
The Louisiana business entity search can uncover several pieces of information about businesses in the state. Some of the highlights include:
- Business Name
- Registration Date: The entity’s official date was filed with the Secretary of State.
- Charter Number: The number the Secretary of State assigns to a new corporation or LLC.
- Domicile Address: This could be the business’s physical address or where business records are stored.
- Status: Active means the entity is in good standing, and all reports and filing fees are current. Inactive means the business entity is no longer legally operational.
- Type: Corporation, Limited Liability Company, etc.
- Registered Agent Information: A Louisiana registered agent is the singular point of contact for the entity should a legal, or tax notice need to be sent to the business.
- Officers: Name, title, and address of the entity’s members.
Something to keep in mind is that even though each Corporation and LLC name must be unique, it may not stop someone else from using that name since business names for a sole proprietorship or partnership are not registered by the Secretary of State and are not required to be unique. To protect your business name, consider getting a trademark.
Related: Should I trademark my business name?
Louisiana Business Name Search FAQs
How do I find the business name of a Louisiana sole proprietorship?
Unlike corporations and LLCs in Louisiana, the names of Louisiana sole proprietorships and general partnerships are not listed on the state database. Instead, they are registered with the Parish Clerk of Court, where the business is located.
Registering a name for a sole proprietorship or general partnership requires filing a Louisiana Assumed Name Form (often referred to as a DBA or Doing Business As name) with the Parish Clerk of Court.
What are the naming guidelines for a Louisiana LLC?
Before finalizing the name of your Louisiana LLC, you will want to make sure the name meets all of the state requirements, such as the correct usage of the entity designator, using a name that is distinguishable from other registered names, and the name can’t allude to any government affiliation.
Can an LLC name be reserved in Louisiana?
If you find a name you want to use but are not ready to form the LLC, you can file the Application for Reservation of Trade Name (Form 398) with the Louisiana Secretary of State to reserve the name for up to 120 days.
