Louisiana Business Name Search
Getting Started
Before searching the Louisiana Business Name Database, you can save time by making sure your business name is unique and distinguishable from other existing business entities within the Louisiana business name database. We suggest coming with a few name ideas in-mind incase any are unavailable, you can also download the full Louisiana entity name guidelines here (click here to download)
Generate Business Name Ideas
To check the availability of your business name, you need to search Louisiana’s database. Navigate to the Louisiana Business Filings Search page. Next, enter your chosen name in the search box to see if it’s available. If no results come up after entering the name, it means your LLC name is unique and available to use.
On the other hand, if you have doubts about the availability of your chosen Louisiana LLC name, you can still file your paperwork. Your filing will be returned and you will be notified on the need to modify your business name to something unique and distinguishable.
For questions and inquiries, call the Louisiana Secretary of State on 225-925-4704. You can also visit their website or their contact page.
Louisiana Secretary of State Office
Website: https://www.sos.la.gov/
Phone: 225.992.2880
Hours: 8am – 5pm, Monday – Friday
Frequently Asked Questions
In Louisiana, forming an LLC just is quite easy. First, you have to search for your LLC name in Louisiana’s database.
If your name is unique, you have to choose a Registered Agent.
A Registered Agent is a company or person who decides to receive legal mail on behalf of your Louisiana LLC in a situation where your business is subject to litigation.
In Louisiana, this Registered Agent also serves as a point of contact for receiving tax and business notices, payment reminders, and additional documents.
Useful information
– File your Articles of Organization with the Louisiana Secretary of State and wait for your LLC to be approved.
– The filing for your LLC can be done online or by mail. Filing costs $100, in both cases.
To register your business name, after you’ve done your name search, you have to file your Articles of Organization next. This could either be done online or on paper. In both instances, the state fee is $100.
– This can be filed online, and it takes between 1 to 2 business days to process.
– If you choose the paper filing, the processing time is 3-7 business days. If you need to expedite the process, you would have to pay an extra $30. It can be done by fax, mail or email.
The online filing seems preferable because the approval time is faster, we would recommend you go for the paper filing.
Tip: Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) is a not for profit association that offers free business counseling. LSBDC (Louisiana Small Business Development Center) also provides advice about grants, business plans, etc.
(Source: LLC University)
You’re advised to go ahead with the filing for your business name even if you’re unsure about its availability. If your business name is unavailable, the state of Louisiana will send your filing back notifying you that the name has to be modified before you can continue the process.
If this happens to be the case, you have to come up with a unique and distinguishable name before you can proceed further.
If you’re still unable to find a business name that suits you, try using our business name generator to get unique name ideas (click here to find our business name generator).
Registering your business Domain/website
Don’t make the mistake of forgetting to check if the domain name is available for your business. The last thing you want is to register your business name and find out another competitor or company already has a website with your name! Use our domain check below to instantly check availability.
Enter your business name to check domain availability
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