Indiana Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your Indiana LLC Name Is Available
A unique business name is key for branding, but it can be difficult to navigate the various rules for business names in Indiana.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
Indiana LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in Indiana, your filing could be rejected if the name you choose is already in use or does not adhere to state naming regulations.
How to Search the Indiana Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in Indiana.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the Indiana Business Name Search or the Indiana Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the Indiana Business Entity Search page
Indiana Secretary of State: Business Search
Here's how to proceed: type your preferred LLC name into the "Business Name" field. Then, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click "Search".
Ensure the "search by" option is set to "Contains" so you can view all potentially similar business names.
Search Tips:
- Exclude terms like "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company", and punctuation marks (commas, periods, apostrophes) from your search.
- You can use either uppercase or lowercase letters in your search.
★ Tip:
To ensure thoroughness, start with a search for the main part of your desired name. For instance, if you want "Sunset Ventures LLC", first search for "Sunset Ventures" and then "Sunset" to cover all possible variations.
How to Understand Indiana LLC Search Results
If your search results show names that do not match yours exactly, your LLC name is likely available.
For example, if "Sunset Ventures LLC" yields results like "Sunset Management" and "Sunset LLC", your name should be available.
What If My Desired Name Is Not Available?
If the name you want is already in use, you will need to choose an alternative name or modify your desired name.
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Indiana Secretary of State Contact Information
You can contact the Indiana Secretary of State to check if your LLC name is available.
While this service might not be available in every state, Indiana representatives can guide you through the process of using the Indiana Business Name Search to see if your name is free. They can not guarantee that your name will be approved, but they can provide useful information.
Call the Business Services Division at 317-234-9768, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Eastern Time.
Indiana LLC Name Requirements
As per Section 23-18-2-8 of the Indiana LLC Act, there are several rules and requirements you should be aware of when naming an Indiana business entity.
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Prairie Ventures LLC
- Prairie Ventures, LLC
Permissible Designators
Your LLC name must end with one of the following designators:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Ltd. Liability Co.
- Limited Liability Co.
- Ltd. Liability Company
- Limited Liability Company
✎ Note:
The term "LLC" is the most commonly used.
Restricted Designators
Your LLC name cannot include terms that imply it is another type of business entity, such as:
- Inc.
- Corp.
- Corporation
- Cooperative
Restricted Words in Indiana LLC Names
Your Indiana LLC name cannot include words or abbreviations that are legally restricted.
For instance, you cannot name your LLC in a way that suggests it is a bank, a government agency, or any other entity that might mislead the public.
Additionally, you cannot use terms reserved for licensed professionals. These terms can differ by state but often include accountants, architects, attorneys, dentists, and engineers.
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Ensuring Your Indiana Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the Indiana Secretary of State Business Search.
If your name is not unique, you will need to come up with a different or modified name.
Rules for Distinguishability
Designators
Merely changing the designator (the suffix of the name) does not make a name unique. For example, if "River City Ventures LLC" is your desired name, it will not be acceptable if you find any of the following names in the Indiana Business Name Search:
- River City Ventures, Inc.
- River City Ventures, Corp.
- River City Ventures, L.L.C.
Filler Words
Adding filler words such as "the", "a", "an", "and"m or "&" does not make a name distinguishable. For instance, "Sunset Grove Estates LLC" will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- The Sunset Grove Estates LLC
- A Sunset Grove Estate Inc.
- Sunset & Grove Estates L.L.C.
Plural or Singular Words and Possessive Words
Changing a word to its plural or possessive form does not make a name unique.
If your desired LLC name is "Maples Gardens LLC", it will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- Maples Gardens LLC
- Maple's Garden Inc.
- Maples Garden, L.L.C.
Numerals or Spelled Out Numbers
Using numerals (such as 5 or 101) instead of spelling out numbers (like "five" or "one hundred and one") does not make a name distinct. Similarly, Roman numerals (like "II" for 2) do not create uniqueness.
For example, if you want to use the name 25 Stars LLC, it won't be available if any of the following names are found:
- Twenty-Five Stars LLC
- Twenty 5 Stars Inc.
- XXV Stars LLC
Punctuation, Symbols, Spaces
Adding or removing punctuation, symbols, and spaces does not make a name unique.
In Indiana, hyphenating or merging words does not create distinctiveness either.
For instance, if your desired LLC name is Honeybee Soapstore LLC, it's unavailable if any of these names are already taken:
- Honeybee-Soap-Store Inc.
- Honeybee "Soapstore", LLC
- Honey Bee Soap Store LLC
Capitalization
Variations in capitalization do not make a name distinguishable.
If your desired LLC name is WABASH Bass LLC, it remains unavailable if any of the following names are already in use:
- wabash bass Inc.
- WaBaSh BaSs LP
- Wabash BASS LLC
Need to save time?
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What If My Business Name Is Rejected?
If you submit your Indiana Articles of Organization and your chosen business name is not available, do not worry.
The state will inform you of the rejection and provide reasons. You will then need to resubmit with a new or adjusted name.
Do I need a name reservation in Indiana?
No, a name reservation isn't required to form an LLC in Indiana. It's considered an unnecessary step and a waste of money. You can simply file your LLC’s Articles of Organization with your desired name.
Does Indiana require an LLC in the name?
Yes, Indiana requires that your LLC name includes one of the following designators at the end:
- LLC
- Limited Liability Company
Does my Indiana LLC need a DBA?
No, you’re not required to file a DBA (Doing Business As) for your LLC in Indiana. However, if you want your LLC to operate under a name different from its true and legal name (the name on your Articles of Organization), you must file an Assumed Business Name Registration. This can be done online or by mail and costs an additional $30. For more information, visit the Secretary of State Assumed Business Name Registration page. There is no limit to the number of Assumed Business Names an LLC can have, but each must be distinguishable from existing business names in the state.
When would my LLC use a DBA?
For example, if you form an LLC called Hoosier Heavy Lifting LLC but want to use a more catchy name like Hoosier Lifts, you would need to file an Assumed Business Name Registration to use Hoosier Lifts. Without this filing, you can only operate under the legal entity name Hoosier Heavy Lifting LLC.
How do I get a business domain name?
After selecting a business name, it's wise to check if the domain name is available before finalizing your LLC formation. Use services like GoDaddy to search for domain names.
What does “distinguishability” mean?
Distinguishability means that each business name must be unique and not identical to any existing names on the Secretary of State’s records. This ensures that no two businesses can operate under the same name. For instance, if you want to form an LLC called Hoosier Landscapers LLC but there is already a business named Hoosier Landscapers, Inc., in another town, your name is not distinguishable and you must choose a different name.
How do I come up with a business name?
Choosing a business name is crucial for branding and recognition. Your Indiana LLC's name can be your brand name, but it doesn't have to be (see the FAQ about DBAs above). Here are some tips for generating business names:
- Start by listing features and values you want associated with your company.
- Generate a list of potential business names without evaluating them initially.
- Review the list and consider variations.
- Take a break and revisit the list later with a fresh perspective. Add new ideas as they come to you.
- Read through the list out loud and get feedback from friends, business partners, and family.
- Repeat the process: refine your ideas, get more feedback, and choose the best name. If needed, use a decision-making trick like closing your eyes and counting to 10 to finalize your choice. Trust your instincts and go with what feels right.
Can I use the name of another Indiana entity?
No, you cannot use the same name as another Indiana business, regardless of entity type. This includes corporations, LLCs, and other types of entities. Even if another business is in “delinquent” status, you cannot use their name. However, if a business is dissolved, its name becomes available for use.
How do I change my LLC name?
You can change your LLC's name by filing an Amendment form with the Secretary of State. Detailed instructions for changing an LLC name in Indiana are available.
How to start an LLC in Indiana?
Here are the steps to starting an LLC in Indiana:
- Choose an LLC name and ensure it's available.
- Select an Indiana Registered Agent.
- File the Indiana LLC Articles of Organization.
- Complete and sign an LLC Operating Agreement.
- Obtain a Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS.
- Open an LLC bank account.
- Check if you need a business or sales tax license in Indiana.