Louisiana Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your Louisiana 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 Louisiana.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
Louisiana LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in Louisiana, 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 Louisiana Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in Louisiana.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the Louisiana Business Name Search or the Louisiana Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the Louisiana Business Entity Search page
Louisiana Secretary of State: Business Filings Search
It's simple: enter your desired LLC name in the search bar.
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 Louisiana 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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Louisiana Secretary of State Contact Information
You can contact the Louisiana Secretary of State to check if your LLC name is available.
While this service might not be available in every state, Louisiana representatives can guide you through the process of using the Louisiana 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 LLC Department at 225-925-4704, Monday through Friday, between 8 am to 4:30 pm Central Time.
Louisiana LLC Name Requirements
As per Section 1306 of the Louisiana LLC Act, there are several rules and requirements you should be aware of when naming a Louisiana business entity.
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Crescent City Creations LLC
- Crescent City Creations, LLC
Permissible Designators
Your LLC name must end with one of the following designators:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- 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:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Limited Liability Company
The following designators are not allowed
Your Louisiana LLC name cannot give the impression that it is a different type of business entity. Specifically, you cannot include terms that imply the business is a corporation or operates under a different designation.
The following words and designators are not allowed in your LLC name:
- Inc.
- Corp.
- Incorporated
- Corporation
- Doing Business As
- DBA or d/b/a
Restricted Words in Louisiana LLC Names
Your Louisiana 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.
Ensuring Your Louisiana Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the Louisiana Secretary of State Business Filings Database.
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 "Pelican Fishing LLC" is your desired name, it will not be acceptable if you find any of the following names in the Louisiana Business Name Search:
- Pelican Fishing Incorporated
- Pelican Fishing Corporation
- Pelican Fishing LLC
Filler Words
Adding filler words such as "the", "a", "an", "and"m or "&" does not make a name distinguishable. For instance, "Bayou Gardens LLC" will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- The Bayou Gardens LLC
- A Bayou Garden Inc.
- Bayou & Gardens LLC
- Bayou Gardens or LLC
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 "Crescent Garden LLC", it will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- Crescent Garden LLC
- Crescent Gardens, Inc.
- Crescent's Garden L.L.C.
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What If My Business Name Is Rejected?
If you submit your Louisiana 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 Louisiana?
No, a name reservation isn't required to form an LLC in Louisiana. It’s an unnecessary step and a waste of money. You can just file your LLC’s Articles of Organization with your desired LLC name.
Does Louisiana require an LLC in the name?
Yes, your Louisiana LLC name must include one of the allowable designators at the end. The most commonly used designator is LLC.
Does my Louisiana LLC need a DBA?
No, you’re not required to file a DBA ("Doing Business As") for your business entity in Louisiana. However, if you want your LLC to operate under a different name than its legal name, you need to file either a Trade Name Registration or a DBA Registration. A Trade Name is a formal filing with the Secretary of State and must be distinguishable from other business names. It is treated like a trademark. A DBA, known as an Assumed Name in Louisiana, is a less formal filing at the Parish/County level and does not need to meet distinguishability requirements. The fee for a Trade Name Registration is $75, while a DBA typically incurs lower fees. There is no limit to the number of Trade Names or DBAs an LLC can have.
When would my LLC use a DBA?
For instance, if you form an LLC named Bayou Boat Tours LLC but wish to operate under a name like Bayou Tours, you would need to file a Trade Name Registration or a DBA. Without filing this registration, you can only use the legal entity name Bayou Boat Tours LLC. Similarly, if you want to use the name Bayou Boat Tours without "LLC," you would need to file a DBA.
How do I get a business domain name?
Once you have a business name, it's advisable to check if your domain name is available before forming your LLC. You can use services like GoDaddy to search for available 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. If a business with your desired LLC name already exists, you cannot use that name. For example, if you want to form an LLC named Cypress Landscapers LLC, but there’s already a business named Cypress Landscapers, Inc. in Louisiana, you’ll need to choose a different name since it is not distinguishable.
How do I come up with a business name?
Choosing a business name is crucial for branding and recognition. Here are some tips:
- Start by listing the features and values associated with your company.
- Brainstorm as many business names as possible without analyzing them initially.
- Review your list and note any potential variations.
- Set the list aside and come back later to refine it with fresh perspectives.
- Read through the list out loud and seek feedback from friends, business partners, and family.
- Repeat the process of reviewing, refining, and gathering feedback. Trust your instincts and make a decision. If needed, use a decision-making technique like closing your eyes and counting to 10 to choose a name.
Can I use the name of another Louisiana entity?
No, you cannot use the same name as another Louisiana business, regardless of entity type. This includes corporations, LLCs, and other entities. Even if the business is in "delinquent" status, you cannot use the name. However, if a business has been dissolved or revoked for at least 3 years, its name may become available for new use.
How do I change my LLC name?
You can change your LLC's name later by filing an Amendment form with the Secretary of State. Detailed instructions on how to change an LLC name in Louisiana are available.
How to start an LLC in Louisiana?
To start an LLC in Louisiana, follow these steps:
- Choose an LLC name and verify its availability.
- Select a Louisiana Registered Agent.
- File the Louisiana 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 Louisiana.