Oklahoma Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
Oklahoma LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in Oklahoma, 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 Oklahoma Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in Oklahoma.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the Oklahoma Business Name Search or the Oklahoma Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the Oklahoma Business Entity Search page
Oklahoma Secretary of State: Business Entities Search
Just type your desired LLC name into the search box and click "Search".
This database will check all business entities registered in Oklahoma and display any similar names. Avoid including designators like "LLC" in your search.
Name Availability Search
We suggest using this tool alongside the Business Entities Search to ensure your Oklahoma LLC name is unique.
Oklahoma Name Availability Search
Enter your desired LLC name, including the designator (e.g., "LLC"), into the search box and click "Search."
This tool provides a simplified list of names that may conflict with yours.
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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 Oklahoma 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.
Oklahoma Secretary of State Contact Information
You can contact the Oklahoma Secretary of State to check if your LLC name is available.
While this service might not be available in every state, Oklahoma representatives can guide you through the process of using the Oklahoma 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 Business Services at 405-522-2520, Monday through Friday, between 8 am to 5 pm Central time.
Oklahoma LLC Name Requirements
As per Section 18-2008 of the Oklahoma LLC Act, there are several rules and requirements you should be aware of when naming an Oklahoma business entity.
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Frontier Trading Post LLC
- Frontier Trading Post, LLC
Permissible Designators
Your LLC name must end with one of the following designators:
- LC
- L.C.
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Limited Co.
- Limited Liability Co.
- Limited Liability Company
- Limited Company
- Ltd. Liability Co.
- Ltd. 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
- Incorporated
Restricted Words in Oklahoma LLC Names
Your Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the Oklahoma 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 "Red River Outfitters LLC" is your desired name, it will not be acceptable if you find any of the following names in the Oklahoma Business Name Search:
- Red River Outfitters, Inc.
- Red River Outfitters, Corp.
- Red River Outfitters, L.L.C.
Filler Words
Adding filler words such as "the", "a", "an", "and"m or "&" does not make a name distinguishable. For instance, "Sooner Acres LLC" will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- The Sooner Acres LLC
- A Sooner Acre Inc.
- Sooner & Acres Corp
Punctuation, Symbols, Spaces
Adding or removing punctuation, symbols, and spaces doesn't create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is "Prairie Winds LLC", it's not available to use if any of the following are found:
- Prairie-Winds Inc.
- Prairie Winds! LLC
- Prairie_Winds, Ltd. Co.
Different Spelling of the Same Name or Word
Using a different spelling (such as a phonetic variation or adding letters) of the same name or word doesn't create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is "Gold Canyon LLC", it's not available to use if any of the following are found:
- Gold Canyon LLC
- Gold Canyonn LLC
- Gold Kanyon Ltd. Co.
Numerals or Spelled Out Numbers
Using numerals (like 5 or 101) instead of spelling out the number (like "five" or "one hundred and one") doesn't create distinguishability. The same applies to using Roman numerals (like "V" for five or "MCMXI" for 1911).
For example, if your desired LLC name is "30 Acres LLC", it's not available if any of the following names are found:
- Thirty Acres LLC
- Thirty 30 Acres Inc.
- XXX Acres L.L.C.
This is because all the names above are considered variations of the name pronounced "thirty acres",
Special Rule: Person's Name
In Oklahoma, a person's name counts as a "word" for distinguishing business names. You cannot use a name identical to an existing one.
For example, "W. Rogers Painters LLC" can still be used even if names like these are registered:
- Rogers Painters Inc.
- Will R Painters Corp.
- Will Rogers Painters Ltd. Liability Co.
Need to save time?
Consider hiring a professional to set up your LLC: Northwest Registered Agent offers LLC formation services starting at $39 plus the state fee.
(Find out why Northwest is the top choice for LLC formation)
What If My Business Name Is Rejected?
If you submit your Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma?
No, a name reservation isn't required to form an LLC in Oklahoma. It’s an unnecessary step and a waste of money. You can simply file your LLC’s Articles of Organization with your desired LLC name.
Does Oklahoma require an LLC in the name?
Yes. Your Oklahoma LLC name must include one of the allowable designators at the end. The most commonly used designators are:
- LLC
- Limited Liability Company
- Ltd. Liability Co.
Does my Oklahoma LLC need a DBA?
No, you’re not required to file a DBA ("Doing Business As") for your business entity in Oklahoma. However, if you want your LLC to operate under a different name than its true and legal name (the name on your Articles of Organization), you need to file a Trade Name Report online or by mail with the Secretary of State. The fee for this report is $25.
If you file a Trade Name Report for your Oklahoma LLC, it must be distinguishable from existing business names in the state. There is no limit to the number of Trade Names an LLC can have.
When would my LLC use a DBA?
If you form an LLC named Wild Turkey Plains Tours LLC but wish to use a catchier name like Wild Turkey Tours, you would need to file a Trade Name Report to use the name Wild Turkey Tours. Without this filing, you can only use the legal name Wild Turkey Plains Tours LLC.
Similarly, if you want to conduct business under the name Wild Turkey Plains Tours, without the "LLC" suffix, you will need to file a Trade Name Report for Wild Turkey Plains Tours.
How do I get a business domain name?
Once you've selected a business name, it's a good idea to check if the corresponding domain name is available before forming your LLC. You can search for available domain names using services like GoDaddy.
What does “distinguishability” mean?
“Distinguishability” means that each business entity name must be unique in the records of the Secretary of State. No two businesses can operate with the same name. For example, if you want to name your LLC Redbud Landscapers LLC but there is already a business named Redbud Landscapers, Inc. in Oklahoma, your desired LLC name is not distinguishable and cannot be used.
How do I come up with a business name?
Choosing a business name is essential for branding and recognition. Your Oklahoma LLC name can serve as your brand name, but it's not a requirement (see the FAQ about DBAs above). Here are some tips for selecting a business name:
- List the features and qualities you want your company to represent.
- Brainstorm as many names as possible without initially evaluating them.
- Review the list and consider any variations or new ideas that come to mind.
- Set the list aside and revisit it later with fresh eyes. Continue refining and adding new ideas.
- Read the list out loud and gather feedback from friends, business partners, or family if desired.
- Repeat the process: refine ideas, note new variations, and review them again.
- The best name will often emerge naturally through this process. If you’re still unsure, try this technique: Close your eyes, count to 10, and choose a name when you open your eyes. This can help you make a decision based on subconscious preferences.
Can I use the name of another Oklahoma entity?
No, you cannot use a name already used by another Oklahoma business, regardless of the entity type—corporation, LLC, or any other. This restriction applies even if the entity is in "delinquent" status. However, if a business is dissolved, its name may become 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 on how to change an LLC name in Oklahoma are available from the Secretary of State.
How to start an LLC in Oklahoma?
To start an LLC in Oklahoma, follow these steps:
- Choose an LLC name and ensure it is available.
- Select an Oklahoma Registered Agent.
- File the Oklahoma 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.
- Determine if you need a business or sales tax license in Oklahoma.