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Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is Louisiana’s Secretary of State page includes a name availability checker. Check out LLC Name Search to learn more.
Meanwhile, if you’re interested in learning more about starting an LLC in Louisiana or forming an LLC in general, you can check out How to Start an LLC.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
How to Name an LLC in Louisiana
Time needed: 5 minutes
There are guidelines to follow in doing a Louisiana LLC name search. To learn more, check out LLC Naming Guidelines or read Foreign LLC Application for Registration if you’re planning to register a foreign LLC.
- Check Name Availability
Search the Business Entity Records in Louisiana’s Official Secretary of State page to check if your chosen business name is available. You may also try typing your trademark, business, or domain name on any search engine to generate businesses with similar names and to ensure your trademark is unique and meets the state’s requirements.
Check out How to File a DBA to learn more about registering a DBA or trademark. For social media pages, use Social Searcher to avoid using similar page names. - Check Domain Availability
If your business name is still available, you must register for a domain name using Namecheap, Google Workspace, or other domain name sites. So customers can easily find your business over the Internet. Use the Kinsta app to manage your domains efficiently.
- File Name Reservation
A Name Reservation Certificate is required along with a Certificate of Formation. You can reserve a name online, by mail, or in person with a $25 filing fee (plus tax for online).
File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of Louisiana. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to P.O. Box 94125, Baton Rouge, LA * 70804-9125.
How To Do an Louisiana LLC Online Name Search
As a part of your LLC registration process, it is important to have a suitable name for your LLC in accordance with the State naming guidelines. So, when you select a name for your LLC, you also need to run a quick search on the Louisiana Business Entity Search page to check whether the name is unique and there is no other business running in the State with the same name.
1. Access the Business Entity Search Tool on the State website
The Louisiana Secretary of State website offers a Business Entity Search Tool to assist you in finalizing a name for your business LLC. This tool is helpful in deciding the uniqueness and availability of the name. Also, keep a list of backup names ready, so you can select a final name in a few attempts.
2. Run the Search
After you navigate to the Search page, you can run the search by Business name. To begin the search process, you need to enter the name in the blank space under the ‘Entity name’ heading and then click on the “Search” tab after clearing the captcha. You can also conduct the search using other available options, such as Officer name or agent name, charter number, trade registration number, or name reservation number.
3. Perform the Search
While conducting the search, you can exclude usage of identifiers such as “LLC” to access wider results from different forms of business structures running in a similar name. Conduct thorough research of the name by using the provided filters before filing it with the Authorities. You can also refer to the ‘Search instructions’ provided on the search tool page.
If you also wish to use a Trademark for the distinct identity of your business in the State, you can run a trademark search on the Trademark Database of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to see whether the chosen name is already in use by any other business entity.
If you also plan on conducting your business online through a website, you should also check if a domain name similar to your chosen business name is available or not.
Guidelines to Follow in Naming LLC
- Use a business name with the abbreviation “LLC” or the phrase “Limited Liability Company.”
- Your decided business name must not coincide with any existing government entity. Otherwise, you might have to face legal lawsuits when filing your LLC.
- Use the LLC name availability checker to ensure your business name is unique.
- Get a license first if you plan on using restricted words to avoid any complications.
Note that you must put adequate effort into naming your LLC because this name will be with your business for a long time. Making your LLC name unique is vital as it would prevent people from confusing your business with others, not to mention it would be easier for them to recall your business, products, or services.
F.A.Qs
A trade name (doing business as (DBA) name) is the official name under which a proprietor or company chooses to do business.
Having a domain isn’t necessary, but it is recommended. If you have a domain name, customers will find you more accessible through online means with your online website.
For domestic LLC, you can simply brainstorm for another name if the one you pick is no longer available. For foreign LLC, you must think up a “fictitious name,” which you’ll use only in the state.
How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in Louisiana
To reserve an LLC name in Louisiana you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Louisiana Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $25.
The first step in reserving an LLC name in Louisiana is to conduct a thorough search to ensure that your desired name isn’t already in use. This search can be done online through the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website or in person at their office in Baton Rouge. It’s important to check for any similar-sounding names or names that could potentially cause confusion with existing entities.
Once you’ve confirmed that your desired name is available, you can then reserve it with the Louisiana Secretary of State. Reserving a name provides you with exclusive rights to that name for a period of 60 days. This reservation period gives you time to gather the necessary paperwork and funds to officially register your LLC without fear of someone else taking your chosen name.
To reserve an LLC name in Louisiana, you’ll need to file an Application to Reserve a Name form with the Louisiana Secretary of State. This form can be completed online or submitted in person or by mail. Along with the form, you’ll need to pay a filing fee, which can vary depending on the method of submission.
It’s important to note that reserving a name doesn’t provide you with any legal rights or protections beyond the 60-day reservation period. To secure full legal protection for your LLC name, you’ll need to officially register your business with the Louisiana Secretary of State by submitting Articles of Organization and paying the associated filing fee.
In addition to reserving your LLC name, it’s also wise to consider trademarking your business name to further protect your brand. While reserving a name with the Louisiana Secretary of State can prevent other businesses in the state from using the same name, trademarking your name provides nationwide protection and can help prevent others from using a similar name in the future.
Overall, reserving an LLC name in Louisiana is a crucial step in the process of starting your business. By taking the time to secure your chosen name, you can ensure that your brand is unique and protected from potential infringement. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to rebrand your existing business, reserving an LLC name is a smart business move that can help set you up for success in the competitive Louisiana market.
In Conclusion
LLC names are important as it is the main identity of your business. While naming your LLC make sure to choose the one that suits the nature of your business. Follow the naming guidelines before you start filing your LLC name