Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is Indiana’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 Indiana LLC 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 Indiana
Time needed: 5 minutes.
There are guidelines to follow in doing an Indiana 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 Indiana’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 $20 filing fee (plus tax for online).
File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of Indiana. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to the Secretary of State, Business Services Division. 302 West Washington Street Room E018, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
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.
How To Do an Indiana 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 Indiana Business Entity Search page to check whether the name is unique and there is no other business running in Indiana with the same name.
1. Use the Business Entity Search Tool on the Indiana State website
You will find a Business Search Tool page on the Indiana State website. This search tool is of great help in deciding whether the proposed name is available for using it in the business. Also, keep a list of backup names ready, so you can select the name for your business in one go. Click on the “Business Search” option available on the page.
2. Business Entity Search
The page offers you different search options for your business LLC. Click on the “Business Entities” tab to proceed with the name search.
3. Enter the name
When you reach the search page, you will see five different types of search options that you can perform. You can search either with the business name, business ID, filing number, agent name, or principal name.
4. Perform the Search
To finally search the name, you can try different filters to get more detailed results. You can select the filter “contains” and enter the business name. This will show you the names of the competing businesses in Indiana. Or, you can select another filter “Starts with” or “exact match” to simultaneously get results that start with your chosen name or are exactly matching with your name and are conducting their business in the State.
You can also run ‘Advanced Search’ option available on the page to narrow down the search results and get accurate results about business names, such as similar business names under the Domestic LLC business structure, their active/inactive status, and the name type.
You can also search for Trademark on the Indiana State website for distinct identification of your business LLC.
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.
How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in Indiana
To reserve an LLC name in Indiana you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Indiana Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $10.
One of the most crucial steps in establishing a successful business is deciding on a unique and marketable name for your company. Once that decision has been made, protecting that name is just as essential. In Indiana, the process for reserving a Limited Liability Company (LLC) name is pretty straightforward. Here’s what you need to know!
First, it’s important to note that in Indiana, LLC names need to include the phrase “Limited Liability Company” or an appropriate variation of the phrase, such as “LLC” or “L.L.C”. Additionally, the name should not be similar or identical to an existing Indiana corporation or LLC name.
When you’re ready to reserve your LLC name, you’ll need to submit paperwork to the Indiana Secretary of State’s office. There are several different ways to do this, depending on your preferences and needs.
One option is to file your paperwork online. This convenient method allows you to file and pay for your LLC name reservation electronically. Keep in mind that you’ll need to have the funds and a payment method available to complete the online submission.
Another option is to file via mail. This method requires you to fill out a paper form and mail the completed paperwork to the Secretary of State’s office. You’ll also need to include a check or money order to cover the required reservation fee.
It’s essential to ensure your paperwork is completed correctly, as incomplete or inaccurate submissions may result in a delay in processing your LLC name reservation request. Double-check all information provided and obtain the necessary signatures before submitting your reservation.
If approved, your LLC name will be reserved for 120 days. During this time, you should work on filing your Articles of Organization, which formally establish your business as an LLC in Indiana. If you’re unable to do so within the 120-day reservation period, you can renew the reservation for an additional fee.
Ultimately, reserving an LLC name in Indiana is a crucial step in the process of establishing your business. Taking this important measure can help to ensure the uniqueness and distinctiveness of your brand, which can go a long way in setting you apart from competitors in your industry. Don’t delay in taking action – start exploring your options today and secure the name that will come to define and represent your business!
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.
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
