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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.
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.
To reserve an LLC name in Louisiana, the first step is to choose and confirm the name you want to use for your business. The chosen name must comply with the requirements set forth by the Louisiana Secretary of State, including avoiding any prohibited terms and ensuring the name is distinguishable from those of existing business entities within the state. Once you have selected a name that meets these guidelines, you can move forward with the reservation process.
To reserve an LLC name in Louisiana, you will need to submit a written application to the Secretary of State’s office. The application must include the desired LLC name, along with the name and address of the applicant and a brief statement confirming your intent to form an LLC using the reserved name. There is typically a filing fee associated with reserving an LLC name, which varies depending on the state’s current fee schedule.
After submitting your application, the Secretary of State’s office will review the name you have chosen to ensure it complies with state regulations. If the name is available and meets all requirements, it will be reserved for a specified period of time, usually around 30-90 days depending on the state’s regulations. During this time, you will have the exclusive right to use the reserved LLC name for your business entity and can proceed with the next steps of forming your LLC.
Reserving an LLC name in Louisiana is crucial for those who want to ensure the availability and uniqueness of their business name before officially registering their company. By taking this simple step, entrepreneurs can avoid potential conflicts with existing businesses and secure the right to use their desired name for their LLC. While the reservation process may require some paperwork and a filing fee, it ultimately provides peace of mind and legal protection for your business name.
In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in Louisiana is a vital step in the process of forming a Limited Liability Company. By following the guidelines set forth by the Secretary of State and submitting the necessary paperwork, entrepreneurs can secure their desired business name and avoid potential conflicts with existing entities. Planning ahead and reserving your LLC name can help set your business up for success and longevity in the competitive business landscape of Louisiana.
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