Louisiana LLC Name Search – How to Name Your LLC


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

Check Name Availability
Reserve Name Online
Download Reservation form

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

What is a Trade Name?

A trade name (doing business as (DBA) name) is the official name under which a proprietor or company chooses to do business.

Is having a domain name necessary?

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.

What if my name is unavailable?

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.

Reserving an LLC name is a straightforward process that can be completed online or by mail. To reserve a name for your LLC in Louisiana, you must first conduct a name search to ensure that the name you want is available and not already in use. The Louisiana Secretary of State website provides a searchable database where you can check the availability of your desired name.

Once you have confirmed that your preferred name is available, you can reserve it for a period of 60 days by filling out and submitting an Application to Reserve a Name form to the Louisiana Secretary of State. The form requires you to provide your desired LLC name, your contact information, and a $25 filing fee. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and provide all the necessary information to avoid any delays in the reservation process.

Reserving an LLC name in Louisiana is not only important for securing your desired name but also for protecting your company’s brand and reputation. By reserving your name, you prevent other businesses from using it and potentially causing confusion among your customers. This can help you establish a strong presence in the market and build credibility with your target audience.

In addition to reserving a name for your LLC, it is also essential to consider trademark registration to further protect your brand and intellectual property. While reserving a name with the Louisiana Secretary of State grants you exclusive rights to that name within the state, registering a trademark at the federal level provides broader protection and legal recourse in case of infringement.

As you navigate the process of reserving an LLC name in Louisiana, it is crucial to consider all legal and regulatory requirements to ensure compliance with state laws. Consulting with an attorney or business advisor can help you understand the implications of reserving a name for your LLC and ensure that you follow the proper procedures.

Overall, reserving an LLC name is a critical step in establishing your business and protecting your brand in Louisiana. By taking the time to conduct a name search, complete the necessary paperwork, and comply with state regulations, you can secure your desired name and lay the foundation for a successful business venture. Make sure to act promptly and decisively to reserve your LLC name and position your company for growth and 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

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