How To Do A Louisiana Business Name Search

The first step in forming an LLC or corporation in Louisiana is to check whether the name is available to use. Each business entity that is registered with the Louisiana Secretary of State must use a unique name. See our step-by-step guide to learn how to quickly search available names by using the Secretary of State Business Entity Database.

The Secretary of State Business Entity Database provides information for corporations and LLCs registered in Louisiana.  The names of sole proprietorships or general partnerships are not centralized. Instead, they are registered with the Parish Clerk of Court, where the business is located. 

Also See: Guide to Starting a Business in Louisiana

Steps For Searching Corporation and LLC Names In Louisiana

Step 1: Visit the Louisiana Entity Name Database

Visit the Louisiana Secretary of State website.

Step 2: Enter the Business Name

Enter the name you would like to use in the “Entity Name” field.  In this example, we will look up “The Pool Guys” and click “Search.”

Step 3: Review Results

Searching the registered names, we get a list of all the businesses with the words “The Pool Guys.”  To be able to register a corporation or LLC name in Louisiana, the name must be distinguishable from the other names registered. If you were looking to form a corporation or LLC with this name, you wouldn’t be able to since there they are both already registered.

To find more information about each of the registered business names, click on the link in the “Name” column.  In this example, we will look up “The Pool Guys, LLC.”

While the name “The Pool Guys, LLC” has a result, when looking at the detailed report, we see that the status is “Inactive,” which means it is no longer in use. It is possible the name is available to register.

To see the result of a name that isn’t being used, we will search for “Cowboy Cleaners.” With a search with no results, while final approval is still with the Secretary of State, it is likely available to register. 

 These are the basics of searching for a business name in Louisiana.  Even when the name of the business you want is available, the Secretary of State will make a final determination at the time of filing to ensure the name you picked isn’t too similar to other registered names. 

What information can be found on the Louisiana business entity database?

The business name database search can find several pieces of information about the business. Some of the highlights include:

• Business Name
• Registration Date –
  Date the entity was filed with the Secretary of State
• Domicile Address – This could be the business’s physical address, or it could be an address where business records are stored.
• Status – Active means the entity is in good standing, and all reports and filing fees are up to date. Inactive means the business entity is no longer legally operational.
• Type – Corporation, Limited Liability Company. Etc.
• Registered Agent’s information – A Registered Agent is the singular point of contact for the entity should a legal, or tax notice need to be sent to the business.  This is often one of the owners, and if their home address is used, that address becomes public information.  Many people find this concerning and use a Registered Agent service like Northwest Registered Agent, so their home address isn’t listed.  
• Officers – Name, title, and address of the entity’s members.

Something to keep in mind is that even though each Corporation and LLC name must be unique, it may not stop someone else from using that name since business names for a sole proprietorship or partnership are not registered by the Secretary of State and are not required to be unique.  To protect your business name, consider getting a trademark.

Related: Should I trademark my business name?