How To Do A Oklahoma Business Name Search

The first step in forming an LLC or corporation in Oklahoma is to verify the business name is available to use. Each business entity that is registered with the Oklahoma 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 state’s Business Entity Database.

Also See: Guide to Starting a Business in Oklahoma

Steps For Searching Corporation and LLC Names In Oklahoma

Step 1: Visit the Oklahoma Entity Name Database

Visit the Oklahoma Secretary of State website.

Step 2: Search for a Business Name

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

Step 3: Review the Results

Searching the registered names, we get a list of several businesses the database thinks is close to “Storage Depot.”  Many of them won’t be close at all, so pay the most attention to the names at the top of the list.

To be able to register a corporation or LLC name in Oklahoma, the name must be distinguishable from the other names registered. If you were looking to form an LLC with this name, you wouldn’t be able to since there is already one registered.

To find more information about any of the registered business names, click on the link in the “Filing Number” column to see a detailed report.  In this example, we will look up “Storage Depot LLC.”

While the name “Storage Depot” by itself may not be available for an LLC, other variants are such as “Oklahoma Storage Depot” or “Storage Depot of Oklahoma” are.  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 Oklahoma.  Even when the name of the business you want looks like it 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. 

Something to also 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?

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

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

• Business Name
• Status – “Active” or “In Existence” means the entity is in good standing, and all reports and filing fees are up to date. Other results include “Inactive” or “Cancelled,” among others. The names of these inactive results may be available to register.
• Corp Type – Corporation, Limited Liability Company. Etc.
• Formation Date – Date the entity was first filed with the Secretary of State
• Registered Agent’s information – An Oklahoma 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 publically listed.