Key Takeaways

  • The Louisiana business entity search tool, offered by the Louisiana Secretary of State, lets you check name availability, verify business registration details, and access filing histories.
  • Search options include name, charter number, trade registration number, officer/agent name, or name reservation number.
  • The GeauxBiz portal allows users to register a new business, reserve names, and file formation or amendment documents online.
  • Search results display key details such as entity type, registration date, current status, and registered agent information.
  • Using the search tool helps ensure compliance with Louisiana’s naming laws and prevents delays in LLC or corporation formation.
  • You can also obtain certificates of good standing or file annual reports directly from the Secretary of State portal.

A Louisiana Secretary of State business search can help you determine the availability of a business name you'd like to use in Louisiana as well as get detailed information on businesses that are registered in the state. You can use different search criteria to get the information you want.

LLC Name Search in Louisiana

The initial step in creating a limited liability company (LLC) in Louisiana is to search for the business name you want and check if it's available to be used. The name you select for an LLC in Louisiana should be unique. The state has specific requirements for LLC names.

Business owners or aspiring business owners in Louisiana may find it helpful to do a commercial search when trying to choose a name for their LLC. Reasons for looking into certain business filings include:

  • The desire to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing
  • The ability to print out a specific filing history
  • The investigation into the availability of a business name

There's no need to create and sign into an online account to visit the Louisiana Secretary of State website and use this search function.

You can search the information you need by visiting the SOS site and using search criteria such as:

  • Business name
  • Name of agent/officer
  • Trade reservation number/charter number/name reservation number

How to Use the Louisiana Business Entity Search Portal

The Louisiana business entity search is conducted through the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Commercial Division or via the GeauxBiz portal. This online tool allows users to verify the existence and legal status of corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and other entities registered in the state.

You can search by:

  • Business name (full or partial)
  • Officer or agent name
  • Charter number or trade registration number
  • Name reservation number

Each search result provides key business information, including:

  • Business name and type (e.g., LLC, corporation)
  • Charter number and registration date
  • Status (active, inactive, dissolved, or revoked)
  • Registered agent name and address
  • Principal office address
  • Filing history and amendments

For users forming a new entity, this tool confirms whether the desired business name is available. If it’s already taken, you can modify the name slightly or reserve an alternative name through the Name Reservation feature in GeauxBiz.

LLC Name Requirements in Louisiana

There are guidelines you'll have to follow when creating an LLC name in Louisiana. At the end of your desired name, you must include the abbreviations “LLC” or “L.L.C.” You can't include the words “Corporation,” “Incorporated,” or abbreviations of those words in your LLC name because an LLC isn't a corporation. Your LLC name has to be distinct and unique from all other registered business names in the state.

Searching the Louisiana Name Database

  1. Visit the Louisiana Business Filings Search page.
  2. Search your desired LLC name by entering it in the "Name" text box.
  3. Leave off the "LLC" abbreviation and punctuation. Capitalization isn't necessary.
  4. Enter the first one or two words of your LLC name to ensure that similar results show up. For example, if your desired business name is “Orange Grove Farm LLC,” simply enter “Orange Grove.”
  5. To get even more results, only enter the first word of your desired LLC name. For example: if the name you want to use is “Copy Shop Partners LLC,” only input “copy.”
  6. Click “Search” and you'll see a list of existing businesses in the state that match your search metrics.

If you get a notification of "Total Results: 0," it means that the LLC name you want hasn't been used yet and is still available. If you see results that aren't too similar to yours, that means your desired business name is distinct enough for you to use.

If your desired business name shows up in the results the same way you wish to use it, that name isn't available. You'll have to come up with an alternate name or use your creativity to make the name unique. You also can't use a business name that's deceptively similar to an existing LLC name. Again, you'll have to get creative to make the name unique or come up with alternates.

If you're not completely sure that your chosen name is distinguishable, go ahead and file your paperwork with the state. If your desired name isn't available, the state will return your filing and let you know to change the name.

Steps to Reserve a Business Name in Louisiana

If your preferred LLC name is available after running a Louisiana business entity search, you can reserve it to prevent others from registering it. The process is simple:

  1. Visit the Louisiana Secretary of State’s GeauxBiz portal.
  2. Select “Name Reservation” under business filings.
  3. Submit your reservation request with the desired name.
  4. Pay the $25 reservation fee (as of 2025).
  5. Once approved, your name will be reserved for 120 days.

You can also mail the Name Reservation Form (Form 398) to the Secretary of State’s office if you prefer not to file online. Keeping your name reserved ensures no one else can register an identical or deceptively similar business name before you file your Articles of Organization.

Charter Number/Trade Registration Number/Name Reservation Number Searching

At the the Louisiana Business Filings Search page, enter any one of the following:

  • Trade registration number
  • Charter number
  • Name reservation number

To proceed, click the Search button.

Each number is assigned to a single business, so if you entered the number correctly, you should get results for just one entity. You'll find detailed information about that business, including its filing history.

A quick and easy search will give you plenty of detailed information about registered businesses in Louisiana. It will also provide availability information on your desired LLC name. Performing this simple search now can save you a lot of headaches later.

Additional Business Search Options

The Louisiana business entity search tool offers several additional options for deeper investigation into existing businesses:

  • Officer/Agent Search: Enter the name of a registered agent, manager, or officer to find all associated entities.
  • Charter Number Search: Each business entity receives a unique charter number; entering it retrieves a precise record for that business.
  • Trade Name Search: If you’re researching a DBA (doing business as), use the trade name lookup to see the registered owner.
  • Name Reservation Number Search: This allows users to verify if a reserved name remains valid or has expired.

Each search yields full details on the entity’s filing history, status changes, and annual report submissions. You can also download PDFs of filings or request certificates of good standing directly through the portal.

Filing and Maintaining Your Louisiana Business

After confirming name availability using the Louisiana business entity search, the next steps typically involve business formation and ongoing compliance. Through the GeauxBiz system, you can:

  • File your Articles of Organization or Incorporation.
  • Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
  • Register for state taxes and permits.
  • File annual reports and pay state fees.
  • Update business information such as address or registered agent.

Failure to maintain up-to-date filings may lead to the business becoming inactive or revoked in the database. Regularly using the Secretary of State search tool helps business owners monitor their entity’s standing and ensure continued compliance with Louisiana law.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the purpose of the Louisiana business entity search?
    It helps verify whether a business name is available, view registered company details, and confirm an entity’s legal status in Louisiana.
  2. How can I check if a business name is available in Louisiana?
    Use the Louisiana Secretary of State’s business search tool, enter your desired name, and review the results. If “Total Results: 0” appears, your name is available.
  3. Can I file documents or form an LLC directly through the search tool?
    Yes. The GeauxBiz portal allows you to search for names, file formation documents, and manage ongoing compliance filings online.
  4. How much does it cost to reserve a business name in Louisiana?
    The current fee is $25, and the name reservation lasts for 120 days.
  5. What information is shown in Louisiana business entity search results?
    Results display the business name, charter number, registration date, status, type, registered agent, and access to filing history or certificates.

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