Updated November 18, 2020:

An Oklahoma Secretary of State business search can help you find out if an LLC name you wish to use is available. You can find the information you need using different search criteria, such as filing number or registered agent.

Oklahoma Secretary of State

The Secretary of State is the main governing body of a state. Alternate names for it include the Commonwealth, the Department of State, or just The State of [insert state name].

The Corporation or Business Division is often a sub-department of the Secretary of State. This Division handles the formations of, changes to, dissolutions, and record-keeping for all businesses registered in the state. It's best to start your LLC in the state where you live or the state where you do business.

Business Name Search in Oklahoma

The first step when forming an LLC in Oklahoma is to create a business name and search if it's available to use. Your business name must be unique, and certain requirements have to be followed.

LLC Name Requirements for Oklahoma

Use the abbreviations "L.L.C." or "LLC" at the end of your business name. LLC is most often used. Do not use the words "Corp.," "Corporation," "Incorporation," or "Inc." This is an LLC and can't be identified as a corporation.

The LLC name should be distinct and must be distinguishable and different from other businesses registered in Oklahoma. Differences in grammar and designators (identifiers at the end of the name) don't create a distinction from other businesses.

The most common way to check if your desired business name is available is to search by name in the Oklahoma Secretary of State database.

You may search using the following restrictions: 

  • Search All
  • Search Active
  • Name Availability
  • Search Banks
  • Search Churches
  • Search Domestic Cooperatives

You can “Search All” and get results for all domestic and foreign businesses, active and inactive, registered in the state.

Once you've decided on your criteria, enter the name of the business in the “Search” field. A list of the names matching your criteria will appear. Depending on your criteria, expired businesses and reservations might also be included. To go to the business details page, click on the filing number. You'll be able to view all available information as well as options for further action.

You can search using a filing number to find the business entity, name reservation, or registration associated with that file number. This is the most effective way to limit your search. The Secretary of State assigns a 10-digit filing number to each business entity on file with the state.

  1. On the web page, open “Advanced Search” and select the option for "Filing Number Search."
  2. Enter the filing number in the field and search.
  3. If you entered the number correctly, the page will show just one match.
  4. Click on the filing number to view the details.

The page will show:

  • The jurisdiction
  • Registered agent details
  • Termination date
  • More

You can also order or file documents via the links found at the bottom of the page.

A search for registered agents will show active and inactive, domestic, and foreign businesses associated with the registered agent name.

Searching for an individual name associated with the business or for a registered agent will give the same basic information.

  1. On the website, select the "Advanced Search" option.
  2. Select the search option for registered agent or person's name.
  3. Enter the full name in the field. 
  4. You will need to specify whether the agent is a business.

Results will show a list of businesses displayed along with:

  • Filing number
  • Business name
  • Business type
  • Individual or business name

Click the filing number to view the available information provided by the Secretary of State.

You'll also be able to view the registered agent's:

  • Information
  • Status
  • Jurisdiction

Options for more actions are available at the bottom of the page.

You have several options for finding out whether or not your desired business name is available for you to use in the state of Oklahoma. This LLC name is one you might have for years to come, so it's worth taking the time to make sure you choose a unique name that distinguishes your company from the many others out there.

If you need help with a Secretary of State business search in Oklahoma or another state, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.