Key Takeaways

  • You can perform a Texas LLC lookup through the Texas Secretary of State (SOS) SOSDirect online portal, phone, or email.
  • Searches can be done by entity name, file number, or tax ID to view status, registered agent, and filing history.
  • Before forming an LLC, verify name availability and consider reserving the name for 120 days.
  • Include variations of your desired name in searches to identify potential conflicts.
  • Advanced search tips include excluding designators (e.g., LLC), checking plural/singular variations, and using partial keywords.
  • SOSDirect access requires creating an account and may have small search or download fees.

Performing a Texas LLC lookup is crucial when forming a Texas LLC for your business. This step is especially important to complete before you begin to use your business name in your marketing, including on business cards, posters, or online.

Here are some tips for conducting a name availability search:

  • Follow the guidelines to choose an appropriate name for your LLC.
  • Use the name availability tool to see if the business name you want is available for use in Texas.
  • Check the availability of the URL. You may want to buy it to keep others from getting it.

You can call the State Business Information Line at 512-463-5555 and tell them you're forming an LLC and you want to see if the name is available. You should have a few alternate names ready, just in case your desired name is not available. Additionally, it's best to call between 8 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. or between 4:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. CST to avoid a long wait.

You can also send an email to [email protected]. Use the subject line “LLC Name Lookup Request.” 

Example Email Format

If you are unsure as to what to write for your inquiry, follow the example email template below:

Hello,

I would like to form an LLC. Would you please check if the following names are available for use in setting up my entity?

My desired LLC name is: [name]

If that name isn't available, would you please look up the following:

[Alternate name 1]

[Alternate name 2]

If you have any questions, please call or email me.

Thank you,

[your name]

[your email]

[your phone number]

You could also search for name availability from the state's Online Database. 

Alternative Contact Methods for LLC Lookup

In addition to email inquiries, you can contact the Texas Secretary of State by:

  • Phone: Call the Business Information Line at 512-463-5555 for a quick verbal confirmation of name availability or to request basic entity information.
  • Mail: Send a written request to the Secretary of State, P.O. Box 13697, Austin, TX 78711-3697.
  • In-Person: Visit the James Earl Rudder Office Building in Austin for direct assistance, particularly if you need certified copies or expedited service.

When using these methods, have your preferred LLC name and alternate options ready to speed up the process.

Tips for Searching Names

When performing your name search, take into account the following information:

  • Don't include the designation suffix, such as LLC.
  • Search all forms and variations of the words, such as singular and plural. This ensures the name is truly unique and there aren't any similar names.
  • Only enter the first word or two of your name. This allows you to view all the businesses that have similar names.

Common Search Mistakes to Avoid

When learning how to look up an LLC in Texas, many users make avoidable errors that lead to incomplete or inaccurate results:

  1. Including punctuation or special characters — The SOS search tool ignores these, so adding them can cause mismatches.
  2. Using the full legal name with designator — Instead, search without “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” or similar endings.
  3. Not checking for similar-sounding names — The SOS may reject names that sound too much like existing ones, even if spelled differently.
  4. Overly narrow search terms — Use only the first one or two words to see a wider range of potential conflicts.

Correcting these mistakes improves the accuracy of your search and reduces the risk of name rejection.

Business Entity Search

A business entity search is done to obtain the following information:

What Information You Can Access

Through the Texas business entity search, you can often find:

  • Legal name of the LLC and any assumed names on file
  • Date of formation and jurisdiction
  • Status (e.g., active, forfeited, voluntarily dissolved)
  • Registered agent details and office address
  • Principal office address
  • Filing history, including amendments and mergers

Note that some documents, like formation certificates or amendments, may require a small download fee via SOSDirect.

Texas Secretary of State Taxable Business Entity Search

The Texas Secretary of State's Business Entity Database can be searched by:

  • Business trust
  • Association
  • Profit, nonprofit, and professional corporation
  • Limited liability company
  • Limited liability partnership
  • Limited partnership.

You can also use this tool to lookup entities by the Tax ID number, name, or file number. In addition, you can check to see if the name is available. 

Using SOSDirect for Comprehensive Searches

For the most detailed results, use the SOSDirect system:

  1. Create an SOSDirect account with a valid credit card.
  2. Log in and select the “Business Organizations” search option.
  3. Search by name, file number, or tax ID.
  4. Access documents such as certificates of formation, amendments, and annual reports.

Note: SOSDirect charges nominal fees per search and for document downloads, but it provides official records useful for due diligence, legal compliance, and competitive research.

How to Conduct Your Search

To conduct your search, begin with the following:

  1. Go to the Texas Secretary of State website.
  2. Look up a business by tax ID number, name, or file number. Try to use several different keywords, which will give you the best search results.
  3. From your search results, you can view all the detailed information about the businesses, which includes their name, tax ID, and the Principal Office Address zip code. Use the blue hyperlink to see the business information.
  4. Your search is complete, so now you are able to view all the information on file, including:
  • The tax ID
  • Status
  • Mailing address
  • State of incorporation
  • SOS number
  • The name of the registered agent
  • Office address of the registered agent
  • Directors and officers. 

Reserve Your Corporate Name

Sections 5.101 to 5.106 of the Texas Business Organizations Code have the authority to reserve the names of:

  • Corporations
  • Cooperative associations
  • Limited liability companies
  • Corporations
  • Limited partnerships
  • Other entities.

Your name can be reserved for 120 days. You can file an application to renew it within the 30 days leading up the expiration date.

Steps to reserve your corporate name:

  1. Download and complete the application.
  2. Include the $40 fee and mail to: 

Secretary of State

P.O. Box 13697

Austin, TX 78711-3697

Advanced Search Tips

  • Wildcard searches: Use partial words to broaden results (e.g., “Green” instead of “Greenfield”).
  • Check for inactive or forfeited entities: A name may be available if the entity has been forfeited or dissolved, but confirm with the SOS before proceeding.
  • Review filing history: This can reveal ownership changes, mergers, or reinstatements that affect the availability or credibility of a business name.

These steps help ensure your Texas LLC lookup is thorough and prevents costly name conflicts later.

Texas Secretary of State LLC and Lookup

Steps to conduct an LLC lookup:

  1. Go to the Texas Secretary of State website.
  2. You can search by name, file number, or tax ID. A name lookup is the most popular, but be sure to type as many keyword terms as you can.
  3. Your search will give you results matching all of your keywords. This is why using several keywords is recommended.
  4. From the search results, you can preview all matches and view their business information. The blue link will give you more detailed information.
  5. Your search is complete, and you can now view the company information by using the link at the bottom.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is it free to look up an LLC in Texas?
    Yes, basic searches are free, but SOSDirect may charge small fees for detailed records or document downloads.
  2. Can I reserve an LLC name in Texas?
    Yes, you can reserve a name for 120 days by filing an application with the Texas SOS and paying a $40 fee.
  3. Do I need an SOSDirect account to search for an LLC?
    No, basic searches can be done without an account, but an SOSDirect login is needed for detailed filings and certified documents.
  4. What happens if my desired LLC name is taken?
    You must choose a different name that is distinguishable in the SOS records; slight spelling changes may not be enough.
  5. Can I search for dissolved or inactive LLCs?
    Yes, the search tool shows inactive entities, which may free up a name for future use if no other entity claims it.

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