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

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.

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

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

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. 

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

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.

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