Conducting a Louisiana Business Entity Search is the first step when starting a business or looking up one in the state of Louisiana. This guide incorporates everything, including the Secretary of State’s search tool, naming conventions, results interpretation, and registration. This article is written with care and authority, so you know you can rely on the information to approach entity formation with confidence.
We start with examining the Louisiana Commercial Database, how it works, along with the types of business statuses one may come across, the naming rules, how to search, interpret results, troubleshoot names, and the next steps towards forming your LLC or corporation.
What Is the Louisiana Business Entity Search Tool?
The Louisiana Business Entity Search is described as a self-contained public search system maintained by the Commercial Division of the Louisiana Secretary of State. It can be accessed through the “Search for Louisiana Business Filings” portal and provides real-time information on business names registered in the state. It also provides details on registered entities and their status, filing history, and more.
You can see a list of similar names and delve into full entity details by entering a proposed name, charter number, or reservation code. This tool is essential for anyone conducting due diligence, registering a new LLC or corporation, conducting business research, or managing compliance.
Louisiana Secretary of State: Key Contact Information
The Louisiana Secretary of State is responsible for the Commercial Database and business filings. You can contact them as follows:
- Office Name: Louisiana Secretary of State – Commercial Division, Business Services
- Physical Address: 8585 Archives Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
- Mailing Address: P.O. Box 94125, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125
- Phone: (225) 925-4704 (Business hours: 8:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. CT, Monday – Friday)
- Online Access: Go to the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website and under Business Services, search for Louisiana Business Filings.
Understanding Business Entity Statuses in Louisiana
Completing a Louisiana Business Entity Search, you’ll encounter a series of entity status indicators. Here are the most common:
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Active: The entity is in good standing and can conduct business in Louisiana.
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Inactive or Delinquent: The entity has not fulfilled essential filings and may enter a suspended state until certain conditions are met for restoration.
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Revoked or Terminated: This means that the business has been fully dissolved or its charter has been canceled. Typically, the business name cannot be used for three years afterward.
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Withdrawn or Dissolved: This means that the business completely ceased operations.
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Domestic vs. Foreign: Domestic refers to the entities created in Louisiana. Foreign refers to entities that were created in other states, but are eligible to operate in Louisiana.
The status field in the search results is critically important, validating whether an entity is actively operating, non-compliant, or has been legally closed.
Louisiana Business Naming Rules You Must Know
Proper compliance creates a foundation for a positive and successful Louisiana Business Entity Search. Louisiana statutes are very specific, and the Louisiana Secretary of State has a business naming policy.
Words and Phrases Not Permitted for a Business Name
Louisiana prohibits names that:
- Imply unlawful purposes or confuse the entity type, such as “doing business as” or “d/b/a”
- Suggest governmental ties or a charitable status inaccurately
- Include restricted words: “bank,” “insurance,” “trust,” and professional names like “engineer,” “architect,” and “accountant” without proper authorization
- Are immoral, deceptive, or scandalous
Naming Designators for LLCs and Other Entities
- LLCs must end with “Limited Liability Company,” or “LLC” or “L.L.C.” Low-profit LLCs may use “L3C” or “l3c.”
- Corporations must include: “Corporation,” “Company,” “Incorporated,” “Limited,” or abbreviations “Corp.,” “Co.,” “Inc.,” “Ltd.”
Louisiana Business Name Distinction
The name must be distinguishable from:
- Any active domestic or foreign entity operating within Louisiana
- Optional reserved names and trade names are kept with the Secretary of State
- Partnership and trade name filings
Note: Filler words (The, And), punctuation, singular vs plural, and even LLC vs Inc. do not contribute to distinguishability.
Conducting a Louisiana Business Entity Search
Maximizing effectiveness with the online system aids accuracy during the Louisiana Business Entity Search.
By Business Name Search
- Visit the Louisiana Secretary of State’s business search webpage.
- Choose the option “Search by Entity Name.”
- Type your name without “LLC,” “Inc.,” and any punctuation. Only the main part is needed.
- Fill out the CAPTCHA and submit the form.
- Check the up to 250 names returned to you for duplicates or similar names.
- Repeat with partial terms for close matches (e.g., “Studio” or “Riverwalk”).
You can also search using a Charter Number, Trade Name Registration Number, or Reservation Number. Enter the number and click search for a quick lookup.
Once you search, click “Details” to see the entire record, including:
- Entity Name and Type
- Charter Number or Filing Number
- Domicile, Mailing & Principal Address
- Name & Address of Registered Agent
- Names of Officers, Managers, or Members
- Present Status of the Entity
- Documents Filed (e.g., annual filings, amendments)
- Former Names (if any)
If the entity is inactive or revoked, reinstatement terms should be reviewed. If active, proceed confidently.
What If My Desired Business Name Is Taken?
If your desired business name shows up on the list—or a name that’s too similar—try these steps:
- Alter the business name with new, unique terms
- Use synonyms or alternative phrasing
- Explore different spellings or structures
- Check if the existing name is inactive or revoked; if so, verify if three years have passed
- File a Trade Name or DBA
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Trade Name: Filed with the Secretary of State and must be distinguishable
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DBA: Filed at the parish level, with fewer restrictions but limited legal protection
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What Comes After the Louisiana Business Entity Search?
After confirming that your business name is available, proceed with the following steps:
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Prepare Business Documents: Submit required documents via the geauxBIZ portal
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LLCs: Articles of Organization
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Corporations: Articles of Incorporation
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Reserve Your Name (optional): File a Name Reservation form and pay the fee to hold it for 120 days
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Seek Guidance: Use the Louisiana Small Business Development Centers or professional advisors
How to Register a Louisiana LLC or Corporation
After a successful Louisiana Business Entity Search:
- Choose between LLC or Corporation (Pro and non-pro versions)
- Ensure name availability
- Reserve name if needed
- Submit formation documents and initial report via geauxBIZ
- Pay filing fee (~$100 for LLCs)
- Appoint a Registered Agent with a Louisiana address
- Prepare an Operating Agreement or corporate bylaws
- Obtain an EIN.
- Register with the Louisiana Department of Revenue for taxes
- File annual reports to maintain “Active” status
How EasyFiling Can Help in Your Louisiana Business Entity Search
EasyFiling simplifies the Louisiana Business Entity Search and registration process. From checking name availability to filing formation documents and providing registered agent services, our team ensures your business is set up quickly and correctly. We help you stay compliant and save time so you can focus on growing your business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When is the best time to do the Louisiana Business Entity Search?
A: Early in the planning stage. If there’s a delay before filing, search again before finalizing.
Q: Should I include “LLC” or “Inc.” when searching?
A: No. Search using only the core name for broader results.
Q: How long is the name reservation valid?
A: 120 days from approval and payment.
Q: What does it mean when a search returns no results?
A: It usually means the name is available. Still, search synonyms and partial names to be sure.
Q: How are trade names and DBAs checked?
A: Trade names are searchable via the Commercial Database. DBAs filed with parishes are not included.
Q: Can I use names like “Engineering LLC”?
A: Only with pre-approval. Regulated terms require authorization.
Q: Can I reuse a revoked business name?
A: Yes, after three years from the revocation or dissolution date.
Conclusion
Performing a precise Louisiana Business Entity Search is critical when trying to start a business in the state. It confirms that the name you intend to use is not only distinguishable and compliant but also free from conflicts. Following the routing rules of name creation and proper status interpretation will allow smooth proceedings after filing using geauxBIZ, thereby ensuring that your business is legally and operationally set from the start.
As you progress, Louisiana’s official resources will always have the most accurate information. For tailored guidance, seek the help of legal professionals or small business advisors, and ensure that your entity is kept in good standing by filing and complying with the rules and regulations.
When approached with the right attitude, the Louisiana Business Entity Search transforms from a mere checklist item into an integral part of establishing a reputable, legally aligned business in Louisiana.
Swostika Silwal
