Indiana LLC Name Search – How to Name Your LLC


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is Indiana’s Secretary of State page includes a name availability checker. Check out LLC Name Search to learn more.

Meanwhile, if you’re interested in learning more about starting an Indiana LLC or forming an LLC in general, you can check out How to Start an LLC.

How to Name an LLC in Indiana

Time needed: 5 minutes

There are guidelines to follow in doing an Indiana LLC name search. To learn more, check out LLC Naming Guidelines or read Foreign LLC Application for Registration if you’re planning to register a foreign LLC.

  1. Check Name Availability

    Search the Business Entity Records in Indiana’s Official Secretary of State page to check if your chosen business name is available. You may also try typing your trademark, business, or domain name on any search engine to generate businesses with similar names and to ensure your trademark is unique and meets the state’s requirements.

    Check out How to File a DBA to learn more about registering a DBA or trademark. For social media pages, use Social Searcher to avoid using similar page names.

  2. Check Domain Availability

    If your business name is still available, you must register for a domain name using Namecheap, Google Workspace, or other domain name sites. So customers can easily find your business over the Internet. Use the Kinsta app to manage your domains efficiently.

  3. File Name Reservation

    A Name Reservation Certificate is required along with a Certificate of Formation. You can reserve a name online, by mail, or in person with a $20 filing fee (plus tax for online).

    File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of Indiana. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to the Secretary of State, Business Services Division. 302 West Washington Street Room E018, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

Guidelines to Follow in Naming LLC

  • Use a business name with the abbreviation “LLC” or the phrase “Limited Liability Company.”
  • Your decided business name must not coincide with any existing government entity. Otherwise, you might have to face legal lawsuits when filing your LLC.
  • Use the LLC name availability checker to ensure your business name is unique.
  • Get a license first if you plan on using restricted words to avoid any complications.

Note that you must put adequate effort into naming your LLC because this name will be with your business for a long time. Making your LLC name unique is vital as it would prevent people from confusing your business with others, not to mention it would be easier for them to recall your business, products, or services.

How To Do an Indiana LLC Online Name Search

As a part of your LLC registration process, it is important to have a suitable name for your LLC in accordance with the State naming guidelines. So, when you select a name for your LLC, you also need to run a quick search on the Indiana Business Entity Search page to check whether the name is unique and there is no other business running in Indiana with the same name.

1. Use the Business Entity Search Tool on the Indiana State website

You will find a Business Search Tool page on the Indiana State website. This search tool is of great help in deciding whether the proposed name is available for using it in the business. Also, keep a list of backup names ready, so you can select the name for your business in one go. Click on the “Business Search” option available on the page.

2. Business Entity Search

The page offers you different search options for your business LLC. Click on the “Business Entities” tab to proceed with the name search.

3. Enter the name

When you reach the search page, you will see five different types of search options that you can perform. You can search either with the business name, business ID, filing number, agent name, or principal name.

4. Perform the Search

To finally search the name, you can try different filters to get more detailed results. You can select the filter “contains” and enter the business name. This will show you the names of the competing businesses in Indiana. Or, you can select another filter “Starts with” or “exact match” to simultaneously get results that start with your chosen name or are exactly matching with your name and are conducting their business in the State.

You can also run ‘Advanced Search’ option available on the page to narrow down the search results and get accurate results about business names, such as similar business names under the Domestic LLC business structure, their active/inactive status, and the name type.

You can also search for Trademark on the Indiana State website for distinct identification of your business LLC.

If you also plan on conducting your business online through a website, you should also check if a domain name similar to your chosen business name is available or not.

F.A.Qs

What is a Trade Name?

A trade name (doing business as (DBA) name) is the official name under which a proprietor or company chooses to do business.

Is having a domain name necessary?

Having a domain isn’t necessary, but it is recommended. If you have a domain name, customers will find you more accessible through online means with your online website.

What if my name is unavailable?

For domestic LLC, you can simply brainstorm for another name if the one you pick is no longer available. For foreign LLC, you must think up a “fictitious name,” which you’ll use only in the state.

How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in Indiana

To reserve an LLC name in Indiana you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Indiana Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $10.

To reserve an LLC name in Indiana, there are a few steps you need to follow. The first step is to conduct a thorough search to make sure that the name you have chosen for your business is not already in use by another entity. This can be done quickly and easily by searching the Indiana Secretary of State’s online business name database. If your desired name is not already in use, you can proceed with the reservation process.

The next step is to file an Application for Reservation of a Name with the Indiana Secretary of State. This application can be submitted online or by mail, and there is a nominal fee associated with reserving a name. The reservation is valid for 120 days, giving you plenty of time to finalize your LLC formation paperwork.

When filing the application, you will need to provide your desired LLC name, the name and address of the applicant, and the applicant’s electronic signature. It is important to double-check all the information you provide to ensure that it is accurate and complete. Any errors or omissions could delay the processing of your application.

Once your reservation is approved, you will receive a confirmation letter from the Indiana Secretary of State, along with a reservation number. This number serves as proof that you have reserved the name for your LLC and can be used when filing your Articles of Organization.

Reserving your LLC name is an essential step in the process of starting a business in Indiana. By taking the time to secure your desired name, you can avoid potential conflicts with other businesses and establish a strong foundation for your brand. Additionally, reserving your LLC name early on can help you avoid rushing to find a new name if your original choice is already in use.

In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in Indiana is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed quickly and easily. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your business has a unique and recognizable name that will set you apart from the competition. By taking the time to reserve your LLC name, you can lay the groundwork for a successful and legally compliant business in the Hoosier State.

In Conclusion

LLC names are important as it is the main identity of your business. While naming your LLC make sure to choose the one that suits the nature of your business. Follow the naming guidelines before you start filing your LLC name

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