Before launching a business in Louisiana or conducting due diligence on a potential business partner, you’ll need to check if your desired business name is available or verify a company’s legal status. The Louisiana Secretary of State makes this process straightforward through their online business entity search portal. If you’re researching several states for your business formation, you might also want to check our guides for Texas business entity search or Florida business entity search.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the exact steps of conducting a Louisiana business entity search, explain what the results mean, and cover everything you need to know about securing your business name in the Pelican State.
What is the Louisiana Secretary of State Business Entity Search Tool?
The Louisiana Secretary of State’s “Search for Louisiana Business Filings” tool (also known as “Commercial Search”) is the official database for all registered business entities in the state. This searchable online database contains information about:
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
- Corporations
- Limited Partnerships
- General Partnerships
- Limited Liability Partnerships
- Trade Names
- Trademarks
- Service Marks
- Name Reservations
This powerful tool allows you to access public information about any business registered with the Louisiana Secretary of State, including crucial details like business status, filing dates, registered agent information, and officer/member data. The process is similar to other states’ business search tools, including those for Ohio, Michigan, and Georgia.
How to Use the Louisiana Business Entity Search Tool: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Access the Official Search Portal
- Visit the official Louisiana Secretary of State’s Commercial Search page at: https://coraweb.sos.la.gov/commercialsearch/commercialsearch.aspx
- You’ll see three search options at the top of the page:
- Search by Entity Name
- Search by Charter Number, Trade Registration Number, or Name Reservation Number
- Search by Officer Name or Agent Name
Step 2: Choose Your Search Method and Enter Search Terms
For most users, the “Search by Entity Name” option is the most useful:
- Select “Search by Entity Name” (it should be selected by default)
- Enter the business name or keywords in the “Entity Name” field
- Search Tip: The search is not case-sensitive, so you can use lowercase
- Search Tip: For broader results, use fewer words (e.g., just “Pelican” instead of “Pelican Partners LLC”)
- Search Tip: For more specific results, use the full business name if you know it
Step 3: Review the Search Results
After clicking the “Search” button, you’ll see a list of entities matching your search criteria. Each result typically displays:
- Business Name
- Type of Entity (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
- City
- Status (Active, Revoked, etc.)
- A “Details” button on the right side
Step 4: View Detailed Business Information
Click the “Details” button next to any business to view comprehensive information:
- Basic Details Section:
- Entity Name
- Charter/Registration Number
- Type of Entity
- Status (Active, Inactive, Revoked, etc.)
- Date of Incorporation/Organization
- State of Origin (for foreign entities)
- Registered Agent Information:
- Name of Registered Agent
- Registered Office Address
- Principal Office Address (if available)
- Officer/Member Information:
- Names of Officers, Directors, Members, or Managers
- Their titles and addresses
- Filing History:
- A chronological list of all documents filed with the Secretary of State
- Annual report filing status
Understanding Louisiana Business Entity Statuses
When conducting your search, you’ll notice different status labels for business entities. Here’s what they mean:
Active
The business is in good standing with the state, has filed all necessary reports, and paid all required fees. This entity is authorized to conduct business in Louisiana.
Inactive
The business has voluntarily dissolved, withdrawn its registration, or otherwise ceased operations in Louisiana. It’s no longer authorized to conduct business in the state.
Revoked
The Secretary of State has administratively revoked the entity’s authority to do business due to non-compliance with state requirements. Common reasons include:
- Failure to file annual reports for three consecutive years
- Failure to maintain a registered agent
- Failure to pay fees or taxes when due
Expired
The entity’s registration or authority to operate has lapsed due to failure to renew in time. This often applies to name reservations or certain registrations with renewal requirements.
In Liquidation
The business is in the process of formal dissolution, selling assets, and settling debts before terminating its existence.
Withdrawal Pending
For foreign entities (those formed outside Louisiana), this status indicates they’ve filed to withdraw from doing business in Louisiana, but the withdrawal is not yet finalized.
How to Reserve a Business Name in Louisiana
If you find your desired business name is available but you’re not ready to form your business yet, Louisiana allows you to reserve the name for a limited time:
Louisiana Name Reservation Process:
- Name reservations can be filed through the geauxBIZ portal (preferred) or by mail
- The reservation fee is $25
- Your name will be reserved for 120 days (4 months) from the filing date
- Name reservations cannot be renewed after expiration
- To transfer a reservation to someone else, file a “Reservation Transfer” form with a $25 fee
Expedited Processing Options:
If you need your name reservation processed quickly, Louisiana offers these expedited options:
- 24-hour processing: Additional $30 fee
- 2-4 hour processing: Additional $50 fee
Important Note:
Since January 1, 2018, business owners in 14 specific parishes are required to file all available business documents online through geauxBIZ, including name reservations. These parishes include Ascension, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Lafayette, Livingston, Orleans, Ouachita, Rapides, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Terrebonne.
What to Do After Your Louisiana Business Entity Search
If Your Desired Name is Available:
- Reserve the Name: File a name reservation through geauxBIZ if you’re not ready to form your business immediately.
- Form Your Business: If you’re ready to proceed, form your LLC or corporation through geauxBIZ. The filing fee for Articles of Organization for an LLC is $100 ($105 when filing online with the convenience fee).
- Check Domain Availability: Secure a matching domain name for your business website.
- Check Trademark Database: Consider searching the USPTO trademark database to ensure your name doesn’t infringe on federally registered trademarks.
If Your Desired Name is Already Taken:
- Modify Your Name: Add additional words or change terms to create a unique name.
- Consider a DBA: If you’re set on operating under a specific name, you can register a “Doing Business As” (DBA) name at the parish level with the local Clerk of Court.
- Create a Different Entity Type: Sometimes the same name might be available for a different entity type (e.g., if “Bayou Services LLC” exists, “Bayou Services Inc.” might still be available).
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana Business Entity Searches
How much does it cost to search for a business in Louisiana?
Using the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Business Entity Search tool is completely free.
How long does a name reservation last in Louisiana?
Name reservations in Louisiana last for 120 days (4 months) from the filing date and cannot be renewed after expiration.
What are the filing fees for business entities in Louisiana?
- LLC Articles of Organization: $100 ($105 online with convenience fee)
- Corporation Articles of Incorporation: $75-$100 depending on stock
- Name Reservation: $25
- Trade Name Registration: $75
- Annual Report: $30
Can I renew a name reservation in Louisiana?
No, Louisiana does not allow renewal of name reservations after the 120-day period expires. If you still need the name after expiration, you’ll need to check availability again and file a new reservation if the name is still available.
What information do I need to have ready before conducting a search?
No special information is required – you can search with just a business name or keywords. However, having the exact business name or charter number will yield more precise results.
What do I do if a Louisiana business entity search shows my desired name is too similar to an existing business?
Louisiana requires business names to be “distinguishable” from existing names. If your search reveals a similar name, you’ll need to modify your chosen name to make it unique. Adding words, changing the spelling, or using different entity identifiers (LLC vs. Inc.) may be sufficient.
Can I check business entity status for free?
Yes, checking business entity status through the Louisiana Secretary of State website is completely free and available 24/7.
Next Steps After Confirming Your Business Name Availability
Once you’ve confirmed your business name is available in Louisiana, here are the immediate next steps to secure your business:
1. Create a geauxBIZ Account
Louisiana’s geauxBIZ portal is a one-stop site for launching your business that allows you to:
- Register your business with multiple state agencies simultaneously
- File amendments and annual reports
- Access business documents for 120 days after filing
Visit geauxbiz.sos.la.gov to create your account.
2. Reserve Your Business Name (Optional but Recommended)
If you’re not ready to form your business immediately, reserve your name through geauxBIZ for 120 days by paying the $25 fee.
3. Form Your Business Entity
File your Articles of Organization (for LLCs) or Articles of Incorporation (for corporations) through geauxBIZ. Louisiana requires an Initial Report to be filed simultaneously with your formation documents.
4. Obtain an EIN
Get your Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This is free and can be done online.
5. Register for State Taxes
When using geauxBIZ to form your business, you’ll have the option to register with the Louisiana Department of Revenue and Louisiana Workforce Commission at the same time.
6. Learn About Other State Requirements
Learn more about specific requirements in other states by checking our other state guides:
- North Carolina Business Entity Search
- Washington Business Entity Search
- Missouri Business Entity Search
- Oklahoma Business Entity Search
Additional Resources
- Louisiana Secretary of State – Business Services
- geauxBIZ Portal
- Texas Business Entity Search
- Florida Business Entity Search
- New York Business Entity Search
- Wisconsin Business Entity Search
- Pennsylvania Business Entity Search
- New Hampshire Business Entity Search
Conducting a thorough Louisiana business entity search is a critical first step before launching any business in the state. The Louisiana Secretary of State’s search tool makes it easy to verify availability, check business status, and gather important information about existing companies. By following the steps in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to establishing your business presence in Louisiana with confidence and legal compliance.
Remember that name availability is just the beginning of your business journey. After securing your name, you’ll need to complete formation documents, set up proper business operations, and maintain ongoing compliance with state requirements.
Disclaimer: While we strive to provide accurate information, business regulations can change. Always verify current requirements with the Louisiana Secretary of State or consult with a qualified business attorney or accountant for specific advice related to your situation.
