Indiana LLC Name Search & Entity Lookup (Guide)

When starting a business in Indiana, choosing the right name for your LLC is crucial. You can easily conduct an Indiana LLC name search to ensure your desired business name is available and meets state requirements.

This guide walks you through the steps to check for name availability and what to consider during the process.

Should You Conduct an Indiana Name Search or an LLC Lookup?

Before you officially form your LLC in Indiana, conducting a name search or LLC lookup can be beneficial.

Here are some key reasons:

• Verify Name Availability: An Indiana LLC name search ensures your desired LLC name is unique and not already in use by another business. Indiana requires LLC names to be distinguishable from existing entities, so a search can prevent your application from being rejected.
• Avoid Legal Issues: Checking for similar business names can help you avoid potential trademark or legal disputes. Using a name that is too similar to another company could result in confusion or even legal action.
• Reserve Your Name: If you’re not ready to file your LLC formation documents, an Indiana name search lets you confirm the name’s availability and reserve it. This ensures your chosen name is secure while you complete your planning.
• Establish Professional Credibility: A unique and distinguishable name search ensures that your LLC will stand out, helping to build a strong brand identity and professional reputation.
• Simplify the Filing Process: Confirming that your LLC name meets Indiana’s requirements beforehand can streamline the filing process, reducing delays and rejections.

Indiana LLC Name Search (step-by-step)

Finding the right name for your LLC in Indiana is crucial. Follow these steps to ensure that the name you want is available and complies with state requirements.

Step 1: Visit the Indiana Secretary of State’s website

Start by opening your web browser and visiting the Indiana Secretary of State’s website at in.gov/sos/. This is the official site where you can search for business names in Indiana.

Step 2: Navigate to the “Business Services Division” section

Once you are on the home page of the website, click on the menu button and navigate to the “Business Services Division” link. This section provides resources and information related to starting a business in Indiana.

Step 3: Click on “INBiz Online Services”

In the “Business Services Division” section, click on the “InBiz-Online Services” link that acts as Indiana’s one-stop source for your business needs.

Indiana requires you to sign in if you have an account or sign up if you don’t have one to use the InBiz service. Enter the questions appropriately.

Step 4: Navigate to “Business Name Availability”

In the “InBiz-Online Services” section, look for the option labeled “Business Search” and click the “Search Now.”

Choose “Business Name Availability” from the available search options. This feature allows you to check if your desired LLC name is already in use.

Step 5: Enter the desired LLC name in the search field

You will see a search field where you can type in your desired LLC name. Be as specific as possible to avoid confusion. You can enter the full name or a portion of it. Ensure you type carefully to get accurate results.

Once you’ve entered the name, click the “Check Availability” button. This action starts the search & lookup process.

Step 6: Review the search results for name availability

After completing the search, you will see a list of business names matching your search criteria. However, if you get a green “…the name is available…,” your desired LLC name may be available for registration.

If you get a red “The name you entered is not available in Indiana…,” your desired LLC name is already taken and unavailable for use.

You will get search result information like ID, Name, Name Type, Entity Type, Address, Creation Date, and Status.

If your desired LLC name is available, proceed with the registration process. If the name you want is taken, return to the earlier steps and repeat the search with your new options until you find an available name that works for you.

Critical LLC Naming Guidelines and Requirements in Indiana

When forming an LLC in Indiana, there are specific naming guidelines to ensure your business name is unique, compliant with state laws, and professionally suitable.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Include Identifiers

Your LLC name must clearly identify your business structure. Indiana requires that your business name includes “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.”

Using one of these identifiers is essential to legally establish your LLC as a limited liability company and differentiate it from other business structures like corporations or sole proprietorships.

2. Distinctiveness

Indiana mandates that your LLC name must be unique and distinguishable from other registered business names in the state. This means the name cannot be confusingly similar to another business’s name.

For example, “Indiana Tech LLC” and “Indiana Technologies LLC” might not be distinguishable enough. To prevent filing issues, ensure your name stands out.

3. Prohibited Words

Certain words are restricted in Indiana to avoid public confusion. Avoid terms that could imply government affiliation, such as “FBI,” “Treasury,” “CIA,” or “State Department.”

Misleading terms may result in your name being rejected or require additional documentation to clarify your business’s purpose.

4. Professional Designations

For LLCs offering specific professional services (like legal, medical, or engineering services), certain naming conventions may apply.

Indiana requires professional LLCs to meet special guidelines, and they may need to include designators like “corporation” or “incorporated” if state laws require them. Check if your profession falls under specific requirements.

5. Availability Search

Before finalizing your LLC name, perform a thorough name search through the Indiana Business Entity Search. This tool allows you to verify that your desired name is available and helps prevent name duplication issues.

Conducting a search early can save time by reducing the risk of rejection due to an already-claimed name.

6. Compliance with State Laws

Ensure your name adheres to Indiana state laws and complies with trademark regulations. Names with prohibited terms or non-compliant phrases may delay your filing.

By aligning with legal requirements, you streamline the registration process and avoid future complications.

7. Clear and Simple

Opt for a name that is clear, easy to pronounce, and memorable. Simplicity helps build brand recognition and allows customers to easily find and refer to your business.

Avoid overly complex or confusing names that could deter potential clients or customers from remembering your brand.

What Words are not allowed in my Indiana LLC name?

When naming your LLC in Indiana, there are specific words you cannot use to prevent public confusion and ensure legal compliance.

Here’s a closer look at prohibited and restricted terms:

Prohibited Words

• Bank: Indiana restricts the use of “bank” or similar terms to licensed banking institutions. If you are not a bank, avoid this term to prevent misleading the public.
• Insurance: Only businesses with proper insurance licensing are permitted to use “insurance” in their names. This prevents any misunderstanding about your company’s services or legal status.
• Corporation: LLCs cannot include “corporation,” “incorporated,” or similar terms that imply a corporate structure. Using these terms may confuse your LLC with a corporation, which has a different business structure.
• Trust: “Trust” is restricted to licensed trust companies. Unless your LLC is registered and authorized to operate as a trust, avoid using this term.
• Loan: The term “loan” is generally limited to financial institutions that are authorized to issue loans. Misusing this term could imply services your LLC is not licensed to offer.
• Credit Union: This term is reserved for registered credit unions. Using “credit union” in an LLC name could mislead customers into thinking your business is a licensed credit union.

Restricted Words

Some words require additional approvals or licensing before they can be included in your Indiana LLC name:

• Association: If your LLC name includes “association,” you may need to provide proof of your association status or meet specific legal requirements.
• University: “University” or “college” are terms that typically require accreditation or recognition from educational authorities. If you use these, ensure your institution meets state educational standards.
• Government: Words like “government,” “federal,” “state,” or “municipal” can imply affiliation with a governmental entity. Unless you have the proper authority, avoid these terms.
• Cooperative: If you wish to use “cooperative” in your LLC name, Indiana may require that your business operates as a cooperative under specific guidelines and regulations.
• Foundation: This term may require special permissions or registrations, particularly if the business appears to operate as a nonprofit or charitable organization.
• Nonprofit: The word “nonprofit” may mislead the public if your LLC is a for-profit entity. Only include this if your LLC meets nonprofit qualifications and has appropriate registrations.
• Engineer, Doctor, Lawyer, Accountant: Professional designations like “engineer,” “doctor,” “lawyer,” or “accountant” should only be used if the LLC members are licensed professionals in those fields, as these words indicate licensed services.

How do I File an Indiana LLC Name Reservation? (In steps)

To reserve your desired LLC name in Indiana, follow these steps:

Step 1: Confirm LLC Name Availability

Before filing for a name reservation, confirm that your desired LLC name is unique and not already in use. Use the Indiana Business Entity Search tool to verify availability.

Step 2: Prepare and Submit the Name Reservation Application

Complete and submit the Application for Business Name Reservation which you can find on the INBiz website.

Ensure the name is accurately spelled, including specific identifiers like “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company.”

Step 3: Pay the Reservation Fee

In Indiana, reserving an LLC name requires a $10 filing fee. Filing through the Indiana Secretary of State’s online portal requires paying the fee using a credit or debit card.

Step 4: Wait for Confirmation

Once filed, the Secretary of State will process your name reservation request. Upon approval, your chosen name will be reserved for 120 days. You’ll receive confirmation of the reservation, giving you peace of mind as you proceed with your LLC formation.

Other Business Entities and Naming Considerations

When starting a business in Indiana, explore various naming options and formalities. This section covers the essentials of trade names, filing for a DBA, and checking domain name availability.

Trade Names and Trademark Search

A trade name is the name under which your business operates. It’s important to ensure that your chosen trade name is not already in use. You can search the Indiana Secretary of State’s database for existing names.

Consider checking for trademarks. A trademark search through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is wise.

If a name is trademarked, it can lead to legal issues down the road. Using a name that is too similar to a trademarked name may confuse customers or lead to a cease-and-desist order.

Filing for Doing Business As (DBA) in Indiana

If you want to use a name different from your registered business name, you’ll need to file for a “Doing Business As” (DBA) in Indiana. This process allows you to operate under a different name without creating a new legal entity.

To file a DBA, you must complete the application through the Indiana Secretary of State. This includes verifying that your desired name is unique in the business registry.

Filing your DBA gives you an official recognition of your business name and can protect you from others using the same name.

Check Domain Name Availability

In today’s digital age, having an online presence is vital. Before settling on a business name, check if the domain name is available. Use websites like GoDaddy or Namecheap to search for available domain names.

A matching domain makes it easier for customers to find you online. If your desired name is taken, consider variations like adding “Indiana” or “LLC” to the name. Ensure your domain name reflects your business identity and is easy to remember.

Final Thoughts – Is it Worth it to Search and Reserve My Business in Indiana?

Yes, performing a business name search and reserving your desired LLC name in Indiana is smart, especially if you’re still planning or finalizing your formation documents.

Securing your LLC name through a quick search ensures it’s unique and compliant with state guidelines, helping you avoid potential legal issues.

The $10 reservation fee offers peace of mind by guaranteeing your chosen name for 120 days, so you won’t need to worry about another business claiming it while you’re completing the setup process.

However, if you’re ready to file immediately, you can skip the reservation and proceed directly with the LLC formation to save time and costs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I obtain a business license verification in Indiana?

You can obtain a business license verification by checking the Indiana Secretary of State’s website or your local county clerk’s office. They provide resources and guidance on verifying business licenses for LLCs.

What are the most important LLC naming guidelines in Indiana?

When naming your LLC in Indiana, ensure the name includes “Limited Liability Company” or “LLC.” It must be unique and not similar to existing businesses and comply with state laws regarding prohibited words.

How much does it cost to reserve your LLC name in Indiana?

The fee to reserve an LLC name in Indiana is typically $10. You can submit your reservation request through the Secretary of State’s office, along with the payment.

How long does an Indiana LLC Name Reservation last?

An Indiana LLC name reservation lasts for 120 days. This gives you time to prepare your Articles of Organization without losing the name you want.

How do I search for and get a Trademark for my business in Indiana?

To search for and obtain a Trademark in Indiana, you can use the Indiana Secretary of State’s Trademark registration site. There, you can search existing trademarks and submit your application for a new trademark if needed.