To ensure your Indiana business name is unique and complies with state guidelines, follow this simple process.
How to Search for an LLC Name
Before you file LLC paperwork, it’s crucial to check if your chosen Indiana LLC name is available. Using a Registered Agent service can also help to keep personal addresses private.
Steps for LLC Name Availability Check
- Follow Indiana LLC naming guidelines.
- Use the INBiz database to see if your name is legally available.
- Avoid unimportant words like "the", "and", as well as numbers and letters.
- Make sure the name isn’t deceptively similar to existing names.
Remember, your LLC’s name must contain "limited liability company" or an acronym (LLC or L.L.C.), and it cannot include terms that could be confused with government agencies.
Business Entity Search
You can search by the following criteria:
- Business Name
- ID Number
- Registered Agent’s Name
- Principal Name
Business Registration vs. Licensing
When starting an Indiana corporation or LLC, there’s a difference between name registration and licensing. The Indiana Department of Revenue oversees business licensing, while name registration is about legally establishing your business entity with the state.
Additional Tips
- Secure your business name as a web domain on GoDaddy.
- If you’re starting an LLC, designate a registered agent and file the necessary formation documents properly.
- Maintain compliance with state requirements, including obtaining any necessary licenses.