To find out if a business name is available in Indiana, you can perform a search on the state’s Secretary of State website.
Steps for Checking Availability
Below are the steps to conduct an LLC name search in Indiana:
- Follow Indiana LLC naming guidelines
- Use the IN LLC lookup database to see if your name is legally available
- Avoid unimportant words like "the", "and", numbers and letters
- Ensure the name isn’t deceptively similar to existing names
If forming an LLC or corporation, Indiana requires unique names so run this search before registering your LLC or corporation.
Your LLC’s name must contain "limited liability company" or one of its acronyms and cannot contain terms mistaken for public authorities.
To check availability, log into your INBiz account. Under Online Services, select Name Reservations. Enter the name and availability is instantly checked.
How to Use the INBiz Business Entity Search
The database makes it easy to find and check if a business name is available. Searching Indiana businesses can be done through the InBiz website by:
- Business Name
- ID Number
- Registered Agent’s Name
- Principal Name
Ensuring Legal Compliance
To avoid legal issues, verify your desired business name is available before registering it by searching state and federal databases. Verify name availability using your state’s business name checker and the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s electronic search system.
Besides ensuring availability, select a name that represents your brand and resonates with target customers. Changing your name later can be complicated and expensive, so establish an appropriate, memorable name distinguishing your business from the start.
Indiana Business Name Rules
When selecting a business name in Indiana, follow these steps:
- Search state database to ensure availability and adherence to regulations
- Consult trademark databases to avoid infringement
- Select a distinctive, meaningful name representing your brand
- Verify website domain availability to establish an online presence
Indiana provides a business-friendly environment with less regulations and affordable costs compared to Illinois, including good transportation infrastructure and a talented workforce.
Choosing the right business entity impacts liability and taxes; consult an accountant or attorney for guidance.
Brainstorm potential names with partners, test names with marketing materials, and trademark your brand name to protect your intellectual property and attract customers.
Check name availability using official government and trademark databases and consider registering a DBA if operating under a name different from your legal entity name.
When evaluating name options, consult friends, family, and potential customers and ensure availability by checking business and trademark registries.
Understand legal requirements for short-term rentals in Indiana which have been transformed under House Bill 1035, affecting platforms like Airbnb.