- Check Name Availability
- File Paperwork
- Register for Retail Sales
- Register Company Entity
Importance of Registration and Costs
- Registering is Legal Requirement
- Enhances Brand Credibility
- Varies in Cost
Business Name Requirements in Indiana
- Unique and Distinguishable Name
- Specific Naming Rules for Different Structures
- Incorporate Proper Suffixes
To ensure the business name is available, go to the Secretary of State’s website and enter the names you like as well as similar names. You don’t want a business name that can be easily confused with other businesses in Indiana.
It’s also a good idea to check for nationally trademarked names, to ward off any potential problems later if your business expands, and check the availability of related domain names using Domain Name Checker tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these.
Once you have a few potential names, check the Indiana state website to see if the name is available to register and conforms to state regulations on business names.
When naming your business in Indiana, follow these three steps: First, you’ll need to choose your business structure. This will make a difference when choosing a name because there are different naming rules for each structure.
The database is free and makes finding existing businesses easy to check availability. Search by: Business Name. If you want to register a DBA name, submit a Certificate of Assumed Business Name to the Secretary of State.