How to Register a Business Name in Louisiana

After choosing a business name the next step is registering it with the Louisiana Secretary of State. Learn how to register a business name in Louisiana with the following simple and basic steps. Whether you are a small business owner, corporation, non-profit or limited liability, you must register your business name with Louisiana Secretary of State. If you are a sole proprietorship, you will need a trade name certificate in order to register the business name.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Legal counsel
• Name availability
• Forms ("Articles of Incorporation," and "Articles of Organization")
• Sole proprietorship trade name certificate
• Fee schedule

1. Seek legal counsel. Seek advice about the formation of the business entity as well as the type of business entity that is needed. Select from one of the following classifications: Corporation, Partnership, Limited Liability and Sole proprietorship.

2. Request the correct registration forms. Log on to the official Louisiana Secretary of State website at http://www.sos.louisiana.gov/tabid/94/Default.aspx. Print the appropriate forms.

3. Get a trade name certificate. Go online to obtain a trade name certificate and then register the business name. Visit, "http://www400.sos.louisiana.gov/comm/cforms/f-397.pdf", for the appropriate forms.

4. Check the availability of the business name. Visit the Louisiana Secretary of State website (http://www400.sos.louisiana.gov/app1/paygate/crpinq.jsp). Select the appropriate business entity and start a name search.

5. Pay fee. Go to the Louisiana Secretary of State website (http://www.sos.louisiana.gov/Portals/0/332FeeSchedule.pdf). Send the fee amount required for your business entity. Then, register the business name

Tips & Warnings

• Send a preliminary $25 check to secure the business name is reserved for 60 days from date of submission. Pay by phone by calling [phone] or by fax [phone].
• Mail the completed forms to Commercial Division, P.O.B 94125, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70804-9125.
• Any unsigned forms will delay your request.

Resources

• The Louisiana Secretary of State website
• Choose your business structure that is right for you