Louisiana LLC Search: Step-by-Step Guide on the Secretary of State Portal

Looking to start or verify a Louisiana LLC? The Louisiana LLC search through the Secretary of State’s Business Filings portal lets you confirm name availability, view filings, and access key business info — all in one place.

To perform a Louisiana LLC search, go to sos.la.gov and use the Business Filings Search tool. You can search by name, charter number, or registered agent to verify company status and filing details.

This guide walks you through how to use Louisiana’s official business entity search portal with confidence. Whether you’re reserving a name, checking if a company is in good standing, or exploring how to form your own limited liability company, we’ll cover it all. We’ll also show you how to leverage tools from the Louisiana Secretary of State to access public records, file documents, or manage your LLC online.

What Is Louisiana’s Business Entity Search?

The Louisiana business entity search is a free public tool offered by the Louisiana Secretary of State. It allows anyone, from business owners to curious consumers, to verify registered companies or limited liability entities across the state. You can confirm a business’s legitimacy, find its registration details, and check whether it’s in good standing. If you’re new to the process, this national guide to business entity searches offers a helpful overview on how name lookups work across all 50 states.

You can access the tool online through the Louisiana Secretary of State’s official website. Here’s what you can do with it:

• Look up the official name and charter number of any business
• Find out when and where it was formed (including Orleans Parish, if applicable)
• Review its filing history, current status, and registered agent
• See any trade names or assumed business names (DBAs) on file

To make it clearer, here’s a quick guide to what each feature provides, and why it matters:

Using the Louisiana business entity search isn’t just about gathering data — it’s about making smart, informed choices. Whether you’re double-checking the status of your own Louisiana LLC, researching a competitor, or evaluating a potential partner, this official state tool (available via sos.la.gov) gives you fast, reliable access to current business records. Since the data comes directly from the Louisiana Secretary of State, you can trust it’s accurate and up to date. For business owners and investors, this tool is a no-brainer for due diligence.

7 Steps to Conduct a Louisiana LLC Search

With the business entity search tool on the Louisiana Secretary of State website, you can quickly and easily verify company records, check name availability, and track filing history. Louisiana offers a user-friendly way to research or confirm details about any Louisiana LLC through its official Business Filings portal. This information is public and accessible. Here are 7 simple steps to help you review the most accurate, up-to-date business records available online.

Step 1: Go to the Official Louisiana Secretary of State Portal

To start your Louisiana LLC search, visit the official state website at sos.la.gov. This is the central portal for all business filings and entity searches in Louisiana.

Once you're on the homepage:

1. Hover over the “Business Services” menu at the top.
2. Click on “Search for Louisiana Business Filings” in the dropdown.

This will take you to the official entity search system where you can search for existing Louisiana LLCs by name, charter number, or registered agent.

Why this step matters:
Starting from the correct portal ensures you're accessing verified, real-time data from the Secretary of State. It also helps you avoid misleading third-party databases.

Step 2: Click the Link to Access the Business Filings Search Page

After selecting “Search for Louisiana Business Filings” in the dropdown, you’ll land on an informational screen. Here, look for the text:

“Please continue to our Louisiana Business Filings search page.”

Click the highlighted link to access the actual search interface.

Why this matters:

• This step redirects you from the informational landing page to the real-time entity search system.
• It ensures you’re accessing official, secure Louisiana business records.

Once you click through, you’ll reach the form that lets you search by business name, charter number, or agent name.

Step 3: Enter the LLC Name or Search by Other Criteria

Once you reach the Louisiana Business Filings Search form, you’ll be presented with multiple search options:

Search Types:

• Entity Name (default): Use the business name you’re checking, e.g., GLOBAL LLC
• Charter Number, Trade Registration Number, or Reservation Number
• Officer Name or Agent Name

Example:

To search for a company like Global LLC:

1. Select Search by Entity Name
2. Enter the full name: GLOBAL LLC
3. Click the “Search” button

Search Tips:

• Use the full name to narrow results (avoid too-short or vague queries).
• If unsure about spelling, try entering partial names like “Global” or “Global Solutions”.
• Avoid adding punctuation (e.g., commas or periods) unless part of the official name.

This step helps ensure you uncover all existing Louisiana LLCs that could conflict with your desired name – even those that are inactive or expired.

Step 4: Review the Search Results & Refine if Needed

After hitting Search, you’ll see a results table with up to 250 business entities matching your input.

Each listing includes:

• Name (bold = active)
• Type (e.g., Limited Liability Company)
• City
• A “Details” button to view the full profile

Tips for Interpreting the List:

• Active records appear in bold – only these can block your new LLC filing.
• Inactive or dissolved entities do not offer name protection but may still cause confusion.
• Look for exact matches or near-duplicates to identify potential conflicts.

Too many results? Try:

• Adding more specific terms (e.g., “Global Advisors LLC”)
• Searching by city, agent, or charter number for targeted results

Step 5: View the LLC Record for Full Business Details

After clicking “Details” next to an LLC (e.g., GLOBAL LLC), you'll be taken to its full entity profile. This page contains comprehensive business information, including:

Key Sections:

• Charter Number & Filing Date
• Business Type and Status (e.g., Active or Not in Good Standing)
• Registered Agent Info (name, address, appointment date)
• Officer(s): Includes members or managers on file
• Address: Domicile and mailing addresses
• Annual Report History: Status and most recent filing
• Amendments: Any past revocations or reinstatements

Why This Matters:

This page confirms whether the name is truly active and protected, identifies who manages the LLC, and verifies compliance history.

Example: The screenshot shows GLOBAL LLC in Active status but flagged as “Not in Good Standing” due to a missing annual report — this might still block your filing depending on state rules.

You can also:

• Print the record
• Subscribe for update alerts
• Order certified documents for legal or formal use

Step 6: Save, Print, or Subscribe for Updates

After viewing the full LLC profile, Louisiana's Business Filings system gives you a few practical options to retain or monitor the information for your records:

Print or Export the Business Record

At the top of the record page, you’ll find:

• “Print Detailed Record” – creates a clean, printer-friendly version for your files or clients.
• “Buy Certificates and Certified Copies” – order official documents (like Certificates of Good Standing) for legal, banking, or licensing use.

Tip: You can also print to PDF using your browser for easy digital storage.

Subscribe for Notifications

Click “Subscribe to Electronic Notification” to receive alerts on:

• Annual report deadlines
• Status changes (revoked, reinstated)
• Amendments or agent updates

This is especially useful if you manage multiple LLCs or need to monitor another business for compliance.

Use the Shopping Cart (if needed)

If you’re ordering multiple filings or documents, the system lets you:

• Add records to your Shopping Cart
• Check out securely once ready

How to Check & Reserve Your LLC Name in Louisiana

It’s important to verify the availability of your desired name before forming a Louisiana LLC. In Louisiana, every business name must be distinguishable from other registered names. You can check availability using the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Business Filings Search and reserve your LLC name through the GeauxBiz portal.

For a broader approach beyond Louisiana, this guide to checking LLC name availability walks you through national search strategies, trademark tips, and brand protection steps. Ensure your brand is legally protected before investing in logos, business cards, or a website. This step helps you avoid costly rejections during filing.

Here’s a step-by-step to search, reserve, and protect your business name in Louisiana.

Conduct a Preliminary Name Search

The first step to reserving your Louisiana LLC name is to conduct a free business entity search using the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Business Filings search tool. Enter your desired name into the system and check for any exact or similar matches. If your name is too close to an existing business, especially in the same industry or parish, it may be rejected by the Louisiana Secretary of State.

Tips for effective name searching:

• Avoid generic words like “Company” or “Enterprise” alone
• Test variations (plural, abbreviated, hyphenated versions)
• Run the name through multiple filters — entity name and trade name

The goal is to make sure your name is distinguishable and available before filing. Louisiana doesn’t require an account to search, and this process helps you avoid unnecessary filing rejections.

File a Name Reservation—$25 for 120-Day Hold

If your desired louisiana llc name is available, you can reserve it online through the GeauxBiz portal. The louisiana secretary of state allows name reservations for 120 days with a non-refundable $25 fee (see official fee schedule here). This step isn’t mandatory to form an LLC, but it’s recommended if you’re still preparing paperwork or not ready to file.

To reserve a name:

• Select “Name Reservation” on GeauxBiz
• Enter the LLC name exactly as you want it filed
• Pay the $25 fee using the secure online form

After confirmation, the name is locked under your name for four months and no one can register it. You’ll receive a digital confirmation of your reservation.

Cross-Check Trademarks, DBAs & Domain Conflicts

Simply reserving a name with the Louisiana Secretary of State won’t protect you from lawsuits or brand issues. Before using your name publicly, take these extra steps to avoid a conflict:

• Search the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for existing federal trademark registrations
• Check the Louisiana Commercial Database for any registered DBAs (doing business as) under similar names
• Look up available web domains to ensure your business name can be used as a .com, .net, etc.

Having these necessary checks can avoid infringement lawsuits, customer confusion, and costly rebranding afterward. A well-formulated name strategy involves much more than just succeeding the business entity search; it includes comprehensive coverage across legal, digital, and commercial records.

Interpreting Search Results & Verifying Status

After performing Louisiana LLC search, it is vital to understand what the results mean. Every listing specifies a business status: Active, Inactive, Revoked, Not in Good Standing. These indicators are sourced from the louisiana secretary of state and show the company’s legal standing and filings compliance.

Here's how to interpret key data points.

• Active: The LLC is in good standing and legally operating
• Inactive or Revoked: Business has been shut down or lost state recognition
• Not in Good Standing: Likely missed a required filing or report

Always check the registered agent, date of formation, and purpose of business. This makes sure that you’re dealing with a compliant entity or alerts you to risks of doing so.

Louisiana SOS Services for LLCs via GeauxBiz

The louisiana secretary of state offers a full suite of tools through the GeauxBiz portal to help manage your louisiana llc. Whether you’re starting a new business or maintaining an existing one, these services streamline every part of the process, from submitting legal documents to updating business records.

Below, we’ll cover the core services available through GeauxBiz, including how to file essential forms, register trademarks, and appoint your registered agent, all accessible online through a single login.

Filing Articles of Organization & Annual Reports

To legally form your Louisiana LLC, you must file Articles of Organization through the GeauxBiz platform. This filing makes your company an official part of the state record and includes your company’s name, purpose, registered agent, and address. The standard filing fee is $100.

After your LLC formation, you will also have to file an annual report on a yearly basis to remain compliant. These filings validate your existing contact information and are to be submitted by your anniversary date.

You can complete both filings online, receiving instant (real-time) confirmation from the Louisiana Secretary of State.

Trade Name, UCC & Trademark Registration Tools

GeauxBiz makes it easy to register a trade name, file a trademark, or submit a UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) form. These registrations help protect your brand identity and secure business transactions. All filings are processed through the louisiana secretary of state and are accessible to the public.

You can:

• File a trade name or DBA application
• Register a Louisiana-specific trademark
• Submit UCC financing statements for secured transactions

These tools are essential for building a brand and establishing legal protection beyond your basic LLC setup, and they’re all available online through the GeauxBiz system.

Appointing or Changing Your Registered Agent Online

Every louisiana llc must designate a registered agent to receive legal documents and service of process. Choosing the right one matters, not just for Louisiana, but for any business. This nationwide guide to top registered agent services outlines what to look for and which providers rank highest across the U.S. Since this role is critical for maintaining compliance and protecting sensitive information, it’s worth taking time to compare your options. This review of the best Louisiana registered agent services breaks down the top-rated providers in the state to help you make a smart, secure choice. 

If your agent changes, you’re required to update this with the louisiana secretary of state. Luckily, GeauxBiz makes it simple to appoint or change your agent entirely online.

Just log into your GeauxBiz account, select your entity, and file a Change of Agent form. There may be a small filing fee, and updates are typically processed within 24–48 hours.

Staying current with agent info ensures compliance and avoids penalties or missed notices.

How to Register a New LLC in Louisiana

Using the GeauxBiz System makes forming a Louisiana LLC quick and easy. From choosing a name to filing the necessary paperwork, everything can be done online with help from the Louisiana Secretary of State’s official LLC filing instructions. If you understand the procedure for any filing step beforehand, it would be easier for you to avoid rejection.

In the upcoming sections, we’ll guide you through how to file your Articles of Organization, your Initial Report, and state licensing requirements. You'll discover how to ensure your compliance on day one and run your business.

Preparing & Filing Articles of Organization—$100 Fee

To form your Louisiana LLC, you must file the Articles of Organization through the Louisiana Secretary of State’s official portal. This legal document gives basic details of your business, such as its name, purpose, duration, physical address, and registered agent. For a full overview of the LLC formation process, this step-by-step guide to starting an LLC in Louisiana covers all the legal and logistical requirements. And if you're curious about the filing itself, this in-depth guide to the Certificate of Organization explains what the document does, how to file it, and how to avoid common mistakes.

You can complete this step completely online on the GeauxBiz portal. The jurisdiction may charge up to a $100 filing fee that can be paid by credit card or ACH transfer.

Once you submit and have it approved, the state will issue you a Certificate of Organization, which recognizes your LLC as a legal limited liability entity in Louisiana.

Submitting Initial Report & Business License Applications

Along with your Articles of Organization, Louisiana requires an Initial Report that lists your LLC’s physical address, registered agent, and member/manager information. This report must be submitted at the same time as your formation documents through the GeauxBiz portal.

Depending on your industry and location, you may also need to submit one or more business license applications. The portal will guide you based on your responses during registration.

Filing both items together ensures your louisiana llc is compliant from day one, and helps you avoid delays or rejections.

Next Steps: Draft Operating Agreement & Obtain EIN

There are a few more important steps you still need to take after filing to activate your Louisiana LLC. While these are not mandated by the Louisiana Secretary of State, they are essential for running your business legally and financially.

Even a one-member LLC should have an Operating Agreement drafted. This document establishes ownership, voting rights and responsibilities, and profit-sharing rules.   It shows professionalism and prevents internal conflict when dealing with banks or investors.

Next, apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the IRS website. It’s a simple process, but if you ever need to locate an existing EIN for another business, say for due diligence or paperwork – this helpful EIN lookup guide explains your options in plain English.

An EIN is required if you plan to:

• Open a business bank account
• Hire employees
• File federal taxes

Simply complete both steps online, both at ZERO cost, giving your LLC the structure and credibility it needs to operate successfully.

Bulk & API Options for Advanced Entity Lookups

Power users, including service providers, legal professionals, and compliance teams, can access Louisiana business entity data through bulk download and API access through GeauxBiz. With these tools, you can retrieve multiple records at once , saving you time and allowing for deeper analysis.

• Bulk downloads: Export business listings (filtered by name, status, or parish) as CSV or PDF for offline review.
• API access: Integrate real-time entity data into your own software systems or dashboards via a secure data endpoint.
• Automated searches: Scheduled queries help you monitor LLC name availability or new filings without manual checking.

These options work great for firms monitoring dozens or even hundreds of louisiana llc records. Using the official database from the Louisiana Secretary of State to compile this data. And if your portfolio includes out-of-state entities, this guide to the best registered agents for foreign LLCs highlights trusted services that specialize in multistate compliance. When it comes to handling portfolios or due diligence, these tools take entity search to an enterprise level.

Best Practices & Common Pitfalls in Louisiana LLC Search

Whether you’re starting a new louisiana llc or investigating an existing one, navigating the business entity search system effectively requires a few smart habits—and avoiding common mistakes. Here’s how to get the most accurate and useful results.

Best Practices:

• Use exact names or charter numbers when possible for faster results
• Double-check filters like “Status” and “Parish” to avoid misleading entries
• Save or export search results for documentation and compliance tracking

Common Pitfalls to Avoid:

• Searching only by partial names, which may miss key entities
• Overlooking expired entities that still appear in results
• Assuming trade names or DBAs mean legal ownership

Remember, the GeauxBiz portal pulls directly from the louisiana secretary of state’s official database. Taking the time to refine your searches ensures cleaner data, fewer surprises, and a more accurate picture of the business landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions: Louisiana LLC Search

If you’re starting a new business, running an existing LLC, or doing due diligence, you probably have some specific questions about how a Louisiana business entity search works. Here are straightforward answers to the most common questions. All information is based on the latest tools and processes of the louisiana secretary of state and the GeauxBiz portal. These answers will help you get good advice and information right away.

Resources for Louisiana Business Owners

Looking for more help beyond basic business lookup? These trusted resources support every stage of managing an LLC in Louisiana – from formation to compliance and licensing.

• Louisiana Secretary of State – Commercial Division (sos.la.gov): The official hub for business filings, name reservation, annual reports, and registered agent changes. Also includes the Business Filings Search tool.
• GeauxBiz Louisiana Business Portal (geauxbiz.sos.la.gov): Louisiana’s official platform for business formation and name reservation; some filings now redirect to sos.la.gov.
• Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) (lsbdc.org): Free one-on-one consulting, business planning, and funding support for entrepreneurs.
• Louisiana Department of Revenue (revenue.louisiana.gov): For state tax registration, sales tax accounts, and filing obligations.
• IRS EIN Application (irs.gov): Apply for your Employer Identification Number online — free and required for most LLCs.

These tools help you go beyond a basic search – they guide you in launching, running, and growing a compliant Louisiana business.