Oklahoma Business Name Search (December 2023)

Learn how to conduct an Oklahoma business entity name search in our thorough guide. Learn to effectively use the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s website, grasp the state’s business regulations, and avoid any trademark issues with the USPTO.

Oklahoma Business Entity Name Search (Summary)

To look up and search for a business name in the state of Oklahoma, you can follow these steps:

1. Visit the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s website: The Oklahoma Secretary of State’s office maintains a database of registered businesses in the state. Their website is a reliable source for searching business names.
2. Access the Business Entity Search: On the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s website, look for a section or tab related to business services. Within that section, you should find a link or search feature for the Oklahoma Business Entity Search. This search tool allows you to search for registered businesses in Oklahoma.
3. Enter the business name: Once you have accessed the Business Entity Search, enter the desired business name in the search field. You can search by exact name or use partial names to widen the search results.
4. Review the search results: After submitting the search, the system will display a list of businesses that match or closely resemble the name you entered. You can review the search results to find the specific business you are looking for.
5. Obtain detailed information: Click on the relevant business name in the search results to access more detailed information about the business entity. This may include the registered address, registered agent, entity type, and filing history.

What is an Oklahoma Business Entity?

An Oklahoma business entity refers to a business that is legally formed and registered to operate within the state of Oklahoma. The rules, regulations, and procedures for setting up and operating a business entity in Oklahoma are overseen by the Oklahoma Secretary of State.

Similar to other states, Oklahoma recognizes several types of business entities:

1. Sole Proprietorship: This is a business operated by an individual. The business and the individual are considered the same entity for legal and tax purposes.
2. Partnership: This can be a general partnership, limited partnership (LP), or limited liability partnership (LLP). It involves two or more individuals who agree to share in the profits and losses of a business.
3. Corporation: This is a legal entity separate from its owners (shareholders). It can either be a for-profit corporation (C corporation or S corporation depending on its tax structure) or a nonprofit organization.
4. Limited Liability Company (LLC): This is a hybrid type of legal structure that provides the limited liability features of a corporation and the tax efficiencies and operational flexibility of a partnership.

When creating a business entity in Oklahoma, you would need to file the appropriate formation documents with the Oklahoma Secretary of State and pay the required filing fees. Different types of entities have different filing requirements.

Here are some helpful links to get you started with searching for a business name in Oklahoma: Oklahoma Secretary of State’s website: https://www.sos.ok.gov/ Oklahoma Business Entity Search: https://www.sos.ok.gov/corp/corpInformation.aspx

Please note that the links provided are based on information available up until September 2021. It’s always a good idea to verify the accuracy and availability of the links as they may have been updated since then.

An Oklahoma Secretary of State business search will help you determine if the LLC you are looking for is available. Different search criteria can be used to find the information that you are looking for, such as filing number and registered agent.

Oklahoma Secretary of State Name Search

The main governing body for a state is the Secretary of State. It can also be called the Commonwealth, Department of State or simply The State of [insert name].

The Corporation or Business Division is often a sub-department under the Secretary of State. This Division is responsible for the formation, change, dissolution, and record-keeping of all state-registered businesses. It is best to establish your LLC in the place where you live, or where you do business.

Oklahoma Business Name Search

When forming an LLC, the first step is to create a business title and search for it if it’s available. You must make sure your business name is unique and follow certain guidelines.

Oklahoma Requires LLC Name Requirements

The abbreviations L.L.C. are used. Use the abbreviations “L.L.C.” or “LLC” to end your business name. Most often, LLC is used. Avoid using the words “Corp.,” “Corporation,” “Incorporation,” and “Inc.” These are LLCs that can’t be identified by.

The LLC name must be distinctive and distinct from all other Oklahoma businesses. Different grammar and designations (identifiers at end of name) do not create distinctions from other businesses.

Name Search

Searching by name in the Oklahoma Secretary of State database is the best way to find out if your business name is available.

These restrictions may be used to restrict your search:

• Search All
• Search Active
• Name availability
• Search Banks
• Search Churches
• Search Domestic Cooperatives

You can search all registered businesses in the state by clicking “Search All”.

Once you have decided on your criteria, type the name of the company in the “Search” field. The search will return a list of names that match your criteria.

You might find reservations and expired businesses depending on your criteria. Click on the filing number to go to the business details. All information and options for further action will be displayed.

Search for a Filing Number

You can use a file number to search for the name reservation or registration associated with that filing number. This is the best way to narrow your search. Each business entity that files with the Secretary of State is assigned a 10-digit filing ID.

1. Open “Advanced Search” on the website and choose the option to “Filing Number Search”.
2. Search by entering the filing number into the field.
3. The page will only show one match if you have entered the correct number.
4. To view more details, click on the filing number.

This page will display:

• The jurisdiction
• Register agent details
• Termination date
• Continue reading

The links at the bottom allow you to order and file documents.

Search by Name of Registered Agent or Person

Searches for registered agents will reveal active and inactive domestic and foreign businesses that are associated with the registered agent’s name.

The same information can be found by searching for the individual name of the company or a registered agent.

1. Select the Advanced Search option on the website.
2. Choose the search option to find a registered agent or a person’s name.
3. In the box, enter your full name.
4. It is important to indicate whether the agent works for a business.

The results will display a list with the following:

• Number for filing
• Name of the business
• Type of business
• Name of an individual or company

To view all the Secretary of State’s information, click on the filing number.

You can also view the registered agent’s profile:

• Information
• Status
• Jurisdiction

You can find more options at the bottom.

There are many options to determine if your desired company name is available in Oklahoma. You might use this LLC name for many years. Choosing a unique name that distinguishes your company from others is important.

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Oklahoma LLC Formation Process

Starting an LLC in Oklahoma involves several key steps, with the first being a Oklahoma entity name search to ensure your proposed business name isn’t already taken. Upon securing a unique name, you’ll then create a Oklahoma LLC operating agreement, outlining the internal operations of the company.

Once the LLC is formed, you will need to understand how to obtain an EIN, or Employer Identification Number, from the IRS for tax purposes.

There are several top LLC formation services in Oklahoma to guide you through this process if necessary. To further streamline the process, the best registered agent services in Oklahoma are available to handle legal notifications on your behalf.

Next, you’ll need to get a business license in Oklahoma, which can be obtained from the Secretary of State’s office. The cost to start an LLC in Oklahoma is relatively affordable, involving a small filing fee.

As time goes by, you may want to change your registered agent service or close and dissolve an Oklahoma LLC, these procedures that can be handled by a Oklahoma registered agent of your choice.

If you are interested in comparing the topic of an Oklahoma LLC vs S Corp, visit the link for more info.

Additional Steps

1. Trademark Search

When searching for a business name, it’s important to note that availability doesn’t necessarily mean the name is free to use if it’s already a registered trademark.

To avoid potential complications down the line, it’s wise to conduct a thorough trademark search using the Trademark Electronic Search System before finalizing a business name.

2. Choose a Registered Agent

After you have chosen an LLC name that is distinctive and unique, you can now choose your LLC’s Registered Agent.

3. Check if the Domain Name is Available

To check if a domain name is available, you can follow these steps:

1. Go to a domain registrar website, such as GoDaddy.com or Namecheap.com.
2. In the search bar on the homepage, type in the domain name you want to check.
3. Click on the search button to see if the domain name is available or not.
4. If the domain name is available, you will be prompted to purchase it. If it’s not available, the registrar will suggest some alternative options or you can try a different domain name.

It’s a good idea to check the availability of multiple domain name options as your first choice may already be taken.

Additionally, if you are considering registering a domain name for your business, make sure to also check for any existing trademarks that may conflict with your chosen domain name.

4. Check if Social Media Name is Available

To check if a social media name is available for a new business, you can follow these steps:

1. Start by choosing a social media platform where you would like to create an account for your business. Some of the popular options include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and TikTok.
2. Once you have selected the platform, go to the sign-up page and try to create an account using your desired social media name.
3. If the name is already taken, the platform will display an error message indicating that the name is not available. In this case, you may need to consider alternative names for your social media account.
4. If the name is available, the platform will allow you to create an account using that name.
5. It’s important to note that just because a social media name is available, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s free to use. You should still do your due diligence to ensure that the name is not already a registered trademark or being used by another business in your industry.

5. Register Oklahoma Business Entity

When you complete the required documents for filing a new business entity, you then register your business and business name with the state. The state of Oklahoma will either approve your business name or reject it.

If you hire a good LLC service like Northwest Registered Agent, ZenBusiness or Incfile, these LLC services have business name tools available for you to do a quick search. I recommend using any of these 3 services to assist you with forming a new business. They can save you time and provide you with guidance through the formation process.

6. Register an Employer ID Number (EIN) With the IRS

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify businesses and other entities for tax purposes.

Here’s how you can get an EIN:

1. Determine if you need an EIN: You’ll need an EIN if you have employees, operate your business as a corporation or partnership, file employment tax returns, have a Keogh plan, or are required to file any of the following tax returns: Employment, Excise, or Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
2. Apply for an EIN: You can apply for an EIN online, by fax, by mail, or by phone. The quickest and easiest way is to apply online through the IRS website.
3. Provide the necessary information: When applying for an EIN, you’ll need to provide your legal name, trade name (if applicable), business address, and the type of legal structure of your business (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, LLC).
4. Wait for your EIN: If you apply online, you can receive your EIN immediately after completing the application. If you apply by fax or mail, it can take up to four weeks to receive your EIN.

Note that there is no fee to apply for an EIN. Once you receive your EIN, be sure to keep it safe and use it on all tax documents and forms.

7. Create a Brand Logo

Creating a business logo involves several steps. Here’s a general overview of the process:

1. Define your brand: Before you start creating a logo, you need to define your brand’s personality, values, and mission. This will help you create a logo that accurately represents your brand.
2. Determine the design style: Decide on the design style you want for your logo. Do you want it to be modern or classic, minimalistic or intricate, colorful or monochromatic? Consider your brand personality and target audience when making this decision.
3. Choose the colors: Pick a color palette that reflects your brand personality and complements your design style. Colors have psychological meanings and can affect how people perceive your brand.
4. Brainstorm ideas: Brainstorm several logo design concepts based on your brand personality, values, and mission. You can use online resources for inspiration or hire a professional logo designer to create a custom logo for you.
5. Sketch your ideas: Once you have some logo design concepts, sketch them out on paper to visualize how they might look. This can help you narrow down your options and refine your ideas.
6. Design the logo: Use a graphic design software program like Adobe Illustrator or Canva to create your logo design. Search on Fiverr for logo designs. Make sure it is scalable and can be used across different mediums.
7. Get feedback: Share your logo design with colleagues, friends, or family to get feedback. This can help you refine your design further.
8. Finalize the logo: Once you have incorporated feedback, finalize your logo design. Be sure to use high-quality images and files for your logo.
9. Protect your logo: If you want to protect your logo, consider trademarking it with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. This will prevent others from using a similar logo and protect your brand’s identity.

8. Write a Business Plan

Writing a business plan involves a comprehensive process that covers various aspects of your business, including the industry, market research, marketing and sales strategies, financial projections, and more. Here are some steps to guide you in writing a business plan and links to resources that can help you:

1. Executive summary: This section provides a summary of your business plan, highlighting key information about your business, target market, products or services, and financial projections. It should be brief but comprehensive.
2. Company description: This section describes your company’s mission, vision, values, and legal structure. It also includes information about the management team, business location, and history.
3. Market analysis: This section provides a detailed analysis of your industry, target market, competition, and customer demographics. It also includes information about market trends and growth projections.
4. Marketing and sales strategies: This section outlines your marketing and sales strategies, including branding, advertising, pricing, and distribution channels.
5. Products and services: This section describes your products or services, their features and benefits, and how they will meet the needs of your target market.
6. Financial projections: This section provides a detailed financial forecast for your business, including projected revenue, expenses, profits, and cash flow. It also includes a break-even analysis and funding requirements.

Here are some links to resources that can help you in writing a business plan:

1. Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA offers a step-by-step guide to writing a business plan, including templates and sample plans.
2. SCORE: SCORE provides free business plan templates and guides, as well as mentoring and counseling services.
3. Bplans: Bplans offers a wide variety of business plan templates, tools, and resources, including sample plans for different industries.
4. LivePlan: LivePlan is a cloud-based software that provides business planning tools and templates, financial forecasting, and collaboration features.
5. Canva: Canva offers a range of customizable business plan templates and design tools to help you create a professional-looking plan.

9. Open a Business Bank Account in Oklahoma

A bank account is generally required for a new Limited Liability Company (LLC) or corporation to separate personal finances from business finances and to establish a clear record of business transactions.

Having a separate bank account for your LLC will help you keep track of your business’s income and expenses, which will be useful for tax purposes, accounting, and financial management. It will also make it easier to accept payments from customers and pay bills, suppliers, and employees.

To open a bank account for your LLC, you will typically need to provide the following documents:

1. Certificate of Formation: This is a legal document that shows that your LLC has been registered with the state.
2. Operating Agreement: This document outlines the rules and procedures for running your LLC and is required by some banks.
3. EIN (Employer Identification Number) Confirmation Letter: This is a letter from the IRS confirming your LLC’s tax identification number.
4. Identification documents: You will need to provide personal identification documents, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID, and proof of address, such as a utility bill.

Note that the specific requirements for opening a bank account for an LLC may vary depending on the bank and state where you are located. It’s best to contact the bank you plan to use to inquire about their specific requirements.

Oklahoma LLC Name Search FAQ

How can I verify if an LLC is registered in Oklahoma?

You can use the Oklahoma Name Search Tool to check if your business name has been taken out of state.

Do I have to name my LLC after me?

Although there is no prohibition against naming your LLC after yourself (most experts recommend against it).

An advantage of an LLC is that you can choose a different business name, which can make your business sound more professional.

What words are prohibited in an Oklahoma LLC name

It is not possible to include words in business names that suggest that the company is a bank or financial institution, or that it is affiliated with a local or state government agency.

Oklahoma LLCs must also be approved to include the following words: savings and loan; building and loan; savings association and savings bank.

Do I need an LLC name generator?

An LLC name generator is a great tool to help you choose a name for your LLC.

What is a brand?

A brand name is a name that a company gives to a product line or product. It can be the exact same as the company name, or something else.

Is it necessary to include LLC in my personal name?

Yes. Oklahoma’s LLCs must use the “Limited Liability Company” abbreviation (e.g. LLC or L.L.C. in their legal name.

Is it necessary to renew my Oklahoma business name?

Oklahoma does not require LLCs to renew their names.

Is it possible for my business name to be different from the Oklahoma LLC name?

Some companies prefer to operate under a different name than their legal name. You can call this a “doing company as” (DBA) or a trade name in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma’s Secretary of State requires that LLC trade names be filed.