Oklahoma Business Entity Name Search
Selecting the right name is an essential first step for your Oklahoma LLC, requiring you to ensure the name’s availability. This process is vital to avoid infringing on existing business names and intellectual property rights within the state.
Our Oklahoma LLC name search guide offers essential tips on checking LLC name availability in Oklahoma, reservation, and registration, helping you secure a unique and compliant business identity efficiently.
How to Look Up an LLC Name in Oklahoma (Summary)
To look up and search for a business name in the state of Oklahoma, you can follow these steps:
- Visit the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s website: Search the Oklahoma Secretary of State Name Availability Search to check if your chosen business name is available. 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
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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.
- Open “Advanced Search” on the website and choose the option to “Filing Number Search”.
- Search by entering the filing number into the field.
- The page will only show one match if you have entered the correct number.
- 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.
- Select the Advanced Search option on the website.
- Choose the search option to find a registered agent or a person’s name.
- In the box, enter your full name.
- 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.
Oklahoma Secretary of State
Mailing Address:
Oklahoma Secretary of State
Colcord Center
421 NW 13th St., Suite #210
Oklahoma City, OK 73103
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m.
Phone: (405) 522-2520
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:
- Go to a domain registrar website, such as GoDaddy.com or Namecheap.com.
- In the search bar on the homepage, type in the domain name you want to check.
- Click on the search button to see if the domain name is available or not.
- 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.
4. Check if Social Media Name is Available
Check if a social media name is available for a new business name
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 Bizee, these LLC services have business name tools available for you to do a quick search.
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.
7. Create a Brand Logo
Creating a business logo involves several steps. There are affordable online services that can design a logo for you and assist with the process.
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.
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.
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.
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
What is the primary reason for conducting a business name search in Oklahoma? The main reason for performing a business name search in Oklahoma is to verify that the name you plan to use for your business isn’t already registered with the Oklahoma Secretary of State. This is a fundamental step to ensure legal compliance and to establish a distinctive brand for your enterprise.
Where can I conduct a business entity name search in Oklahoma? You can search for business entity names using the online database provided by the Oklahoma Secretary of State. This platform enables you to search the state’s records for existing business names, helping you determine the availability of your proposed name.
Does Oklahoma charge any fees for conducting a business name search? Typically, Oklahoma does not charge a fee for conducting a preliminary search for business name availability via the Secretary of State’s online search tool. However, additional services, such as obtaining certified documents, may incur a fee.
What should be my next step if I find that my chosen business name is already in use in Oklahoma? If your preferred business name is taken, you’ll need to brainstorm alternative names that are unique and comply with Oklahoma’s naming guidelines. It’s helpful to have a backup list of potential names to streamline this process.
How can I reserve a business name in Oklahoma, and what are the associated costs? Oklahoma allows prospective business owners to reserve a business name for a certain duration. This process involves submitting a name reservation application and a fee to the Secretary of State.
Are there specific naming conventions or restrictions for businesses in Oklahoma? Yes, Oklahoma requires that business names be distinguishable from other entities on record. Certain terms and designations may be required or restricted based on the type of business entity, such as ‘LLC’ for limited liability companies.
How do I verify that my business name adheres to Oklahoma’s naming rules? To ensure your business name meets state requirements, carefully review the naming guidelines issued by the Oklahoma Secretary of State. It’s also wise to perform a trademark search to prevent infringement issues.
Once I find an available business name in Oklahoma, what’s the next procedure? After confirming the availability of your business name, you should proceed with the formal registration of your business entity, which involves filing formation documents and paying the necessary fees to the Oklahoma Secretary of State.
Is it allowable to operate under a different name from my registered business name in Oklahoma? In Oklahoma, you can operate under a ‘Doing Business As’ (DBA) name, but it must be registered separately and must not conflict with existing registered business names.
How current is the information in the Oklahoma business name registry? The Oklahoma business name registry is updated on a regular basis to reflect new registrations and modifications. For the most current information, conduct your search close to your planned registration timeframe.
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.
Hi Brian,
The article provides a valuable guide for anyone looking to start a business in Oklahoma. The explanation of using the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s website for name availability checks is particularly helpful.
I appreciate how the article emphasizes the importance of conducting a thorough search to avoid trademark conflicts, something I have personally encountered in the past. Well-written and informative!
Thanks Megan
Brian, I found this article to be an excellent resource for conducting a business name search in Oklahoma. You did a great job explaining the various steps involved, including searching the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s business name database and considering name variations.
The key takeaway of being proactive and conducting a comprehensive search resonates with my own experience of wanting to protect my brand identity. Kudos!
Thanks Daniel
Brian, thank you for sharing this informative article on searching and researching business names for an LLC in Oklahoma. Your step-by-step approach and clear explanations make it easier for aspiring entrepreneurs like myself to navigate the process.
I appreciate the emphasis you placed on conducting a thorough search to avoid potential conflicts and legal issues. Great work!
Stephanie
Thanks Stephanie
Brian, I really enjoyed reading this article on searching for available business names in Oklahoma. The step-by-step process outlined here is clear and practical, making it easier for aspiring entrepreneurs to navigate the naming process.
The emphasis on conducting a comprehensive search to avoid legal issues is crucial, and it aligns with my own experience of ensuring the uniqueness of my business name. Great insights!
Thanks Charles