Oklahoma LLC Name Search

Check LLC Name Availability in Oklahoma

1. Do an Oklahoma Business Name Search

You can use the Oklahoma Secretary of State Business Search to check the availability of your desired entity name.

To perform the most effective search, type in the entity name you would like to use, excluding identifiers like “LLC.” This will return all entities using the same or similar entity names.

If your business name is several words, you can even search just the first two words to ensure you pull up all possible similar entity names.

2. Search Available Domain Names

Another important consideration to make when selecting a business name is whether or not your desired web domain name is available.

Having a URL that clearly matches your business name is important. This seemingly small step can make a big difference in how prospective customers find your business.

The best way to determine if your desired URL is available is to search for it online using your preferred domain registry, such as GoDaddy.

3. Follow Oklahoma Naming Guidelines

When starting a limited liability company (LLC) in Oklahoma, it’s important to follow the state’s naming requirements. 

These guidelines ensure that your LLC’s name is unique and distinguishable from other registered entities. 

Here are the key points you need to know:

Naming Format and Abbreviations

The name of your LLC must include one of the following:

• “Limited Liability Company”
• “Limited Company”
• Abbreviations such as “LLC,” “LC,” “L.L.C.,” or “L.C.”
• The word “limited” can be abbreviated as “LTD.”
• The word “Company” can be abbreviated as “CO.”

Distinguishability From Existing Names

Your LLC’s name should not be the same as or indistinguishable from the following:

• Names of active or recently active limited liability companies registered with the Office of the Secretary of State.
• Names of active or recently active corporations registered with the Office of the Secretary of State.
• Names of active or recently active general or limited partnerships registered with the Office of the Secretary of State.
• Trade names, fictitious names, or other names reserved with the Secretary of State.

Exceptions to Distinguishability

The requirement of distinguishability does not apply if one of the following conditions is met and filed with the Secretary of State:

• Written consent from the other entity or name holder to use the same or indistinguishable name with the addition of words, numerals, numbers, or letters to make it distinguishable on the Secretary of State’s records. The consent may state that the consenting entity intends to change its name, cease business, withdraw from the state, or wind up its operations.
• A certified copy of a final court decree establishing the prior right of the limited liability company or name holder to use the name in Oklahoma.

Complying with Oklahoma’s naming requirements for LLCs is crucial for establishing a unique and legally recognized business entity. 

By following these guidelines and ensuring your LLC’s name is distinguishable, you can avoid conflicts with existing entities and register your business successfully.

Registering Your Oklahoma Business Name

When you’re ready to establish your LLC in Oklahoma, it’s important to note that the state doesn’t require you to reserve a business name before filing your Articles of Organization. 

This streamlined process allows you to register your business name and start your LLC simultaneously. 

Whether you’re prepared to launch your LLC or still in the planning phase, we’re here to guide you through the process.

Register Your Oklahoma LLC

Registering your LLC name in Oklahoma is a relatively straightforward task. Your business name becomes officially registered when you file the Oklahoma Articles of Organization. This critical document marks the formal establishment of your business in the state.

The Oklahoma Secretary of State’s website provides detailed instructions on how to fill out the form and pay the necessary state filing fee.

Reserve Your Oklahoma Business Entity Name

The Oklahoma Secretary of State Business Filing Department handles all LLC naming questions and requests. Business names can be reserved for 60 days.

To reserve a business name, you must file an application online or by mail. If you reserve a name online, the website automatically prompts you to do a search. Be sure to conduct a thorough search before completing your application to avoid rejection.

When reserving your entity name, you will have to pay a filing fee. Checks must be made out to the “Oklahoma Secretary of State.”

Oklahoma Application for Reservation of Name

File Online with the State of Oklahoma

FILE ONLINE

– OR –

File by Mail

Download Form

Fee: $10

Mail to:
Oklahoma Secretary of State
421 N.W. 13th, Suite 210
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73103

Other Considerations

While reserving an entity name is straightforward, there are some other things you should think about when choosing the best name for your business. You may want to do a Trademark and Social Media search for your entity name to see if it’s available for use online. This will help ensure you have full, unrestricted use of your business name.

Trademark Search

Conducting a trademark search of your business name and associated slogans or logos before registering can help prevent costly litigation in the future. Discovering that another entity has trademarked your business name does not automatically disqualify you from using it.

However, it is important to know who is using the name, what industry they operate in, and where they are located to be sure you do not inadvertently infringe upon anyone’s intellectual property rights.

To complete this step:

• Search Oklahoma’s trademark records to see if your business name or associated slogans, logos, or others are in use by another business in your state. 
• Search the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s electronic records to find any federally registered trademarks associated with your business name.

Social Media Search

Just as important, or more so, than finding a domain name that fits your business is ensuring that your business name is available for use across online social media platforms. To do this, you can search for your business name on each major site, or use a tool such as Namecheckerr to search across all platforms at once.

Bottom Line

According to recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Oklahoma now processes over 50,000 new business applications per year. 

With such a high volume, finding a distinguishable name for your Oklahoma LLC can undoubtedly seem quite daunting.

Even so, make sure that you do not rush the process or settle for the first available name you find. It’s important that you take the time to choose something memorable that reflects your brand, works as a domain, and won’t limit you as your business grows.