How to Start an LLC in Louisiana

Step 1: Name Your Louisiana LLC

The first step in starting an LLC in Louisiana is choosing a business name. 

Your LLC’s name should be both memorable and easily searchable as well as comply with state naming requirements.

1. Important Naming Guidelines for Louisiana LLCs:

• Your name must include the words “limited liability company” or the abbreviations “L.L.C.” or “L.C.” The names of low-profit LLCs are required to contain the words “low-profit limited liability company” or the abbreviations “L3C” or “l3c.” 
• Your name cannot contain any language that suggests that it was organized for any purpose that is contradictory to the purpose stated in its Articles of Organization. 
• Your name must be sufficiently distinguishable (i.e., unique) from all business names registered in the state of Louisiana. 
• Your name cannot contain words that suggest that it is partnered or sponsored by a government body (e.g., “Department,” “Treasury,” etc.). It also cannot contain certain professional words without prior approval from the relevant state body (e.g., “bank,” “architect,” “lawyer,” etc.). 

We recommend checking out Louisiana’s statutory naming guidelines for more information.

2. Conduct a Business Name Search in Louisiana

To check whether your desired name has already been taken by another business entity in Louisiana, you can perform a business entity search on the Louisiana Secretary of State’s business website.

If you’re not going to start your LLC right away, it might be a good idea to consider reserving your name for up to 120 days with the Secretary of State ($25 filing fee).

For more information, have a look at our Louisiana LLC Name Search guide.

3. Conduct a Domain Name Search

It’s important to also check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don’t plan to make a business website right away, this is an extremely important step as it will prevent others from acquiring it, potentially saving you both time and money in the long term. 

Once you have verified your name is available, you may now select a professional service to complete the LLC formation process for you.

FAQ: Naming a Louisiana LLC

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent in Louisiana

After you find the right name for your LLC, you will need to nominate a Louisiana registered agent. This is a requirement for all Louisiana LLCs.

What is a registered agent? A registered agent is an individual or business entity responsible for receiving important legal documents on behalf of your business. You can think of your registered agent as your business’s primary point of contact with the state.

Who can be a registered agent? A registered agent must be a resident of Louisiana or a business that has the authority to operate in the state. This can be an individual (e.g., yourself, an LLC member, etc.), a registered agent service, or a business attorney.

FAQ: Nominating a Registered Agent

Step 3: File the Louisiana LLC Articles of Organization

To register your Louisiana LLC, you’ll need to file Form 365: Articles of Organization as well as an initial report (both must be notarized prior to submission) with the Louisiana Secretary of State. You can do this online, by mail, by fax, or in person. 

Before filing, you will need to make sure that you have completed your Articles of Organization correctly. You will need to have filled out the following sections: 

• Your transmittal information
• The state, parish/county, and name of your LLC
• The purpose and duration of your LLC
• Your LLC’s management structure
• The signature of your LLC’s organizer
• The completed initial report, which must include your registered agent’s information and signature
• The names of all LLC members or managers (otherwise these must be submitted in a supplemental initial report along with a $25 fee)

File the Articles of Organization

OPTION 1: File Online With Louisiana geauxBIZ

File Online

– OR –

OPTION 2: File by Mail, by Fax, or In Person

Download Form

Filing Fee: $100 (including initial report fee), payable to the Secretary of State (Nonrefundable)

Mailing Address:
Commercial Division
P.O. Box 94125
Baton Rouge, LA 70804

Office Address:
8585 Archives Ave.
Baton Rouge, LA 70809

Fax: (225) 932-5314

For help with completing the form, visit our Louisiana Articles of Organization guide.

If you’re expanding your existing business to the state of Louisiana, you’ll need to register as a foreign limited liability company (LLC).

FAQ: Filing Louisiana LLC Documents

Step 4: Create a Louisiana LLC Operating Agreement

An operating agreement is not required in Louisiana, but it’s a good practice to have one.

An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

You can use the free tool in our Business Center to create a custom operating agreement in minutes — or download our free templates:

• Louisiana Single-Member LLC Operating Agreement
• Louisiana Multi-Member LLC Operating Agreement

FAQ: Creating a Louisiana LLC Operating Agreement

Step 5: Get an EIN for Your Louisiana LLC

You can get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for free. It is used to identify a business entity and keep track of a business’s tax reporting. You can think of an EIN as essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for the company.

If you are filing your LLC online, getting an EIN is included in the registration process on geauxBIZ.gov.

Why do I need an EIN? An EIN is required for the following:

• To open a business bank account for the company
• For federal and state tax purposes
• To hire employees for the company

Where do I get an EIN? An EIN is obtained from the IRS (free of charge) by the business owner after forming the company. This can be done online or by mail.

FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS: You do not need an SSN to get an EIN. Learn more here.

Get an EIN

Option 1: Request an EIN from the IRS

Apply Online

– OR –

Option 2: Apply for an EIN by Mail or Fax

Download Form

Mail to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999

Fax: (855) 641-6935

Fee: Free

FAQ: Getting an EIN

Best LLC Services in Louisiana Compared

For a comprehensive comparison, read our Best LLC Services review. We reviewed and ranked the top LLC formation services to help you determine the best fit for your new business.

Important Next Steps to Protect Your Louisiana LLC

After you’ve formed your LLC, you’ll need to complete key steps in order to:

• Separate your personal and business assets
• Stay compliant with state and federal laws

Get a Business Bank Account & Credit Card

Using a dedicated business banking account and business credit card is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your LLC is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

You can protect your business with these two steps:

1. Opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

2. Getting a business credit card:

• Helps you separate personal and business expenses.
• Builds your company’s credit history, which can be useful to raise capital later on.

Get Insurance

Even though an LLC offers limited liability, you’ll still likely need to purchase some form of business insurance to protect your LLC’s assets. The most common types are:

• General Liability Insurance: A broad insurance policy that protects your business from lawsuits. Most small businesses get general liability insurance.
• Professional Liability Insurance: A business insurance for professional service providers (consultants, accountants, etc.) that covers against claims of malpractice and other business errors.
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: A type of insurance that provides coverage for employees’ job-related illnesses, injuries, or deaths. In Louisiana, businesses with one or more employees, including LLC members and corporate officers, are required by law to have workers’ compensation insurance.

Want to learn exactly what coverage your Louisiana business may need? Read our full Louisiana Business Insurance Guide.

Obtain Business Licenses If Needed

While Louisiana doesn’t require a general state business license, your LLC may need specific licenses or permits based on its industry, location, and activities.

• State-Level Licenses: Visit the geauxBIZ website to find a checklist that’ll help to determine if your business requires any state-issued licenses or permits.
• Local Licenses: Check with your city or county clerk’s office to identify any local licensing requirements, such as zoning permits or health department approvals.
• Federal Licenses: If your business activities are regulated by a federal agency (e.g., selling alcohol or firearms or operating in the transportation industry), consult the U.S. Small Business Administration’s website to determine necessary federal licenses or permits.

For a comprehensive overview and step-by-step instructions, refer to our Louisiana Business License Guide.

Pay Louisiana LLC Taxes

Your Louisiana LLC will have several key tax obligations: