Louisiana (LA) Secretary of State (SOS) LLC & Business Search

Business search facilities are available on the Louisiana Secretary of State website to enable users to access information about businesses including viewing key information that is publicly available. The Louisiana business filings database can be searched by:

• Entity name
• Charter number, trade registration number or name reservation number
• Officer name or agent name

Search by entity name

The Louisiana business filings database can be searched by entity name.

The results generated will include all businesses that contain the name searched and the list will provide the business name, type and city.

If you want to view further details about the business you can click on the details button on the right-hand column. This opens the business record which includes:

• Business name
• Business type
• City
• Status
• Previous names
• Charter number
• Registration date
• Domicile address
• Mailing address
• Status
• Inactive reason
• File date
• Last report filed
• Amendments on file

They offer the option to buy certificates and certified copies as well as print detailed records.

Search by number

There is the option to search the business filings database for the business’ charter number, trade registration number or name reservation number if you have these details.

The results from these searches should be a single record and it should open directly into the record for that business. The information available includes the history of the business, agent details and filings, as well as more information as listed above in search by business name.

Search by an officer or agent name

The business filings database can also be searched by officer or agent name where the first and last name is entered in separate fields.

A list will be generated that includes all businesses that have an officer or agent with the name searched. The list details the name of the officer or agent, affiliation and city.

If you want to see more details about any of the officers or agents listed and the business they are associated with you can click on the details button in the right-hand column. This will open the business record which provides information such as status, registration date and addresses as well as much more information as listed above in search by business name.

Contact details

Website: https://www.sos.la.gov/BusinessServices/SearchForLouisianaBusinessFilings/

Phone: (225) 925-4704

Address: PO Box 94125, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125 (mailing address) and 8585 Archives Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 (physical address)

Hours: Monday-Friday 8.00am-4.30pm

How to register a business in Louisiana?

If you are starting a business in Louisiana, you will need to register the business and these are the recommended steps:

1. You need to determine which business structure you are going to set up your business in such as sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability company and limited liability partnership.
2. You will also need to have decided on your business name and have checked its availability by searching the Louisiana business filings database.
3. You should visit the geauxBIZ website to start your business which will need you to set up an account if you don’t have one already. On the geauxBIZ website, you can complete the legal activities to start your business as well as search for licenses and permits required for your business to operate. A formation fee applies which is $100 for LLCs.

How much does a Louisiana business entity search cost?

There are no charges for doing a business entity search on the Louisiana business filings database.

How can I get a business license in Louisiana?

Most businesses in Louisiana will be required to have a seller’s permit. Other permits may also be needed depending on which county your business is located and what industry your business is in.

You can create a business license checklist on the geauxBIZ website where you will need to sign in or create an account to make your personalised list of possible state, federal and local licenses and permits that your business might need. Licenses fees can vary depending on the county and license but they typically cost between $50 to several hundred dollars.