Before you form a limited liability company (LLC), register a trade name, or start a corporation, you’ll need to complete a business name search with the Oklahoma Name Availability Search tool to see if your name is unique.
In our Oklahoma Business Name Search guide, we’ll show you exactly how to check LLC name availability in Oklahoma.
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Search NowHow to Check if Your Oklahoma LLC Name Is Available
Checking if your desired LLC name is available involves a few key steps, such as ensuring your business name follows state requirements and performing a domain name and state search. These are the steps you need to take to determine if your business name is available in Oklahoma.
1. Follow LLC Naming Rules
Before you perform an LLC name search, you need to make sure your business name follows the state’s business name requirements.
Some key guidelines for Oklahoma LLC names include:
- Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or “limited company” or one of their abbreviations (e.g., “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” “LC,” or “L.C.”). The word “limited” may be abbreviated as “LTD.” and the word “Company” may be abbreviated as “CO.”
- Your name must be distinguishable from any existing business in the state. This includes Oklahoma reserved names.
Keep an eye out for restricted words. These words, such as “FBI” or “Treasury,” are often restricted to keep your LLC from sounding like an official institution.
For more information, check out Oklahoma’s official state statutes.
Distinguishability
It’s important that your name be distinguishable from all other business names. In Oklahoma, a distinguishable name is one that’s substantively different from all other existing or reserved business names in the state.
Failure to use a distinguishable name could result in the rejection of your formation filing.
2. Conduct a Business Name Search
The first name search you’ll need to complete is at the state level. This step will help you verify there is no other Oklahoma business already using your chosen business name. You can check your business name availability by searching the Oklahoma Name Availability Search online database.
3. Check Available Domain Names
When choosing a business name you’ll need to find out whether or not a good web domain name is available. Having a URL that clearly matches your business name is important. This 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 using your preferred domain registry, such as GoDaddy.
What if my LLC name is already taken? Our free AI-powered LLC name generator will give you thousands of new ideas.
4. Reserve Your LLC Name
You may reserve your LLC name in Oklahoma for up to 60 days before you officially register it with the state. This prevents other businesses from registering your name until you have the opportunity to register it yourself.
You can file a name reservation online or via hard copy with the Oklahoma Secretary of State. The filing fee is $10.
5. Conduct a Trademark or Service Mark Search
Safeguard your brand and avoid legal complications associated with your chosen business name by conducting a careful trademark search. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website offers a powerful tool to check if your desired name or logo is already trademarked. Keep in mind that state-level LLC name approval isn’t a substitute for federal trademark clearance. For professional assistance, explore our curated list of the best trademark services for startups.
6. Form Your Oklahoma LLC
The final step in protecting your chosen business name is to officially form your Oklahoma LLC. You can do so by filing Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. This crucial step registers your business with the state and secures your business name.
Your Articles of Organization must include the LLC’s name, principal office address, registered agent information, and duration (if not perpetual). Oklahoma also requires you to provide the name and signature of at least one person who may or may not be a member of the LLC.
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Start NowOklahoma LLC Name Search FAQ
How do I check if an LLC name is taken in Oklahoma?
You can use the Oklahoma Name Availability Search tool to see if your business name is available.
Should I name my LLC after myself?
While there’s no rule against naming an LLC after yourself, most experts advise against doing this.
One of the benefits of starting an LLC is the ability to choose a different name for your business, which can make it sound more professional.
To explore other naming options, use our free AI-powered LLC name generator.
What words can’t be used in an Oklahoma LLC name?
Business names generally can’t include words that imply the company is a banking or financial institution or that it’s affiliated with a local, state, or federal government agency.
Should I use an LLC name generator?
If you’re having trouble choosing a name for your LLC, an LLC name generator can help you come up with some ideas.
What is a brand name?
A brand name is a name a company gives to a product or line of products. It can be the same as the company’s name or something different.
Learn more about branding with your business entity name with our How to Name Your LLC guide.
Do I have to include LLC in my name?
Yes. Oklahoma requires that its LLCs use “Limited Liability Company” or “Limited Company” or one of their abbreviations (e.g., “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” “LC,” or “L.C.”) in their legal name.
Do I need to renew my business name in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma doesn’t require LLCs to renew their name.
Can my business name be different from my LLC name in Oklahoma?
Some companies choose to operate under a name that’s different from their legal name. This can either be called a “doing business as” (DBA) name or a trade name in Oklahoma.
In Oklahoma, LLC trade names are filed with the Secretary of State.
Learn more about trade names with our Oklahoma DBA guide.
Does my LLC need a DBA name?
Your LLC doesn’t need a DBA name unless it plans to do business under a name other than its legal name. Learn more about Oklahoma DBA names by reading our guide to filing for a DBA and selecting Oklahoma from the drop-down menu.