By Jake Lawson, LLC Formation Strategist
After helping hundreds of entrepreneurs navigate Indiana’s business name requirements, I can tell you this: getting your LLC name right the first time saves you weeks of headaches and potential rejection letters from the Secretary of State.
Indiana’s name availability rules are stricter than many realize, and I’ve seen too many excited business owners hit the brakes when their “perfect” name gets rejected for being too similar to an existing entity. Don’t let that be you.
Bottom line upfront: Indiana requires your LLC name to be “distinguishable upon the records,” meaning it can’t be identical or confusingly similar to existing business entities. You’ll use the Indiana Business Entity Search tool to verify availability before filing your Articles of Organization.
Let me walk you through the entire process, including the common pitfalls that trip up first-time filers.
How to Search Indiana’s Business Name Database
Indiana makes it relatively straightforward to check name availability through their online Business Entity Search portal. Here’s my step-by-step approach that I recommend to all my clients:
Step 1: Access the Official Search Tool
Navigate to the Indiana Secretary of State’s Business Search page: bsd.sos.in.gov/publicbusinesssearch
Pro tip: Bookmark this page. You’ll likely run multiple searches as you refine your name choice.
Step 2: Enter Your Desired Name Strategically
Here’s where most people make their first mistake. Don’t just type in your full desired name with “LLC” at the end. Instead:
Search the core name first: If you want “Hoosier Marketing Solutions LLC,” start by searching just “Hoosier Marketing Solutions”
Then search variations: Try “Hoosier Marketing” and even just “Hoosier” to catch potential conflicts
Leave the search setting on “Contains” rather than “Exact Match” – this shows you everything potentially similar
Step 3: Interpret Your Results Like a Pro
The search results will show you every registered entity containing your search terms. Here’s how to evaluate what you find:
Green light scenarios:
- No results appear (your name is likely available)
- Results show clearly different business types (e.g., you want “River City Consulting LLC” and only “River City Auto Repair” appears)
Yellow light scenarios:
- Similar names exist but in different industries with clear distinguishing factors
- Names share some words but serve obviously different markets
Red light scenarios:
- Identical core business name exists (regardless of entity type)
- Very similar names in the same or related industries
- Names that could confuse customers about which business they’re dealing with
Indiana’s Name Distinguishability Rules: What Really Matters
This is where it gets technical, and frankly, where the state doesn’t give you much wiggle room. Indiana follows strict “distinguishability” standards that eliminate many variations most people assume would work.
What Doesn’t Create Distinguishability
Based on Indiana Code Section 23-0.5-3, these differences won’t make your name unique:
Entity Type Designators “ABC Company LLC” is NOT distinguishable from “ABC Company Inc.” or “ABC Company Corp.” The state treats these as identical names.
Filler Words Adding “The,” “A,” “An,” “And,” or “&” doesn’t create uniqueness. “The Best Bakery LLC” conflicts with “Best Bakery Inc.”
Plural vs. Singular “Marketing Solution LLC” conflicts with “Marketing Solutions Corp.” Indiana treats these as the same name.
Numbers vs. Spelled-Out Numbers “Route 9 Services LLC” conflicts with “Route Nine Services Inc.” This includes Roman numerals too.
Punctuation and Spacing “Blue-Bird Consulting LLC” conflicts with “Bluebird Consulting Inc.” or “Blue Bird Consulting Corp.”
Capitalization “HOOSIER llc” conflicts with “Hoosier Inc.” – capitalization means nothing for distinguishability.
What Does Create Distinguishability
Here’s what actually works to make your name unique:
Meaningful word differences: “River City Marketing LLC” vs. “River Valley Marketing Inc.”
Industry-specific terms: “Hoosier Auto Repair LLC” vs. “Hoosier Home Repair Corp.”
Geographic distinctions: “Indianapolis Consulting LLC” vs. “Bloomington Consulting Inc.”
Descriptive additions: “Advanced Marketing Solutions LLC” vs. “Marketing Solutions Corp.”
Required Name Elements for Indiana LLCs
Your Indiana LLC name must include one of these designators:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Limited Liability Company
My recommendation: Stick with “LLC” – it’s clean, professional, and universally recognized.
Comma or No Comma?
Indiana allows both “Company Name LLC” and “Company Name, LLC.” Choose whichever looks better to you – both are legally acceptable.
Prohibited Name Elements
Your LLC name cannot include:
- Corporation indicators (Inc., Corp., Corporation, Incorporated)
- Government-sounding terms (unless you’re actually a government agency)
- Professional designations you’re not licensed for (Attorney, CPA, etc.)
- Financial terms restricted to licensed institutions (Bank, Credit Union, etc.)
Advanced Name Search Strategies
After guiding hundreds of entrepreneurs through this process, I’ve developed some advanced techniques that catch conflicts the basic search might miss:
The Multi-Angle Search Approach
- Exact phrase search: Your complete desired name
- Core business search: Just the main business description words
- Geographic modifier search: If your name includes location terms
- Industry term search: Key words that describe what you do
- Abbreviated search: Common short versions or acronyms
Common Search Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Only searching your exact desired name You miss similar names that could cause problems later.
Mistake #2: Assuming inactive entities don’t matter Even “delinquent” entities retain naming rights until formally dissolved.
Mistake #3: Not checking variations you might want later Think about DBAs or trade names you might use – check those too.
Mistake #4: Relying solely on the online search For valuable names, call the Name Availability Hotline (317-232-6576) for confirmation.
What to Do When Your Name Isn’t Available
Don’t panic – this happens to about 30% of my clients on their first try. Here are proven strategies for finding an available alternative:
Creative Modification Techniques
Add descriptive words: “Marketing LLC” becomes “Premier Marketing LLC” or “Digital Marketing LLC”
Include your specialty: “Consulting LLC” becomes “HR Consulting LLC” or “IT Consulting LLC”
Add geographic identifiers: “Services LLC” becomes “Indianapolis Services LLC”
Use action words: “Solutions LLC” becomes “Advanced Solutions LLC” or “Integrated Solutions LLC”
The Backup Name Strategy
Before you search, develop 3-5 potential names. This way, if your first choice is taken, you’re not starting from scratch. I recommend:
- Your ideal name
- A variation with an added descriptive word
- A version with your location
- A completely different approach using synonyms
- A creative alternative that captures your brand essence
Working with Professional Naming Services
Sometimes the perfect name is worth paying for professional help. Consider hiring experts when:
- Your desired name is in a crowded industry
- You’re building a brand with trademark potential
- You need names for multiple states
- You want comprehensive trademark and domain checking
My network recommendation: I work with several naming specialists who understand both Indiana requirements and broader trademark issues. They typically charge $500-2000 but can save months of back-and-forth with the state.
Indiana DBA (Assumed Business Name) Considerations
Here’s something many entrepreneurs overlook: you might want to operate under a name different from your legal LLC name. Indiana calls this an “Assumed Business Name” (other states call it a DBA).
When You Need an Assumed Business Name
Scenario 1: Your legal name is “Smith Holdings LLC” but you want to do business as “Smith Consulting”
Scenario 2: You want to use your legal name without “LLC” in marketing
Scenario 3: You’re expanding into different business lines under different brands
The Cost and Process
Indiana charges $30 for each Assumed Business Name registration. You can file online through the INBiz portal or by mail. The assumed name must also meet distinguishability requirements.
Domain Name and Trademark Considerations
Don’t forget to check domain availability and potential trademark conflicts. I’ve seen entrepreneurs choose great LLC names only to discover the .com domain costs $10,000 or conflicts with existing trademarks.
My Recommended Checking Sequence
- Check Indiana business name availability
- Verify domain availability (at minimum .com)
- Basic trademark search through USPTO database
- Google search for similar business names in your industry
- Social media handle availability if relevant to your business
The Name Reservation Question
Indiana offers name reservations for $20, but I rarely recommend them for LLCs. Here’s why:
Reservations tie up your name for 120 days but don’t guarantee you’ll use it You still need to file Articles of Organization within the reservation period The $20 fee is wasted money in most cases
Better approach: Once you confirm name availability, file your Articles of Organization immediately. The process typically takes 1-3 business days, so there’s minimal risk of someone taking your name.
Red Flags and When to Call the Secretary of State
Sometimes the online search results are ambiguous. Call Indiana’s Name Availability Hotline (317-232-6576) when:
- Search results show similar names you’re unsure about
- You see entities marked as “delinquent” or “dissolved”
- Your desired name is very close to existing entities
- You’re forming multiple LLCs with related names
The staff can provide definitive guidance and save you the $95 filing fee rejection.
Indiana LLC Name Requirements Checklist
Before finalizing your name choice, verify:
✅ Includes required designator (LLC, L.L.C., or Limited Liability Company)
✅ Passes distinguishability test against existing entities
✅ Doesn’t include prohibited terms (Corp., Inc., etc.)
✅ Available domain name (.com minimum)
✅ No obvious trademark conflicts in your industry
✅ Professional appearance in written and verbal use
✅ Future business expansion won’t be limited by the name
Common Indiana Name Selection Mistakes
Mistake #1: Choosing Too Generic Names
“Indiana Consulting LLC” or “Hoosier Services LLC” are hard to distinguish and often taken.
Mistake #2: Making Names Too Long
Keep it under 60 characters total. Long names create problems with banking, contracts, and marketing.
Mistake #3: Using Hard-to-Spell Words
If customers can’t spell it, they can’t find you. Test your name with people unfamiliar with your business.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Acronym Implications
Consider what initials your name creates. “Public Utilities Management LLC” might not be ideal.
Mistake #5: Not Considering Phone Communication
How does your name sound over the phone? Can people understand and remember it from audio only?
Timeline and Next Steps
Once you’ve confirmed your Indiana LLC name availability:
Day 1: Verify name availability and reserve domain
Day 2: Prepare and file Articles of Organization ($95 state fee)
Days 3-5: Receive approval from Indiana Secretary of State
Week 2: Apply for EIN from IRS (free, online)
Week 3: Open LLC bank account with approved documents
FAQ: Indiana Business Name Search
Q: How often should I check name availability? A: Check immediately before filing. Names can be registered any time, so don’t rely on searches done weeks earlier.
Q: Can I use a name similar to a dissolved company? A: Yes, if the entity is truly dissolved (not just delinquent), the name becomes available.
Q: What if I find a similar name in another state? A: Other states don’t matter for Indiana registration, but consider trademark and branding implications.
Q: Can I change my LLC name after formation? A: Yes, by filing an Amendment with the Secretary of State, but it costs additional fees and requires updating all business records.
Q: Do I need to search federal databases too? A: For basic LLC formation, no. But if you’re building a brand, check USPTO trademark database.
Getting Professional Help
Sometimes the smart move is delegating name research and formation to professionals. Consider this when:
- You’re launching a trademark-able brand
- Operating in multiple states
- Time is critical for business launch
- You want comprehensive clearance checking
My current top recommendations for Indiana LLC formation:
- Northwest Registered Agent: $39 plus state fee, excellent customer service
- LegalZoom: More expensive but includes additional services
- Local Indiana attorneys: Best for complex situations or trademark concerns
The Bottom Line on Indiana Business Names
Indiana’s business name requirements are straightforward but unforgiving. The distinguishability rules eliminate many variations people assume would work, and rejected filings cost you time and money.
My advice: spend extra time on name research upfront rather than dealing with rejections and amendments later. Use the systematic search approach I’ve outlined, and when in doubt, call the state directly.
The perfect business name is out there – you just need to find it within Indiana’s rules. Take your time, be thorough, and remember that a great name is worth the effort it takes to get it right.
Ready to move forward? Once you’ve confirmed your name availability, don’t delay filing your Articles of Organization. Indiana processes filings quickly, and waiting gives competitors time to potentially claim similar names.
Need more guidance? My comprehensive Indiana LLC formation guide covers every step from name selection through first-year compliance requirements. Because getting your business foundation right from the start makes everything else easier.
Jake Lawson has guided over 1,200 entrepreneurs through business formation across all 50 states. His independent reviews and state-specific guides help business owners navigate complex requirements and choose the right formation services.