Want to Know Who’s Behind a Louisiana Business? Start Here.
Whether you’re analyzing a potential business partner, looking into your own LLC, or checking on a company’s legal/registration status in Louisiana, an important resource for your research would be the Louisiana Business Entity Search. An online service operated by the Louisiana Secretary of State, the Business Entity Search gives you access to publicly available information about corporations, LLCs, trade names, and much more. Moreover, it is completely free.
This professional guide will teach you how to effectively utilize the Louisiana Business Entity Search, what types of information you can obtain, and how it differs from other databases about corporations, like the SEC’s EDGAR database. Let’s get started.
What Is the Louisiana Business Entity Search Database?
The Louisiana Business Entity Search is an official state-run database maintained by the Louisiana Secretary of State (SOS). It allows users to search for registered business entities across Louisiana, including:
- Corporations
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
- Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
- Non-profit corporations
- Trade names
- Trademarks and service marks
This tool is one piece of a larger effort by the state to create transparency, responsibility, and compliance in the a public sector. Journalists, investors, lawyers, and all citizens, will now have a database that gives them tangible access to critical business data as it happens in real time.
How to Use the Louisiana Business Entity Search Tool
Step 1: Choose Your Search Method
The database offers multiple search methods, tailored for different use cases:
- Entity Name: Partial or full name search (e.g., “Bayou Coffee” or “Bay”)
- Charter Number: An 8-digit ID with one letter (e.g., 35294371D)
- Trade Registration Number: TN, TM, or SM numbers (e.g., 50-0001)
- Officer or Agent Name: Search by a person’s first or last name
Step 2: Interpret the Results
Each search result includes the following columns:
- Name
- Type
- City
- Details (clickable for full business profile)
Step 3: Access the Full Business Record
Clicking on the Details button opens the entity’s complete file, including:
- Charter Number and Registration Date
- Entity Type and Status
- Business Name and Previous Names
- Domicile and Mailing Addresses
- Registered Agent(s) and Appointment Dates
- Officers, Titles, and Contact Information
- Annual Report Filing Status and Dates
- Amendments on File
This format will provide a detailed background on a company’s history, structure, and legal standing.
Why the Louisiana Business Entity Search Tool Matters
Louisiana’s business landscape includes over 500,000 registered entities. The Secretary of State’s commercial search tool brings clarity to that complexity. Real-world applications include:
- Due diligence before investing or signing contracts
- Tracking inactive or dissolved companies
- Verifying if a company has changed its name or legal form
- Investigating agent or officer involvement in multiple entities
And unlike some private-sector databases that place corporate data behind a paywall, this tool is 100% free and state-verified.
Smart Search Tips for the Louisiana Business Entity Search
- Be Flexible With Spelling: Cajun vs. Kajun, Easy vs. E-Zee
- Ignore Entity Endings: “LLC,” “Inc.,” and “Corp.” are not required
- Start Broad: Searching “Louis” may return results like “Louis Armstrong Foundation” or “Chateau Louise”
- No Need for Punctuation: The search engine ignores commas and hyphens
How It Compares to Other Company Databases
Although the Louisiana Business Search is explicitlylimited to a single state, it fitswithin other more extensive databases, suchas EDGAR, which covers publicly traded companies and SEC filings. For a national or multinational view, check out our full Company Databases directory.
Louisiana Business Entity Search: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to look up an LLC in Louisiana online?
Visit the Louisiana Commercial Search portal, choose “Search by Entity Name,” and enter the LLC’s name or a portion of it.
How do you set up an LLC in Louisiana?
LLCs in Louisiana are formed by filing Articles of Organization through the Secretary of State’s Start a Business portal. Additional requirements include appointing a registered agent and filing an initial report.
How much does an LLC cost in Louisiana?
As of 2025, the standard filing fee for forming an LLC in Louisiana is $100, according to the official SOS filing fee schedule.
How long does it take for an LLC to be approved in Louisiana?
Standard processing typically takes 2–3 business days. Expedited options are available for an additional fee.
Why would an LLC be denied?
Common reasons include name conflicts, missing required documents, or failure to appoint a registered agent. The Secretary of State’s Service of Process page has more details on legal requirements.
What do LLCs need to file taxes in Louisiana?
Along with federal EIN registration, Louisiana LLCs must register with the Louisiana Department of Revenue and file a Louisiana annual franchise tax return. Legal and accounting advice is highly recommended.
Final Thoughts
The Louisiana Business Entity Search database is an excellent, easy-to-use resource for anyone engaging with businesses in the state regardless if you are starting your own company or doing research on an existing company. The tool provides reliable, trusted access to important business information in a transparent way; and all the information comes straight from the source.
When used properly, the Louisiana Business Entity Search database can be just as effective as national databases, especially when used with other platforms such as EDGAR or the Company Database collection.
